Council authorizes $16.7 million public defender contract for 2025 amid budget tracking questions

The Snohomish County Council on Jan. 22 approved motion 25-026 authorizing the county executive to execute a 2025 contract with the Snohomish County Public Defender Association (PDA) to provide the majority of indigent defense services for the county.

Staff described the contract as largely unchanged from prior years but noted structural changes, updated language tied to new caseload standards, and a shift to a net contract amount instead of cost-per-service billing. The contract carries a not-to-exceed amount of $16,736,946.31 for calendar year 2025.

Nicole Gourley, council staff, said the contract amount was set based on appropriations in the 2025–2026 biennial budget and that, based on those appropriations, the county would have $14,498,372 available for the 2026 PDA contract. "Historically, this contract does not decrease, so there is likely potential for additional funds being needed for the 2026 contract," Gourley said.

Council members asked about how the county would track expenditures and whether periodic reports could show progress against the appropriation. Staff said the county can track expenditures and planned to convene finance staff in early March to develop a plan for communication and projection; staff warned that billing and payments may lag, meaning final-year accounting could be delayed.

The motion authorizes the executive to execute the contract and any future amendments. A council member noted that changes in caseload standards adopted by the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) could affect future costs.

The council approved the motion by voice vote with a tally of four yes, zero no.