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Public defender seeks higher monthly rate; council weighs short-term extension versus RFP ahead of state caseload decision
Summary
Feldman & Lee requested a short-term contract increase from $18,000 to $26,500 per month for public-defense services; staff recommended a six-month amendment to bridge uncertainty while the state Supreme Court considers caseload standards, and council asked that staff run an RFP before taking final action.
Mountlake Terrace staff alerted council that Feldman & Lee — the city’s contract public‑defender firm — has requested a renegotiation that would raise the monthly contract from $18,000 to $26,500. The requested amendment would be six months in duration and allow the city to incorporate any forthcoming Washington State Supreme Court guidance on public‑defense caseload standards into a later procurement.
City staff described the practical constraint: Feldman & Lee warned it will…
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