Council approves amendment to indigent defense conflict counsel contract

Arlington City Council approved a first amendment to its agreement with the Snohomish County Public Defenders Association that increases funding for conflict counsel and authorized the mayor to sign the contract.

The amendment, presented by Paul, covers instances when the city’s regular public defender has a conflict and another attorney is required. Paul said the use of conflict counsel has increased and that the contract spans June to June, producing a cost increase that affects the remainder of 2026 and the first half of 2027. “This is the first amendment to our contract for indigent defense, conflict counsel,” Paul said.

Councilmember Tim Abrahamson asked whether the additional $5,700 cost for the current year was unbudgeted and whether the expense could be absorbed in the next year’s budget. Paul confirmed the additional amount was above earlier estimates and said the city will account for it in the 2027 budget; he also said the funds come from the general fund.

Tim Abrahamson moved to approve the amendment and authorize the mayor to sign; the motion was seconded and the presiding officer called the vote. The motion carried with no opposition recorded.

The contract amendment applies when the regular public defender has a conflict and the city must secure outside counsel; Paul said the pattern of increased use prompted the amendment and the modest near‑term cost increase will be factored into next year’s budget planning.

The council had no other new business at the meeting and moved on to reports and department updates.