RATHDRUM — When the City of Rathdrum searched for a new prosecutor, it found one just across the Rathdrum Prairie.

The City of Post Falls will provide prosecuting attorney services to Rathdrum starting on Thursday.

Under the agreement, Rathdrum will pay Post Falls a flat monthly fee of $5,301 — the same amount it paid Tim Van Valin, who will became Kootenai County's newest magistrate on Thursday.

"Post Falls dispatches for our police department so there is a relationship that is built up already," said Brett Boyer, Rathdrum's city administrator. "Our computer reporting systems are already shared providing for quick, easy access by their attorneys to our computer record-keeping system. Reports and other information from our officers that are needed to prosecute the cases will be readily available for the attorneys."

Post Falls City Administrator Shelly Enderud said the move benefits both cities.

"Both Rathdrum and Post Falls feel this is a great fit for both cities and will allow for efficiencies within the process," Enderud said in a memo to the city council.

Enderud said she met with Joel Ryan, Post Falls city prosecutor, and the city believes it has the resources to take on Rathdrum and can improve on the level of service received. About 120 cases are prosecuted in Rathdrum per year.

The contract will be reviewed and renewed annually.

"We did consider other options, but believed this (agreement with Post Falls) would be the best fit for our organization," Boyer said. "We will be evaluating the case load and number of hearings to determine if adjustments should be made."

Van Valin has served as Rathdrum's city prosecutor since 2004.