Everett staff brief council on legal-fee budget for proposed outdoor stadium; members press for itemized costs

Scott Pattison, a city staff member, told the Everett City Council on April 2 that $600,000 is allocated in a budget amendment for initial legal fees tied to the proposed outdoor municipal stadium and that several professional-service agreements already exist to support the project.

The briefing covered what Pattison described as existing contracts and the next steps the city plans to take, and prompted council members to press staff for a clearer, itemized breakdown of anticipated consultant and legal costs before approving additional spending.

Pattison said, “Tonight I have a brief update for you on the $600,000 that’s allocated in the budget amendment for the initial legal fees related to the outdoor municipal stadium.” He listed previously approved professional-service agreements: a $457,000 agreement approved Dec. 18, 2024, with a firm identified in the presentation as SOJ and a $200,000 agreement approved Feb. 12,…