Committee approves $6,679.43 amendment to cover prior-year legal bills

The Everett City Committee on Ways and Means approved an amendment Monday to appropriate $6,679.43 from the general fund free cash to cover three prior-year legal bills.

The item opened with Chair Yellen describing a request that originally sought $6,672 to pay prior-year bills. Finance staff member Mr. Flood told the committee he had recalculated the invoices and determined the correct total is $6,679.43, an increase of $7.43. Mr. Flood provided his recalculation to staff and confirmed it differed from figures in the solicitor's backup materials.

Councilors pressed for explanations about why multiple prior-year legal bills had been missed. One councilor said the pattern of missed invoices "is not good housekeeping," noting responsibility could fall to departments, the city solicitor or the city clerk. Committee members discussed whether withholding funding would stop the practice, but also noted the city faces legal risk if it refuses payment on services already performed.

A motion to amend the appropriation to $6,679.43 and take favorable action was made and seconded. The committee approved the amended appropriation by recorded "ayes." Chair Yellen and councilors present indicated they would meet after the committee to reconcile line-item placements and asked staff to ensure the city solicitor and relevant departments review internal processes so prior-year bills are tracked and paid timely.

The appropriation will move to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation; committee members asked the solicitor and administration to clarify department-level responsibilities before final council action.