Auburn accepts $60,000 state grant to offset indigent defense costs (Resolution 58-49)

Summary

The council adopted Resolution 58-49 to accept a $60,000 grant from the Washington State Office of Public Defense’s Simple Possession Advocacy and Representation Program to help local jurisdictions absorb public-defense costs for drug-possession and public-use cases; funds must be used by June 30, 2026.

The Auburn City Council on Aug. 4 adopted Resolution 58-49 authorizing the mayor to accept and expend a $60,000 grant from the Washington State Office of Public Defense. Deputy Mayor Cheryl Raikes moved to adopt the resolution and Council member Sturgis seconded. The council heard from a city representative that the grant will assist local jurisdictions in absorbing public-defense costs associated with drug-possession and public-use cases and that the award is specific to indigent defense counsel and “can be utilized to offset costs associated with contracted conflict counsel representing such cases.” The presenter said funds must be utilized by June 30, 2026. The resolution passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript. The grant acceptance authorizes receipt and expenditure of state funds under the terms of the Office of Public Defense program.