(The Center Square) – Sheriff John Nowels warned Tuesday that if Spokane Valley stops relying on his deputies for its policing services, taxpayers will face higher costs to recreate the same level of service.
The city’s policing contract with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is set to expire at the end of 2027, so both parties are looking for a path forward. The current model includes a settle-and-adjust process that city officials have said can take years to true up costs, making it difficult for the Valley to budget.
The city council set aside $38.5 million for the contract in 2026, about 70% more than they spent five years ago. The officials have raised concerns that costs are increasing faster than tax revenues can keep up. Nowels attributed the issue to state mandates, collective bargaining agreements and technology…