Information
General fund department 014. District Court unit increase to $480 per unit, Superior Court increase to $1,100 per unit and an hourly rate of $110 per hour. Juvenile Court increase to $800 per unit.
Type: Deliberation
Department: RISK - Risk
Directors' Update: Dec. 17, 2025
Business Meeting: Dec. 23, 2025
Summary:Approve Public Defender contracts for Superior, Juvenile and District Courts for the 2026 calendar year
Publications:
Cover Letter To:
Additional Copies To: Natalie Mauermann, Sherri Dokken
Resolution
APPROVE PUBLIC DEFENDER CONTRACTS FOR SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS FOR THE 2026 CALENDAR YEAR
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 contracts with qualified attorneys to provide public defense services in Superior, District, and Juvenile Courts for the calendar year 2026; and
WHEREAS, these contracts specify 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 approves the Public Defense Services Contracts for Superior, District, and Juvenile Courts for the year 2026, as attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Manager is authorized to execute said contracts on behalf of Lewis County.
DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 23rd day of December, 2025.