The Mesquite City Council approved an independent-contractor agreement to continue Steven Dixon as the city’s public defender, effective July 1, during its June 24 meeting.

Interim city manager Martine Green noted the item required council approval because the contract amount exceeds the city manager’s signing authority and the city attorney cannot process the contract because he is the prosecutor. Green told the council Dixon has been “doing a really good job” and that the contract is an annual renewal with the same amount and terms as prior years.

Councilwoman Fielding asked how long Dixon has served; Green said this would be his fourth year. Councilman Ennis moved to approve the contract, Councilwoman Gallo seconded, and the council voted to approve the renewal.

The action continues the existing independent-contractor arrangement; the agreement’s financial terms were not changed in the meeting record and no additional programmatic changes were discussed.