Tenino Residents Oppose Proposal to Dissolve Police Department

Mayor cites budget struggles, but community voices concerns over public safety and lack of transparency

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:39pm

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During a Tenino City Council meeting, Mayor Dave Watterson proposed dissolving the Tenino Police Department as part of budget amendments to address the city's financial challenges. However, several Tenino residents spoke out against the proposal, citing fears of increased emergency response times and questioning the mayor's analysis of the budget situation.

Why it matters

The potential dissolution of the Tenino Police Department has raised concerns among residents about public safety and transparency in the city's finances. The debate highlights the difficult decisions municipalities face when grappling with budget constraints, and the importance of community input in shaping these decisions.

The details

Mayor Watterson presented his proposal to dissolve the police department during a Tenino City Council work session, citing budget misreporting issues that have left the city struggling to recover. However, former Tenino Clerk-Treasurer Jen Scharber, in a letter read during the meeting, claimed Watterson's analysis was incomplete and that he had omitted details about the city's financial challenges. Scharber also suggested exploring grant opportunities and ways to expand city revenue to fund the police department. Other residents also spoke out against the proposal, voicing concerns about increased emergency response times.

  • On March 11, 2026, Tenino Mayor Dave Watterson proposed budget amendments, including the dissolution of the Tenino Police Department, during a city council work session.
  • On March 18, 2026, several Tenino residents spoke out against the proposal to dissolve the police department during the regular city council meeting.

The players

Dave Watterson

The current mayor of Tenino, who proposed the budget amendments, including the dissolution of the Tenino Police Department.

Jen Scharber

The former Tenino Clerk-Treasurer, who wrote a letter criticizing Watterson's analysis of the city's budget and suggesting alternative solutions.

Wayne Fournier

The former mayor of Tenino, who was in office during the time of the city's budget misreporting issues.

Derek Sanders

The Thurston County Sheriff, whom Watterson planned to meet with to discuss policing contract options.

Tumwater Police Department

The department that Watterson planned to meet with to discuss policing contract options.

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What they’re saying

“In the attached document, there is a reference to hidden money. I want to clarify that the City of Tenino experienced an extremely challenging period following the fraud investigation that left the city without a clerk-treasurer and significant financial issues to resolve.”

— Jen Scharber, Former Tenino Clerk-Treasurer

“Prior to Mayor Watterson's administration, city budget documents consistently included a five-year historical comparison. This information is extremely valuable because it allows councilmembers and the public to clearly see trends in both revenues and expenditures over time.”

— Jen Scharber, Former Tenino Clerk-Treasurer

What’s next

Watterson stated he was planning on meeting with Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders and Tumwater Police Department officials to discuss policing contract options.

The takeaway

The debate over the potential dissolution of the Tenino Police Department highlights the need for transparent and inclusive decision-making processes when municipalities face budget challenges. The community's concerns about public safety and the mayor's analysis of the budget situation underscore the importance of finding solutions that balance fiscal responsibility and community needs.