HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-051 - Res. Adjustment to Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Contract RatesMASON COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION NO. OP 57- 05i
ADJUSTMENT TO DEFENSE ATTORNEY CONTRACT RATE
WHEREAS, the Mason County Board of Commissioners recognizes lack of adequate indigent
defense representation within the Mason County Superior and District Court; and,
'WHEREAS, Mason County is struggling to find attorneys to cover the daily preliminary hearings
that are required to address individuals arrested and being held in our jail; and,
WHEREAS, the current hourly rate for contracted Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorneys sits
at $100/hour.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners of Mason
County hereby approves a temporary increase of the hourly rate for contracted misdemeanor Criminal
Defense Attorneys from one hundred dollars ($100) an hour to one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) an hour
for cases assigned from August 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 and for the County Administrator to
negotiate and sign the hourly contracts with Criminal Defense Attorneys; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that after December 31, 2025 this
temporary increase will revert to the standard $100/hour.
DATED this day of
ATTEST:
McKenzie Smith, Clerk of the Board
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Tim Whiteheaief Deputy Prosecuting
Attorney
, 2025.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sharon Trask, Chair
Pat Tarzwell, Vice -Chair
Randy TQeatherlin, Commissioner