PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners pressed forward this week on updating their criminal-justice cost agreements, holding an extended discussion with the City of Sequim as the current 10-year contract expires December 31.
The agreement covers prosecution, public defense, district court services and jail operations. County staff recently completed a 2024 cost analysis that Sequim only received in full last month.
Sequim City Manager Matt Huish told commissioners the city wants to continue services on an interim basis while a third-party consultant reviews the numbers, proposing to split the difference between current payments and the county’s calculated full cost in the meantime.
The main disagreement is how long that interim period should last. Sequim is seeking a full year, citing the need to verify data, explore long-term options, and allow time for any transition — including the possibility of forming its own municipal court, which requires up to a year of notice.
County commissioners countered with a six- to nine-month window, arguing a full year would delay 2027 budget planning. Commissioner Mark Ozias said a June 30 target for completing the analysis would give both sides the clarity they need while still allowing Sequim time to evaluate alternatives.
County officials stressed that public-safety services will continue uninterrupted and said they’re ready to meet frequently with Sequim and the consultant starting in January.
The negotiations already have budget impacts: corrected criminal-justice cost-recovery figures from Sequim and Port Angeles added nearly $2 million to the county’s 2026 revenue projections.
Sequim is expected to bring an interim agreement to its council for approval next week.