City of Burien Files Lawsuit for Breach of Interlocal Agreement

The City of Burien has taken a significant legal step by filing a lawsuit against King County and the King County Sheriff's Office for alleged breaches of their Interlocal Agreement. The city claims that King County has refused to enforce Burien Municipal Code 9. 85. 150, which is crucial for local governance. This refusal is seen as an infringement on the authority of Burien's elected officials and a barrier to their ability to protect residents and businesses.

Additionally, the city argues that such actions prevent the City Manager from directing contract police, as stipulated in the Interlocal Agreement. The lawsuit also emphasizes the detrimental impact on Burien's efforts to manage homelessness within its borders. Filed in Snohomish County Superior Court, the case is identified as 24-2-02338-31. This legal confrontation reflects broader tensions between city and county authorities regarding law enforcement and local governance issues. The outcome could set a precedent for how interlocal agreements are enforced and interpreted in Washington state.