In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted a significant 120% increase in professional services and dispatch costs, primarily attributed to a new agreement with Pierce County regarding radio access fees. This substantial rise in expenses is expected to impact the city and public safety operations significantly.

The increase in fees is linked to the number of radios on the system, with Chief Scogin noting that his department has even more radios than the city, further amplifying the financial burden. Officials expressed concern over the implications of these rising costs on public safety resources, emphasizing the need for careful budget management moving forward.