Poulsbo City Council approves change order, appointments, consent items and public‑defender contract

The Poulsbo City Council on Jan. 8 voted on a series of routine and procedural items, including a contract change order, appointments and the city’s public‑defender agreement for 2025.

Votes at a glance

- Change order for contract 2020‑06: Council authorized the deputy mayor and public‑works director to execute Change Order No. 26 to contract 2020‑06. Motion moved from the dais and seconded; the council recorded unanimous approval (6–0). The motion on the record was: “Move to authorize the deputy mayor and public works director to execute change order number 26 for contract 2020 dash 06.”

- Consent agenda items A–F: The council approved the consent agenda (items a through f) by voice vote (6–0) with no discussion recorded.

- Fly Sami flag Feb. 6, 2025: Council approved flying the Sami flag at Poulsbo City Hall on Feb. 6, 2025; motion passed by voice vote (6–0).

- Confirm mayor’s appointment to the Tree Board: The council confirmed the mayor’s appointment of Maxwell Gordinier to the Tree Board by voice vote (6–0).

- Public‑defender services agreement, Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2025: The council approved the agreement to continue public‑defender services for the 2025 calendar year. Staff told the council the contract had two wording changes from the prior document and that costs increased (noted as approximately a 14% increase), driven largely by county cost‑recovery policies and changes to caseload expectations under state law. The motion to approve the agreement passed by voice vote (6–0).

What council discussed before votes

Council members asked questions about the public‑defender contract increase and whether recent changes in state law (referenced generally as a change to RCW caseload requirements) could drive further cost increases. Staff and the public‑defender representative explained the current contract figures include preparation for the anticipated caseload change and noted that personnel hires in the county public‑defender office affect costs. Council was told the 2025 figure represents a significant increase over the prior year but that staff had budgeted for it.

Procedural notes

Motions were made from the dais and seconded; roll‑call style voice votes were recorded with each council member indicating “aye.” The record shows consistent unanimous approval on each item listed above. No recorded “no,” “abstain,” or “recused” votes appeared in the public transcript for these motions.

Items not decided or not yet voted

Several workshop items later in the evening — including a proposed North Kitsap STEP (shelter/transitional/emergency/permanent supportive) housing needs assessment RFP and modest contract/charitable‑donation items for the Recovery Resource Center and community partners — were discussed and received general council support, but the meeting record does not show a formal, recorded motion and vote on those specific funding or contract actions during the Jan. 8 business agenda.