It is time for Camas and Washougal to renew interlocal agreements for Southwest Washington Regional Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) services, and costs are expected to increase next year.
Washougal Police Chief Ron Mitchell said during the Sept. 11 Washougal City Council workshop that Washougal paid $15,701 for SWAT services this year, but that the rate will likely be more than $24,000 in 2018 — including the $6,000 discount that city gets for having Police Officer Kyle Day and K-9 Officer Ranger on the SWAT team. Under the new agreement, Camas would pay $39,000 for SWAT in 2018. Camas’ 2017 figures were not available by press deadlines.
Police departments in Camas, Washougal, La Center, Ridgefield and Vancouver share team services and cost is based on a formula that includes a city’s population and number of calls made to Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency.
Camas’ current population is 23,080 and Washougal’s is 15,760.
The Washougal City Council is expected to vote on the SWAT agreement renewal at the Sept. 25 council meeting.
