Burien will continue to contract with King County for police services.

A consultant's study has concluded it is cheaper to remain with King County than to form a new department.

Burien council members heard the report from Berke Associates on Aug. 1. Berke is the same firm that just completed a financial report for Burien on White Center annexation.

The consultants reported that the current contract with the county costs the city $9.4 million annually. If the city formed its own department, they said the cost would be from $11-13 million each year. That figure does not include one-time start-up costs for buying vehicles and equipment.

The cost savings occur partly because Burien shares police commanders with other jurisdictions, according to the report. Burien is within the county's Precinct 4, which also includes SeaTac and unincorporated North Highline.

The consultants said that if the Burien were to become larger, forming a new police department might become more cost-effective.

City Manager Mike Martin indicated that, based on the report, there are no plans to pursue formation of a new police department at this time.

Martin, however, noted that the police precinct building in Burien needs replacement.