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Sunnyside council approves temporary pay increase for contract defense attorneys amid oversight concerns
Summary
Council approved amendments raising the per-case compensation for city-contracted criminal defense attorneys through 2026 while members pressed staff for clearer reporting, caseload standards and a fuller contract review for next year.
The Sunnyside City Council voted to approve short-term amendments increasing per-case pay for city-contracted criminal defense attorneys, a move staff said was needed to keep four contracts aligned and preserve local representation through the end of 2026.
Interim City Manager Pat Haley explained the change was limited to an amendment of existing contracts that preserves current service continuity while full contract renewals are negotiated next year. "This is just meant to amend one piece of it related to the compensation for the cases and it's only through this year," Haley said in explaining staff's approach.
Councilors pressed staff and the attorneys for greater transparency and reporting. Councilor Galvan argued the agenda item did not include sufficient performance standards, reporting requirements or caseload limits and urged a workshop and attorney presentations so councilors could judge whether the city's payments matched service delivered. "We still don't know what standards they follow," Galvan said during the discussion.
Staff described the current contract structure as a flat retainer pegged to an assumed caseload (the contract cited 300 cases per attorney per year) with a year-end true-up if actual caseloads diverge. City Attorney Julie and staff said quarterly reporting is required by the existing contract but acknowledged the council's request for improved detail and recommended a fuller review for the 2027 contract cycle when the state's changing caseload guidance will be implemented.
The council approved the compensation amendments by roll call. Supporters said the increase protected local access to defense counsel; opponents said the city should require firmer performance standards before increasing pay. Staff said the amendments are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026 and run through the end of the calendar year, and that comprehensive contract changes will be considered before next year's renewals.
