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AGENDA ITEM REVIEW FORM |
7.F.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 07/09/2025
- Department Head:
- Kay Macuil
- Submitted By:
- Kay Macuil, City Attorney, Attorney's Office
Action Requested:
Motion
ITEM:
Discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding a contract for indigent defense services through an independent contractor. (Kay Marion Macuil, City Attorney)
SUMMARY:
To uphold impartiality, the Municipal Court implemented a request for proposals process for the appointment of the City's contracted indigent defense counsel. The Court also transferred the financial obligations for the position to the City Attorney's Office, along with the fiscal year 2026 indigent defense budget.
On June 06, 2025, the City published a Request for Proposals for the position and received one proposal from Candice Orduño-Crouse, who has been doing much of the indigent defense work for the Municipal Court. Ms. Orduño's proposal requested a flat fee of $9,500 per month for these services, which is within the budgeted amount. Ms. Orduño participated in a panel interview on June 25, 2025, during which it was determined that she was indeed qualified to continue providing services as the City's indigent defense counsel.
Staff requests that the Council approve staff seeking Indigent Defense Services as presented.
On June 06, 2025, the City published a Request for Proposals for the position and received one proposal from Candice Orduño-Crouse, who has been doing much of the indigent defense work for the Municipal Court. Ms. Orduño's proposal requested a flat fee of $9,500 per month for these services, which is within the budgeted amount. Ms. Orduño participated in a panel interview on June 25, 2025, during which it was determined that she was indeed qualified to continue providing services as the City's indigent defense counsel.
Staff requests that the Council approve staff seeking Indigent Defense Services as presented.
RECOMMENDATION / SUGGESTED MOTION:
I MOVE TO DIRECT STAFF TO CONTRACT WITH CANDICE ORDUÑO-CROUSE FOR INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES FOR A MONTHLY FLAT FEE NOT TO EXCEED $114,000 ANNUALLY.
Fiscal Impact
- IS THERE FISCAL IMPACT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ITEM:
- Yes
- CITY/STATE/FEDERAL FUNDS:
- City
- TOTAL:
- $114,000.00
- BUDGETED AMOUNT:
- $130,000.00
- AVAILABLE AMOUNT TO TRANSFER:
- N/A
- ACCT NAME & GL#/REMAINING BALANCE BEFORE PURCHASE:
- City Attorney Legal Services GL Acct 100-117-80003 Budget Balance for FY2026 $480,000.00