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.