Spokane city and county officials discovered by chance this week that they were kicking the tires of the same jalopy, also known as the Pine Lodge Corrections Center.

Pine Lodge, at Medical Lake, is a state women’s prison that was among those designated for closure by Gov. Chris Gregoire. Seizing an opportunity, Spokane County made it a late addition to its list of possible sites for a new jail. The city, meanwhile, decided it has potential for a work-release program to replace one the county has discontinued.

Until a news inquiry alerted City Hall to the situation, the two local entities – despite their overlapping constituencies and tax bases – didn’t appear to know of each other’s interests. This awkward situation is a reminder that the perennial question about cooperation and communication between Spokane and Spokane County continues to need attention.

The Pine Lodge issue has taken a turn in a promising direction. Mayor Mary Verner and Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich have sent a joint letter to the state to explore a joint-use project. County commissioners have sent their own letter, and the state is giving its closure plans another look. At least the three affected governments now have a clearer grasp of the same facts.

That’s an objective that’s been difficult to achieve with any consistency over the years in Spokane County, producing recurrent pledges from public officials to stay in touch, communicate, cooperate. Indeed, Verner’s calendar does include numerous regular get-togethers with the county and other area mayors. The public is rightfully receptive to such an approach, since the community’s collective interests stand to benefit.

But there is no shortage of issues over which the county’s responsibilities can and do brush against those of its various municipalities. Think animal control, annexation, aquifer protection, sewage, solid waste. Think of the Spokane International Airport, Spokane Transit Authority, District Court.

And, for sure, think of the jail.

The need for intergovernmental communication has not been neglected, for which the community should be appreciative. But the Pine Lodge matter is a signal to the Courthouse and the respective city and town halls that there is room for improvement.