Olympia council votes to negotiate judicial services with Thurston County 

In a unanimous decision, the Olympia City Council has directed staff to negotiate an interlocal agreement with Thurston County for judicial services. This step could potentially dissolve the city's municipal court.  

Mayor Dontae Payne explained that the vote made on Tuesday, April 22, was to authorize staff to negotiate with Thurston County, and not a final decision about eliminating the municipal court.

"There will be a time in the future where a final agreement will come before the council, and that is when the final decision will be made at a future date," he said.

Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan outlined three options the city considered for continuing judicial operations: 

• Leasing commercial space: Estimated at $7 million in tenant improvements and $815,000 annual lease payments. Sullivan said leasing commercial space proved financially prohibitive, with an estimated $7 million in tenant improvements and $815,000 in annual lease payments. The proposed commercial space would require extensive modifications and still not fully meet the court's operational needs.  

• Using city-owned buildings (City Hall and 108 State St.): Also requiring $7 million in renovations. Sullivan said transforming council chambers into a courtroom would require substantial security upgrades, and technology modifications, and disrupt existing city operations. The estimated $7 million in renovations would only provide a short-term, functionally difficult solution that would ultimately necessitate finding a permanent location. 

• Partnering with Thurston County: Estimated annual operating costs of $2.7 million, with a one-time transition cost of $742,000. Sullivan said the partnership with Thurston County emerged as the most viable option due to its minimal financial impact and alignment with the city's core values. She added the county offers established therapeutic courts, including mental health and veterans courts, and is committed to maintaining similar service levels for Olympia's residents.  

Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia spoke during the public comment period, providing a brief overview of the county judicial services and court programs that is "person-centered and aligned with Olympia's public safety goals."

They have programs like Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), a resource hub with mental health assessment and a new Court Alternative Program.  

"We have created a Criminal Justice Program manager and offer services like mental health probation, veterans court, and even equine therapy," said Mejia, adding all county judges are elected by all county voters, including Olympia voters.  

Olympia's challenges 

The city is faced with aging infrastructure at the Lee Creighton Justice Center, which was built in 1966.  

An assessment in 2019 identified $12 million in infrastructure deficiencies and recommended complete replacements. The estimated cost is between $89-$94 million, including the $32 million to replace the jail. 

"This information was instrumental in the decision to close the jail in 2023 to rebuild this facility, even without the jail would be north of $50 million the debt service would be around $4 million a year," Sullivan stated.  

Despite the financial challenges, council members acknowledged the court's role in the community.  

Payne described the decision as "really sucks." He recognized that the Olympia court was one of the only four nationally recognized community courts in the United States. Despite this recognition, he said the council is faced with challenging financial realities.  

Payne stressed the long-term budget sustainability challenges, explaining that when looking at 10-year budget projections, expenditures consistently outpace revenues. He pointed out the lack of support from the state Legislature, with property tax bills repeatedly failing to provide relief.  

He defended the council's approach, refuting the accusations that they were not being thorough or values-driven.

"We are given direction that we are to ensure that we negotiate with the county, that we can get as close as possible to the kinds of services that we have here at the city, at the county," he said.

Council members Jim Cooper and Clark Gilman supported the motion due to ongoing budget challenges.  

Mayor Pro Tem Yen Huynh is interested in exploring other potential space uses. She asked the staff to learn fromthe experiences of other cities. 

Court employees   

During the public comment period, court staff and legal professionals, including judges, voiced concern about job losses and the potential impact on community services.  

Two court employees expressed worry over the potential loss of jobs and disruption to staff livelihoods if the city proceeds with dissolving the municipal court.  

Maryam Olson, Olympia's court administrator, described her team as dedicated, efficient, empathetic, and professional.

She stressed that the court is more than just a workplace, "it's a family where people are genuinely happy and enjoy their work." 

She urged the council to take time to speak with court staff and explore cost-cutting solutions and alternative court locations.  

In response, City Manager Jay Burney made a commitment to court employees to work closely with the union to develop the best plan for each employee.  

"If this path continues, and it looks likely that we transition to the county, they're going to get every bit of my commitment, the HR (Human Resources) director's commitment, and the executive team's commitment to do everything we can to work in cooperation with the union and those employees for the best approach and best to plan for each employee," Burney said.