The Wenatchee City Council approved a contract with Hankins Tibbetts Mott Drescher to provide legal services for indigent criminal defendants in municipal prosecutions.

City staff told the council that the city’s prior contract provider had billed roughly $650,000 for 2025 and that updated indigent defense standards later this year required additional budget adjustments. “In terms of, past services, the again, the contract with Andy was roughly about $650,000 for 2025. For this contract, we've allocated… closer to a million dollars for this amount,” a city staff presenter said during the meeting.

The nut graf: The contract was approved after the council reviewed responses to a request for proposals; staff reported receiving a single proposal and increased budget needs were reflected in the staff report.

Staff said the city issued an RFP after the previous contract approached its end; only one firm submitted a proposal. The city will implement updated indigent defense standards required by state or court guidance, and staff noted the higher budget allocation in the council packet to accommodate the new requirements.

A council member moved approval of the contract and the motion passed on a voice vote; the meeting transcript records no roll-call tally. The contract authorizes the mayor to sign on the city’s behalf.