HomeMy WebLinkAbout4436 Resolution - 3rd ILA for Benton County Emergency ServicesResolution – BCES 3rd ILA - 1
RESOLUTION NO. 4436
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A THIRD AMENDED
AND RESTATED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR BENTON COUNTY
EMERGENCY SERVICES.
WHEREAS, RCW 39.34, INTERLOCAL COOPERATION ACT, authorizes political
subdivisions to jointly exercise their powers, privileges, or authorities with other political
subdivisions of this state through the execution of an interlocal cooperative or interagency
agreement; and,
WHEREAS, RCW 38.52.070 authorizes and directs each county, city and town within the
State of Washington to establish a local organization for emergency management in accordance
with the State Emergency Management Plan and Program, and permits the State Director of
Emergency Management to authorize two or more counties, cities and towns to join in the
establishment and operation of a local organization for emergency management; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, Franklin County and the City of Pasco transitioned their dispatch
services to Benton County Emergency Services (BCES) and became member agencies of BCES
(the “New Partners”); and
WHEREAS, BCES has established a digital 800MHz radio system that provides and will
continue to provide viable public safety communications for many years into the future; and
WHEREAS, Franklin County and public safety agencies within that County have
historically operated under a separate microwave system exclusively located in Franklin County;
and
WHEREAS, the Cities of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco, and the counties of Benton
and Franklin desire to acquire a bi-county microwave system equally owned and funded by the
five (5) member agencies; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, has after due
consideration, determined that it is in the best interest of the City of Pasco to enter into the Third
Amended and Restated Interlocal agreement for emergency services with BCES along with
Franklin County, Benton County and the City of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser,
Benton City and Benton County Fire Protection District Nos. 1, 2 and 4, all of which are
Washington special purpose districts.
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Resolution – BCES 3rd ILA - 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PASCO, WASHINGTON:
That the City Council of the City of Pasco approves the terms and conditions of the Third
Amended & Restated Interlocal Agreement for Benton County Emergency Services and the City
of Pasco; a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit A;
and
Be It Further Resolved, that the City Manager of the City of Pasco, Washington, is hereby
authorized, empowered, and directed to sign and execute said Agreement on behalf of the City of
Pasco.
Be It Further Resolved, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, on this 18th day of March,
2024.
_____________________________
Pete Serrano
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Krystle Shanks, CMC Kerr Ferguson Law, PLLC
Deputy City Clerk City Attorneys
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Third Amended and Restated BCES Interlocal (2024) Page 1
WHEN RECORDED RETURN TO:
City of Richland
Attn: City Attorney
625 Swift Boulevard MS-07
Richland, WA 99352
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES
THIS THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT is made and
entered into by and between the following entities (collectively, the “Parties”):
Benton County, a political subdivision of the State of Washington;
Franklin County, a political subdivision of the State of Washington;
City of Kennewick, a Washington municipal corporation;
City of Richland, a Washington municipal corporation;
City of West Richland, a Washington municipal corporation;
City of Prosser, a Washington municipal corporation
City of Benton City, a Washington municipal corporation;
City of Pasco, a Washington municipal corporation; and
Benton County Fire Protection District Nos. 1, 2, and 4, all of which are Washington special
purpose districts.
I. RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Interlocal Cooperation Act, Chapter 39.34 RCW, authorizes public
agencies to make the most efficient use of their powers by enabling them to cooperate with each
other based on mutual advantage, and to collectively exercise the rights and powers they hold
individually through the execution of an interlocal cooperative agreement; and
WHEREAS, RCW 38.52.070 authorizes and directs each county, city and town within the
State of Washington to establish a local organization for emergency management in accordance
with the State Emergency Management Plan and Program, and permits the State Director of
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Emergency Management to authorize two or more counties, cities and towns to join in the
establishment and operation of a local organization for emergency management; and
WHEREAS, Benton County Emergency Services (“BCES”) is such a local organization
created in 1996 pursuant to the Interlocal referenced in Section 7, and the Parties to this Agreement
wish to continue that organization under the terms of this Third Amended and Restated Interlocal
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, in addition to emergency management services, Benton County Emergency
Services, through establishment of the Southeast Communications Center, has also provided
communication and dispatching for public safety and emergencies for some jurisdictions located
in incorporated and unincorporated Benton County, and for any agencies contracting for such
services; and
WHEREAS, the cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, Benton City,
Benton County and Benton County Fire District Nos. 1, 2 and 4, and with limited participation by
Benton County Public Utility District #1 (“Benton PUD”) (collectively, the “Existing Partners”)
provided county-wide operation of emergency dispatch services under the terms of the First
Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement until 2017; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, Franklin County and the city of Pasco transitioned their dispatch
services to Benton County Emergency Services and became member agencies of BCES (the “New
Partners”); and
WHEREAS, the Existing and New Parties have operated BCES pursuant to the Second
Amended and Restated Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Benton County Emergency Services
recorded with the Benton County Auditor on July 2, 2018 (“2018 BCES Interlocal Agreement”);
and
WHEREAS, Benton PUD no longer desires to be a member agency of BCES and has
submitted written notice of its immediate withdrawal, to which the parties hereto consent through
execution of this Third Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the remaining BCES member agencies intend to continue the provision of
dispatch services under this Agreement, and now intend to provide bi-county operation of
emergency dispatch services, with each Party participating to the extent identified herein; and
WHEREAS, BCES has established a digital 800MHz radio system that provides and will
continue to provide viable public safety communications for many years into the future; and
WHEREAS, Benton County, the cities of Kennewick and Richland, and Benton PUD have
historically provided a single microwave system exclusively located in Benton County (hereinafter
the “Former (pre-2024) Benton County Microwave System”); and
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WHEREAS, Franklin County and public safety agencies within that county have
historically operated under a separate microwave system exclusively located in Franklin County
(hereinafter “Franklin County Microwave System”); and
WHEREAS, the cities of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco, and the counties of Benton and
Franklin desire to acquire a bi-county microwave system equally owned and funded by the five
(5) member agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and in
accordance with RCW 39.34, RCW 38.52 and Section 8 of the 2018 BCES Interlocal Agreement,
the Parties hereto agree to this Third Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement as follows:
II. AGREEMENT
1. INCORPORATION OF RECITALS
The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into this Agreement by reference.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Agreement is to provide for the effective and economical operations of Benton
County Emergency Services (BCES), a local administrative entity and joint venture between the
above-referenced Parties (also referred to as the “Organization”).
3. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Benton County Emergency Services consists of two (2) divisions: Benton County Emergency
Management (BCEM) and Southeast Communications Center (SECOMM).
A. General. The Organization shall consist of an Executive Board, Strategic Advisory Team,
Customer Agency Groups and various committees as created by the Executive Board.
1. Appointment of Administrative Jurisdiction; Duration. An Administrative Jurisdiction
shall be designated by the Executive Board. The Administrative Jurisdiction shall serve
unless or until such service is terminated by the Executive Board, or until the
Administrative Jurisdiction withdraws after having provided a minimum of nine (9)
months’ written notice of intent to withdraw. The City of Richland is currently designated
as the Administrative Jurisdiction. All employees staffing BCES shall be employees of the
Administrative Jurisdiction.
2. Duties of Administrative Jurisdiction. The Administrative Jurisdiction shall have full
responsibility for the operation of the Organization, and shall provide all necessary
administrative support for the Organization. The Administrative Jurisdiction shall perform
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its duties pursuant to a contractual agreement with Benton County Emergency Services
that shall automatically renew every five (5) years, subject to any renegotiations between
the Administrative Jurisdiction and the Executive Board. The Administrative Jurisdiction
shall appoint a BCES Director, which appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the
Executive Board. The BCES Director shall be removed only at the direction of the
Administrative Jurisdiction.
3. Governing Policies. BCES shall follow the policies established by the Administrative
Jurisdiction for all efforts related to Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Risk & Safety, and
Purchasing. To ease future transition between Administrative Jurisdictions, BCES shall
operate and maintain an independent email system.
B. Executive Board Duties; Membership; Voting. The Executive Board shall be the governing
body of the administrative entity known as Benton County Emergency Services, and shall be
responsible for approving BCES-specific policies, contracts, the annual budget, and
confirmation of the Administrative Jurisdiction’s appointment of the BCES Director. The
Executive Board shall also be responsible for ensuring the Parties’ compliance with the legal
requirements of Ch. 38.52 RCW.
1. Subject to the voting procedures and restrictions set forth herein, the Executive Board shall
consist of one representative from the Benton County Commissioner's Office, one
representative from the Franklin County Commissioner's Office, one representative from
each of the cities of Kennewick, Richland, Prosser, West Richland, Benton City, and Pasco,
and a single representative collectively representing Benton County Fire Protection District
Nos. 1, 2 and 4.
2. Whenever they are entitled to vote, Benton County, Franklin County and the cities of
Kennewick, Pasco and Richland shall be allowed two (2) votes each. Whenever they are
entitled to vote, West Richland, Prosser and Benton City shall have one (1) vote each.
Whenever they are entitled to vote, Benton County Fire Protection District Nos. 1, 2 and 4
shall collectively share a single vote.
3. A simple majority of the number of members of the Executive Board shall be a quo rum,
and a simple majority of votes shall prevail unless otherwise set forth herein.
4. The following are the only representatives authorized to vote on matters associated with
Southeast Communications Center (SECOMM):
• Representatives for the cities of Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, West Richland* and
Prosser*;
• Representatives for the counties of Benton and Franklin;
• The representative for Benton County Fire Protection District Nos. 1, 2 and 4
casting a single vote for the three (3) entities.*
*Note: No future contracted subscribers to SECOMM shall be entitled to vote.
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5. The following are the only representatives authorized to vote on matters associated with
the 800MHz system:
• Representatives for the cities of Kennewick and Richland;
• The representative for the county of Benton.
6. The following are the only representatives authorized to vote on matters associated with
operation and maintenance of the Former (pre-2024) Benton County Microwave System
and related funding:
• Representatives for the cities of Kennewick and Richland;
• The representative for the county of Benton;
7. The following are the only representatives authorized to vote on matters associated with
the future operation and maintenance of the new Benton-Franklin County Microwave
System and related funding (acquired after the execution hereof):
• Representatives for the cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland;
• The representatives for the counties of Benton and Franklin.
8. The following are the only representatives authorized to vote on items associated with
Benton County Emergency Management (BCEM):
• Representatives for the cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser
and Benton City;
• The representative for the county of Benton.
9. For items not specifically associated with the Former (pre-2024) Benton County
Microwave System, the new Benton-Franklin Microwave System, the 800 MHz system,
Southeast Communications Center, or Benton County Emergency Management, all
representatives may vote.
10. A representative may send a delegate to vote by proxy in his or her absence..
C. Strategic Advisory Team. Working directly with BCES leadership, the Strategic Advisory
Team (SAT) will assist in developing strategies for addressing issues such as establishing
standardized procedures and incorporating changes in technology. To facilitate the policy-
making role of the Executive Board, it may assign to the SAT certain policy reviews, projects,
and tasks. The Strategic Advisory Team may consist of one (1) representative from each of the
following:
• Kennewick Fire Department • Connell Police Department
• Kennewick Police Department • Connell Fire Department
• Richland Police Department • Pasco Police Department
• Richland Fire Department • Pasco Fire Department
• West Richland Police Department • West Benton Fire and Rescue
• Benton County Sheriff's Office • North Franklin County Hospital District
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• Franklin County Sheriff’s Office • City of Prosser
• Franklin County Fire Protection
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 (1 Rep)
• Benton County Fire Protection Districts 1,
2, 4, 5 & 6 (1 Rep)
The SAT representative will be the agency Chief or Sheriff and a senior level executive from
the City of Prosser.
D. Customer Agency Group. The Customer Agency Group (CAG) is established to allow
customers of BCES to communicate suggestions, ideas, or concerns regarding service,
operational policies, and/or procedural issues. The CAG will be comprised of two div isions:
Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS. Each division will elect a chairperson to represent the
concerns of their division to the BCES Director or at joint CAG meetings. The Customer
Agency Group may consist of one (1) representative from each of the following:
• Kennewick Police Department • Connell Police Department
• Kennewick Fire Department • Connell Fire Department
• Richland Police Department • Pasco Police Department
• Richland Fire Department • Pasco Fire Department
• West Richland Police Department • West Benton Fire and Rescue
• Benton County Sheriff's Office • North Franklin County Hospital District
• Franklin County Sheriff’s Office • City of Prosser Police Department
• City of Benton City • Benton PUD
• Franklin County Fire Protection
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 (1 Rep)
• Walla Walla Fire Protection District 5
• Benton County Fire Protection Districts 1,
2, 4, 5, & 6 (1 Rep)
1. Issues that impact only one division will be communicated to the BCES Director from the
chair of the division. Any recommendations made by either division must be approved by
a majority of the agencies before they can be submitted to the Director for consideration.
Items for which there is no majority support will require the use of the agency input
process.
2. Should an issue be relevant to both divisions, a meeting may be called by the BCES
Director or either division chairperson. Attendees to such meeting will be limited to the
BCES Director, the SECOMM Communications Managers and/or Emergency
Management Manager, and both division chairpersons.
3. Working groups or sub-committees may be created by either division to address
operational issues for which operational-level employees or subject matter experts should
be involved. These groups and/or sub-committees will report directly to their division
chairperson. Additionally, to expedite the development of recommendations that are sound
and have the greatest likelihood of success, recommendations will be vetted with a senior
subject matter expert dispatcher for additional input. The dispatcher would have no vote in
the process of moving forward with an issue.
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E. BCES Director. The Director, under direction of the Administrative Jurisdiction, shall maintain
and operate Benton County Emergency Services, and shall be responsible for the
implementation of the directives of the Executive Board and the policies and procedures of the
Executive Board or the Administrative Jurisdiction, as the case may be. The Director shall be
responsible for developing, organizing, and coordinating emergency preparedness planning,
training and implementation. The Director shall be responsible for organizing, developing and
coordination of E-911 and bi-county communication systems, and shall have such other duties
and responsibilities as the Administrative Jurisdiction designates from time to time.
4. FINANCES
Benton County Emergency Services maintains separate funds consisting of:
• One (1) fund for Benton County Emergency Management;
• One (1) fund for Southeast Communications Center;
• One (1) fund for the acquisition, maintenance and operation of the 800MHz; and
• One (1) fund for the acquisition, maintenance and operation of the Benton-Franklin
County Microwave System.
• One (1) fund for maintenance and operation of the Former (pre-2024) Benton County
Microwave System (to be retired when the system is fully decommissioned).
These funds are maintained and administered by the Administrative Jurisdiction in lieu of the
Treasurer of the City of Kennewick, the most populous entity. All monies received for the benefit
and use of Benton County Emergency Services, including financial contributions by the Parties to
this Agreement in accordance herewith, shall be deposited into the appropriate fund.
A. Benton County Emergency Management (EM Operations) Fund. Except for, Pasco, and
Franklin County, each Party to this Agreement shall contribute to the cost of emergency
management operations upon such fair and equitable basis as shall be determined by the
Executive Board. If, in any case, the Executive Board is unable to agree upon the proper
contributions by the Parties hereto, the decisions shall be referred to the State Emergency
Management Council for arbitration, and the Council's decision shall be final and binding upon
the Parties hereto. Except for Franklin County and Pasco, each party shall pay its share of the
cost of emergency management into the Benton County Emergency Management Fund which
is maintained and administered by the Administrative Jurisdiction. The Executive Board shall
have the authority to proportionately levy, by percentage of total operating budget
responsibility, additional fees to cover unexpected liabilities, including uninsured civil
judgments. If the cost overrun or liability is the result of a single agency, the entire cost will
be borne by that agency.
B. Southeast Communications Center (SECOMM Operations) Fund. SECOMM shall be financed
by the proceeds of a telephone excise tax that shall be imposed at the same rate by both Benton
and Franklin counties, an annual levy upon the Parties, except City of Benton City, and by
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contract fees paid by contracting agencies as determined by the Executive Board. Each Party
hereto shall contribute its share of the costs of the typical and customary operation and
administration of SECOMM as established by the Executive Board. Such contributions shall
be determined annually by the Executive Board for inclusion in the Parties' annual budgets.
The assessment for any user or member entering SECOMM mid-budget year shall be
determined by the Executive Board and pro-rated relative to the months of service remaining
in the existing budget year. Funding models for SECOMM budgets shall be determined by the
Executive Board. Assessments shall be paid in periodic installments on a schedule determined
by the Executive Board. In the event an unforeseen exigent circumstance or uninsured civil
judgment results in costs to the Organization in excess of the budgeted expenses for operation
and administration, the Executive Board is authorized to proportionately levy, by percentage
of total operating budget responsibility, additional fees to cover the unexpected liability. Such
excess costs shall be promptly remitted, upon demand, to Benton County Emergency Services.
If the cost overrun is solely attributable to a single agency’s action or inaction, the entire cost
overrun shall be borne by that agency.
C. 800MHz Fund. The 800MHz Fund shall be used for the maintenance and operation of any
800MHz radio system, whether analog or digital, utilized by BCES. The Executive Board is
authorized to levy annual radio assessments upon all Parties who use radios under the 800MHz
system, and to impose contract fees upon any contracting agencies for use of the same.
Assessments shall be determined annually by the Executive Board for inclusion in the Parties’
annual budgets. Assessments shall be paid in periodic installments on a schedule determined
by the Executive Board. In the event an unforeseen exigent circumstance or uninsured civil
judgment results in costs to the Organization in excess of the budgeted expenses for operation
and administration of the 800MHz system, the Executive Board is authorized to
proportionately levy, by percentage of the Parties’ total 800MHz operating budget
responsibility, additional fees to cover the unexpected liability. Such excess costs shall be
promptly remitted, upon demand, to Benton County Emergency Services. If the cost overrun
is attributable solely to a single agency’s action or inaction, the entire cost overrun shall be
borne by that agency.
In order to improve coverage of the 800MHz radio system maintained and operated by BCES
in certain areas of unincorporated Benton County, one (1) communication site on Red
Mountain will be constructed consisting of a trunked simulcast repeater; one (1) microwave;
an equipment shelter; a tower; a generator; a fuel tank; and batteries (the “Communication
Site”). To integrate the new Communication Site into the existing system, the Golgotha
ASTRO 25 Repeater Site must be upgraded with certain hardware, software and services (the
“Golgotha Upgrade”). To facilitate construction of the Communication Site and the Golgotha
Upgrade, Benton County has satisfied its commitment to provide BCES, by and through its
Administrative Jurisdiction, Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) for BCES to purchase and
install the Communication Site and Golgotha Upgrade Benton County further agrees to directly
pay the costs of easement acquisition, design, and construction of a means of ingress and
egress, along with provision of utilities (specifically electric) to a parcel agreed upon by Benton
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County on which the Communication Site will be located. All operational costs of the
Communication Site shall be paid by the Parties hereto in the same manner as other op erational
costs paid from the 800MHz fund.
The Administrative Jurisdiction is responsible for compliance with applicable procurement
laws respecting the purchase and installation of the Communication Site and Golgotha
Upgrade. Benton County is responsible for compliance with applicable procurement laws
respecting the access easement to the Communication Site.
The Administrative Jurisdiction agrees to maintain the deposits from Benton County in an
interest bearing account, and interest will accrue to the benefit of BCES and may be expended
on the Communication Site. The Administrative Jurisdiction will continue send to Benton
County a written summary of the expenses incurred for the purchase and installation of the
Communication Site every thirty (30) days until the Communications Site is completed.
Within thirty (30) days of release of retainage to the contractor for the Communication Site
work, the Administrative Jurisdiction will return to Benton County the balance of all deposits
made by Benton County for the Communication Site that were not expended.
Parties to this Agreement who use the 800MHz system will continue to contribute to its
operation and maintenance costs, including costs for operation and maintenance of the
Communication Site, through annual radio assessments.
D. Benton County Microwave System Fund. The Former (pre-2024) Benton County Microwave
System Fund shall be used for the maintenance and operation of the Benton County Microwave
System utilized by BCES until such time as the new Benton-Franklin Microwave System is
constructed and operational. At such time, any funds remaining in the Former (pre-2024)
Benton County Microwave Fund shall be transferred to the new Benton-Franklin Microwave
System Fund. The Executive Board is authorized to levy annual assessments upon all Parties
who use the Benton County Microwave System, and to impose contract fees upon any
contracting agencies. Such assessments shall be determined annually by the Executive Board
for inclusion in the Parties’ annual budgets. Assessments shall be paid in periodic installments
on a schedule determined by the Executive Board. In the event an unforeseen exigent
circumstance or uninsured civil judgment results in costs to the Organization in excess of the
budgeted expenses for maintenance and operation of the Benton County Microwave System,
the Executive Board is authorized to proportionately levy, by percentage of the Parties’ total
Benton County Microwave System budget responsibility, additional fees to cover the
unexpected liability. Such excess costs shall be promptly remitted, upon demand, to Benton
County Emergency Services. If the cost overrun is solely attributable to a single agency’s
action or inaction, the entire cost overrun shall be borne by that agency. Neither Franklin
County nor any of the Parties to this Agreement located therein shall acquire or be deemed to
have acquired any ownership interest whatsoever in any property or equipment that comprises
the Benton County Microwave System.
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1. Franklin County Microwave System. Although the Former (pre-2024) Benton County
Microwave System and the Former (pre-2024) Franklin County Microwave System are
technically interconnected and create a Bi-County Microwave System utilized by BCES,
Benton County and those Parties to this Agreement who are located therein are the only
Parties obligated to contribute to the Former (pre-2024) Benton County Microwave System
as provided under Section 4.D above. Franklin County shall be solely responsible for all
costs associated with maintenance, operation and improvements to the Former (pre-2024)
Franklin County Microwave System. Neither Benton County nor any of those Parties to
this Agreement located therein shall acquire any ownership interest whatsoever in any
property or equipment that comprises the Former (pre-2024) Franklin County Microwave
System. Franklin County shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Benton County and
those Parties to this Agreement who are located therein for all claims related in any way
to, Franklin County’s maintenance or operation of the Former (pre-2024) Franklin County
Microwave System as it presently exists or is modified in the future. “Claim” means any
loss, claim, suit, action, liability, damage or expense of any kind or nature whatsoever,
including but not limited to attorneys’ fees and costs, attributable to personal or bodily
injury, sickness, disease or death, or injury to or destruction of property, including the loss
of uses resulting therefrom.
E. Benton-Franklin County Microwave System Fund. The new Benton-Franklin County
Microwave System Fund shall be used for the maintenance and operation of the Benton-
Franklin County Microwave System utilized by BCES upon completion of its construction.
The Executive Board is authorized to levy annual assessments upon all Parties who use the
Benton-Franklin County Microwave System, and to impose contract fees upon any contracting
agencies. Such assessments shall be determined annually by the Executive Board for inclusion
in the Parties’ annual budgets. Assessments shall be paid in periodic installments on a schedule
determined by the Executive Board. In the event an unforeseen exigent circumstance or
uninsured civil judgment results in costs to the Organization in excess of the budgeted expenses
for maintenance and operation of the Benton-Franklin County Microwave System, the
Executive Board is authorized to proportionately levy, by percentage of the Parties’ total
Benton-Franklin County Microwave System budget responsibility, additional fees to cover the
unexpected liability. Such excess costs shall be promptly remitted, upon demand, to Benton
County Emergency Services. If the cost overrun is solely attributable to a single agency’s
action or inaction, the entire cost overrun shall be borne by that agency.
F. The BCES Director, upon approval by the Executive Board, is authorized to make expenditures
on behalf of the Organization in accordance with the policies and procedures of the
Administrative Jurisdiction.
G. An annual budget for the Organization shall be prepared by the BCES Director in accordance
with the policies and procedure of the Administrative Jurisdiction. The annual operating budget
requires Executive Board approval.
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H. Contribution to SECOMM Fund. The Parties acknowledge that Franklin County and Pasco
each made irrevocable contributions of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) to the
SECOMM Fund as their buy-in for BCES membership pursuant to the 2017 BCES Transition
and Buy-In Agreement. These contributions are non-refundable should Franklin County or
Pasco withdraw from BCES.
I. Radio System Upgrade (SUA). In each BCES budget, the allocation of costs to support the
trunked radio system shall be equally divided between Benton County, Franklin County, and
the cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland. Contributions made by Franklin County and
Pasco shall not create, nor be construed to create, any ownership interest in the trunked radio
system.
J. Capital Investment - 2024 Benton-Franklin Microwave System. The counties of Benton and
Franklin and the cities of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco will jointly fund and acquire a bi -
county microwave system to be owned by the five (5) member agencies as follows: twenty
percent (20%) ownership by Benton County; twenty percent (20%) ownership by Franklin
County; twenty percent (20%) ownership by Kennewick; twenty percent (20%) ownership by
Richland; and twenty percent (20%) ownership by Pasco (the “Owner Entities”). The bi-county
microwave system will be constructed/installed by and through the Administrative Jurisdiction
and operated by Benton County Emergency Services. The Owner Entities shall pay their
respective financial contribution of one-fifth (20%) of the actual total capital project cost to
the Administrative Jurisdiction, on behalf of BCES, within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt
of a detailed invoice. The capital project cost shall be determined based on the actual project
cost reflected in the Motorola Project No. WA-21P120A_Richland agreement. Failure of any
of the Owner Entities to remit payment as required herein shall result in suspension of services
to the non-compliant Owner Entity by BCES.
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A. Ownership Interests Maintained. Except as authorized by the Executive Board with respect to
transfer by FEMA of ownership of assets acquired with Chemical Stockpile Emergency
Preparedness Program (“CSEPP”) funds, the digital 800MHz radio system, and the Former
(pre-2024) Benton County Microwave System Fund, the ownership interests in property,
equipment, or funds acquired by or through Benton County Emergency Management shall
continue to be shared by Benton County and the cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland,
Prosser, and Benton City in proportion to the financial and in-kind contribution of each party
in the year such property, equipment, or monies was acquired, unless provided otherwise
herein. Franklin County and Pasco shall take no ownership interest whatsoever in any property,
equipment or monies belonging to BCES unless said ownership interest is expressly identified
herein.
B. Benton PUD Property Interests. Buildings and towers owned by Benton PUD, and site or
ground leasehold interests held by Benton PUD at the Prosser site, the Joe Butte Site, and the
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Umatilla Ridge site will remain in Benton PUD’s ownership or leasehold interest. State-owned
microwave system or parts to which Benton PUD previously enjoyed a right of first refusal
have been transferred to the joint ownership of Benton County and the cities of Kennewick
and Richland in the following percentages: fifty percent (50%) to Benton County; twenty-five
percent (25%) to Kennewick; twenty-five percent (25%) to Richland.
C. Specific Properties Owned Solely By Benton County, Richland and Kennewick. All Parties
hereto acknowledge that the federal government may have ownership interests or rights with
respect to equipment purchased with funds provided by the federal government. All Parties
further acknowledge and agree that the Communication Site on Red Mountain as referenced
in Section 4.C above shall be owned exclusively by Benton County. All Parties further
acknowledge and agree that the remainder of the existing digital 800MHz radio system, the
real property and improvements located at 651 Truman Avenue in Richland, Washington, the
leasehold interests and other 800MHz equipment used by Benton County Emergency Services
and the Parties hereto at the several existing sites and the Former (pre-2024) Benton County
Microwave System used by Benton County Emergency Services shall be owned exclusively
by Benton County and the cities of Richland and Kennewick as follows: fifty percent (50%)
ownership by Benton County; twenty-five percent (25%) ownership by Kennewick; twenty-
five percent (25%) ownership by Richland. The contributions by Pasco and Franklin County
required pursuant to Section 4.H above do not create any ownership interests in the above
assets by those entities.
D. Ownership Interests – SECOMM Fund. Property, equipment and funds acquired through the
Southeast Communications Center Fund prior to June 26, 2018, shall be owned as follows:
fifty percent (50%) ownership by Benton County; twenty-five percent (25%) ownership by
Kennewick; twenty-five percent (25%) ownership by Richland. Property, equipment, or
monies acquired through the Southeast Communications Center Fund on and after June 26,
2018, shall be owned in equal shares by Benton County, Franklin County and the cities of
Kennewick, Richland and Pasco, except to the extent acquired through revenue of E911 taxes
as set forth below. Benton County, Franklin County and the cities of Kennewick, Pasco and
Richland are the only Parties to this Agreement responsible for contributing toward capital
expenditures in the budget process.
E. Ownership Interests – E911 Taxes. Property, equipment, or monies acquired through the
receipt of E911 taxes shall be the property of Benton and Franklin Counties based on the
percentage of E911 tax funds contributed by each county toward said property, equipment or
monies.
F. Ownership Interests – New Bi-County Microwave System. The Benton-Franklin Microwave
System shall be owned in equal shares of one-fifth (20%) by the following member agencies:
Benton County, Franklin County, and the cities of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco. No other
member agencies shall have an ownership interest in the Benton-Franklin Microwave System.
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6. PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS
A. To comply with BCES’s obligation to respond to public records requests, and to minimize
legal risk to the Parties, the Parties agree that all original records prepared, owned, used, or
retained by BCES shall be provided to and maintained by the Administrative Jurisdiction.
B. When a public records request is received by BCES under the Washington State Public
Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW, staff assigned to support BCES will complete a search for
responsive records and respond to the request pursuant to the Public Records policy established
by the Administrative Jurisdiction. To the extent legal review is needed to respond to a request,
the City Attorney for the Administrative Jurisdiction will provide the review. The Parties
acknowledge that the Administrative Jurisdiction has ultimate authority to release or withhold
records pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act.
7. DURATION OF AGREEMENT; TERMINATION
This Agreement shall become effective only upon execution by all Parties and filing with each
County Auditor in compliance with RCW 39.34.040. Upon the effective date, this Agreement shall
replace all prior oral agreements, contracts, interlocals and amendments thereto, including those
agreements that have been recorded with the Benton County Auditor, and shall specifically, but
without limitation, supersede the Interlocal Agreement for Benton County Emergency Services
recorded with the Benton County Auditor on October 1, 1996, the Interlocal Agreement for Benton
County Emergency Services Interlocal Cooperation Agreement effective September 1, 2006,
Amendment 1 thereto dated May 11, 2009, the 2012 BCES Interlocal Agreement recorded with
the Benton County Auditor on January 23, 2012, the Second Amended and Restated Interlocal
Agreement for Benton County Emergency Services recorded with the Benton County Auditor on
July 2, 2018, and Amendment No. 1 thereto recorded on August 27, 2020. The initial term of this
Agreement shall be ten (10) years, after which this Agreement shall automatically extend for
successive five (5) year terms unless one or more Parties objects to extending the Agreement no
later than six (6) months prior to expiration. Objections to extension of this Agreement shall be
submitted in writing to the Executive Board.
8. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this Agreement shall only be made upon an affirmative vote of all eleven (11)
member agencies voting in favor of amendment. This section shall not affect how the Board
operates and conducts its business.
9. WITHDRAWALS
Any Party may withdraw from this Agreement upon providing six (6) months’ advanced written
notice to the Executive Board. A withdrawing Party shall remain liable for obligated payments,
and shall be refunded any payments made but not obligated prior to the date of actual withdrawal.
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Any Party so withdrawing shall be responsible for complying with Washington State law regarding
its obligations to provide emergency management and dispatch services. Upon the act of
withdrawing from this Agreement, the withdrawing Party shall be deemed to have forfeited and
released all ownership interest it may have in any property, equipment or monies it may have or
otherwise been eligible to receive under this Agreement.
10. ALLOCATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION
A. Each party shall be solely responsible for its own wrongful or negligent conduct. Each party
promises to indemnify and hold harmless and release all other Parties from any loss, claim or
liability arising from or out of the negligent tortious actions or inactions of its employees,
officers and officials. Such liability shall be apportioned among the Parties or other at -fault
persons or entities in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington. Nothing herein
shall be interpreted to:
1. Waive any defense arising out of RCW Title 51.
2. Limit the ability of a Party to exercise any right, defense, or remedy which a Party may
have with respect to third parties or the employee(s) whose action or inaction gave rise to
loss, claim or liability, including, but not limited to, an assertion that the employee(s) acted
beyond the scope of employment.
3. Cover or require indemnification or payment of any judgment against any individual or
agency for intentionally wrongful conduct outside the scope of employment of any
individual, or for judgment for punitive damages against any individual or agency.
Payment of punitive damage awards, fines or sanctions shall be the sole responsibility of
the individual against whom said judgment is rendered and/or his or her agency employer,
should that employer voluntarily elect to make said payment. This Agreement does not
require indemnification of any punitive damage awards or for any order imposing fines or
sanctions.
11. SEVERABILITY
If any part of this Agreement is held to be illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, to the extent possible and practicable, the remaining parts of the Agreement shall
remain in effect and be binding upon all Parties hereto.
12. NO SEPARATE LEGAL ENTITY
No separate legal entity is created upon execution of this Interlocal Agreement.
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13. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE
Jurisdiction and venue for any action relating to the interpretation, enforcement, or any dispute
arising from this Agreement shall be in Yakima County Superior Court. This Agreement shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington.
14. WAIVER
No waiver by any Party hereto of any terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed or
construed to be a waiver of any other term or condition, nor shall the waiver of any breach be
deemed or construed to constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach, whether of the same or any
other term or condition of this Agreement.
15. NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
Nothing in this Agreement shall create or be deemed to create any rights in any person or entity
not a party to this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the dates
identified next to their signatures below.
BENTON COUNTY, WASHINGTON FRANKLIN COUNTY, WASHINGTON
_____________________________ _______________________________
By: Michael Alvarez Date By: Rocky Mullen Date
Chairman, Benton County Commission Chairman, Franklin County Commission
_____________________________ ________________________________
By: Jerome Delvin Date By: Steve Bauman Date
Benton County Commissioner Franklin County Commissioner
______________________________ ________________________________
By: William McKay Date By: Clint Didier Date
Benton County Commissioner Franklin County Commissioner
Attest: Attest:
_______________________________ _________________________________
Clerk of the Board Clerk of the Board
Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form:
_______________________________ __________________________________
Ryan Brown By: Jeff Briggs
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Civil Franklin County Deputy Prosecutor
[Signatures Continue Below]
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CITY OF PASCO CITY OF RICHLAND
______________________________ ___________________________________
By: Adam Lincoln Date By: Jon Amundson, ICMA-CM Date
Pasco City Manager Richland City Manager
Attest: Attest:
______________________________ ____________________________________
Debby Barham, City Clerk Jennifer Rogers, City Clerk
Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form:
______________________________ ____________________________________
Eric Ferguson, Pasco City Attorney Heather Kintzley, Richland City Attorney
CITY OF KENNEWICK CITY OF WEST RICHLAND
______________________________ ___________________________________
By: Lisa Beaton Date By: Brent Gerry Date
Interim Kennewick City Manager Mayor
Attest: Attest:
______________________________ ____________________________________
Krystal Townsend, City Clerk Stephanie Haug, City Clerk
Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form:
______________________________ ____________________________________
Laurencio Sanguino Jessica Foltz
Acting Kennewick City Attorney West Richland City Attorney
[Signatures Continue Below]
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CITY OF PROSSER CITY OF BENTON CITY
______________________________ ___________________________________
By: Gary Vegar Date By: Len Burton Date
Mayor Mayor
Attest: Attest:
_______________________________ ____________________________________
Rachel Shaw, City Clerk Stephanie Haug, City Clerk
Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form:
______________________________ ____________________________________
Howard Saxton, Prosser City Attorney Eric Ferguson, City Attorney for Benton
City
BENTON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS 1, 2, AND 4
____________________________________ Attest: ______________________________
By: _________________, Commission Chair
BCFPD #1
Date: _______________
___________________________________ Attest: ______________________________
By: _________________ Commission Chair
BCFPD #2
Date: _______________
___________________________________ Attest: ______________________________
By: ________________, Commission Chair
BCFPD #4
Date: _______________
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