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City of Spokane, Spokane County, Spokane Regional Emergency Communications Approve Interlocal Agreement to Support Safe, Coordinated Transition of Emergency Communication Services

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~ Spokane, WA - After months of negotiations, the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) have come to an agreement regarding the transition of emergency communications services. The interlocal agreement, approved by all parties involved, sets out a clear plan for the safe and efficient transfer of responsibilities and funding.

The agreement, which was spearheaded by Erin Hut, Communications Director for the City of Spokane, outlines a two-year phased transition that will begin in January 2026 and be fully implemented by January 2028. This timeline allows for proper coordination, testing, and problem-solving to ensure a smooth transition without any disruptions to 911 services.

Under the current system, SREC handles call-taking and dispatch services for 21 law enforcement and fire agencies in Spokane County. However, with this new agreement in place, the City of Spokane will take on these responsibilities for its own agencies within city limits. This includes call-taking and dispatch services for the Spokane Fire Department (SFD), as well as handling all Crime Check calls and report writing for the Spokane Police Department (SPD).

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One of the key aspects of this agreement is the adjustment of funding as responsibilities shift over time. This ensures that each agency is properly resourced for the services they are providing and avoids any sudden financial disruptions. Currently, SREC is funded by a combination of a 911 excise tax, sales tax revenue, and user fees. As part of the transition process, the City will gradually take on a portion of these revenues until full implementation in 2028.

Mayor Lisa Brown expressed her satisfaction with this agreement stating that it "reflects our collective priority of protecting the people of the Spokane region." She also emphasized that public safety remains a top priority throughout this entire process.

Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson echoed Mayor Brown's sentiments saying that "putting people first has always been a priority for the greater good of Spokane." She also highlighted the importance of this agreement in demonstrating that collective governance is possible and ensuring continuous critical public safety communication.

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Spokane County Commissioner Chris Jordan also praised the agreement, stating that it "protects public safety and resolves funding conflicts." He also emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration as they move forward with the transition.

Spokane County Commissioner Al French added that this agreement respects a 2006 voter-approved measure and ensures uninterrupted 911 services for the region. He also expressed his commitment to maintaining high standards of public safety for all residents.

Cody Rohrbach, Spokane County Fire District 3 Chief and Chair of the SREC Board of Directors, emphasized that their priority has always been to ensure the entire community is well served. He commended both the City of Spokane and Spokane County for engaging in a thoughtful and respectful process that allowed them to work through complex issues collaboratively. He believes that this agreement honors each agency's responsibility to serve its residents while establishing a fair and equitable framework for sharing resources.

In conclusion, this interlocal agreement between the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and SREC demonstrates a commitment to protecting public safety and ensuring uninterrupted emergency response for all residents. With a clear plan in place, all parties involved are confident in a smooth transition towards a more efficient and effective emergency communications system.

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