Tooele City awards public‑defender contract to two attorneys to maintain defense coverage

Assistant City Attorney Matthew Johnson presented Resolution 2025‑64 on July 16 recommending the city award its public‑defender contract to two attorneys following a vacancy. Johnson said the city traditionally contracts with two public defenders to cover conflicts and ensure consistent representation. Longtime contract attorney Jacob Linares has left for the Tooele County Attorney’s Office and cannot continue as a public defender for the city. Johnson said the city identified Carolyn Pence as a replacement and that Kurt (Kurt Morris / Bonewell Morris and Associates) will continue his portion of the contract. The contracted total amount is $68,000 annually split between the two attorneys (approximately $2,855 per month each under the current payment schedule). Councilman Hansen moved to approve the resolution; Councilwoman Manzione seconded. The council approved Resolution 2025‑64 by a 5–0 vote. Why it matters: awarding the contract maintains the city’s contractual public‑defender coverage so criminal defendants have access to appointed counsel in municipal matters. The agreement sets the current contracted payment levels and preserves continuity of representation.