Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: RISK - Risk

Directors' Update: Aug. 27, 2025

Business Meeting: Sept. 2, 2025

Summary:

Approving an additional 2025 Public Defender contract for Juvenile Court.

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Natalie Mauermann, Sherri Dokken

Resolution

WHEREAS, Lewis County is committed to providing effective legal representation to indigent individuals in accordance with constitutional mandates and state laws; and

WHEREAS, RCW 10.101.030 requires counties to adopt standards for the delivery of public defense services; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County has established local standards for public defense services codified in Chapter 2.40 of the Lewis County Code, ensuring compliance with state requirements; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of Lewis County to enter into a Public Defense Service Contract with attorney Albert Didcock as per the attached Exhibit for calendar year 2025; and

WHEREAS, this contract specifies attorney qualifications, caseload standards, compensation and provisions for support services to ensure effective representation.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) hereby approves the attached Public Defender contract with Albert Didcock for the amounts outlined in Appendix A for a term through Dec. 31, 2025. Upon approval and presentation of such a contract, the County Manager is authorized to execute said contract on behalf of the BOCC.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 2nd day of September, 2025.