Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: Nov. 19, 2025

Business Meeting: Nov. 25, 2025

Summary:

Approve an agreement from the Washington State Office of Public Defense in the amount of $218,417.77 for use in the calendar year 2026.

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Becky Butler and Natalie Mauermann

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners has reviewed the agreement between Lewis County and the Washington State Office of Public Defense for Public Defense Improvement Funds for the period of January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Chapter 10.101 RCW county distributions are statutory formula distributions for the purpose of improving the quality of public defense services in Washington State counties; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County's budget for public defense for 2025 is $2.3 million, of which the Washington State Office of Public Defense contributes less than 5% annually with the majority of the cost supported by the Lewis County taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to authorize the execution of said agreement for Lewis County.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforesaid agreement with the Washington State Office of Public Defense granting Public Defense Improvement Funds of $218,417.77 for January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, is hereby approved and the Budget and Risk Director is authorized to sign the agreement.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 25th day of November, 2025.