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Council approves one-year amendment to public defense contract amid statewide caseload changes

City of Lake Forest Park City Council · December 15, 2025

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Summary

Council authorized a one-year amendment to the city's public defense services contract, increasing the base monthly payment and a per-case rate to help the firm cover increased workload caused by changes in state standards; administration estimates fiscal impact at about $50,000.

Lake Forest Park’s City Council on Thursday approved a one-year amendment to the city’s contract for public defense services with Stuart McNichols Harmel Inc. PS.

Administrator Hill told the council a recent Washington Supreme Court action changed caseload standards and will require public defense firms to carry higher staffing costs. The amendment adjusts the contract from a $10,000 monthly base to $11,250 per month for the first 45 cases in a quarter, with $750 per case for any additional cases. Based on caseloads (217 cases in 2024 and an estimated 224 for 2025), administration estimated the net increase to be about $50,000 for the coming year, subject to quarterly case volume.

Council moved and seconded adoption of Resolution 25-2039, which passed by voice vote with all council members present recorded as affirmative.

Next steps: administration will monitor caseloads and return to council if further contract adjustments or additional appropriation are needed.