Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: July 8, 2026

Business Meeting: July 14, 2026

Summary:

Approve an agreement from the Washington State Office of Public Defense in the amount of $242,718.06 for use in the fiscal year 2027.

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 July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027; 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 2026 is $2.8 million, of which the Washington State Office of Public Defense contributes less than 11% 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 $242,718.06 for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, is hereby approved and the Budget and Risk Director is authorized to sign the agreement.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 14th day of July, 2026.