HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-13-minutes-quarterly-update-with-public-defense-director1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON CONFERENCE ROOM SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY 10:00 AM APRIL 13, 2026
Board members present: Vice-Chairman Brett Wachsmith; and
Commissioner Laura Osiadacz. Excused: Chairman Wright.
Others: Jodi Larsen, Office Administrator; Eileen Murphy, Director
of Public Defense.
CITIZEN COMMENTS: NONE SPECIAL MEETING PUBLIC DEFENSE DIRECTOR UPDATE COMMISSIONERS
At 10:00 A.M. VICE-CHAIRMAN WACHSMITH opened a Special Meeting
with the Director of Public Defense, Eileen Murphy. The Public
Defense team is responsible for managing cases in the County as
well as all City municipalities. Ms. Murphy reviewed the caseloads
that she and her team are currently working on as well as the
projection for the remainder of the year.
Ms. Murphy shared that the overall felony case numbers are down
from last year, however, the charges are significant for the
current active cases including 6 murder charges. She went on to
say the Misdemeanor case numbers are up with a considerable amount
of them being in the Upper County.
Ms. Murphy reported that her office has been awarded approximately
$250,000 in grant funding for 2026. She also noted that her staff
completed all grant applications for consideration in 2027. They
are awaiting a $75,000 contract payment from the City of Ellensburg
for Public Defense services.
Ms. Murphy will be bringing on 3 staff members, two Attorneys and
one Legal Secretary between June and July to help with the caseload
requirements brought forth through legislation. Due to limited
space in the Public Defense office, she is working with the
Prosecuting Attorney’s office to obtain office space in their
building for the Lawyers.
Ms. Murphy communicated that her office has instituted an “After
Hours” call line to provide legal assistants to potential
defendants when arrest is imminent. Call volume has increased as
knowledge of this resource becomes known.
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OTHER BUSINESS - NONE
The meeting concluded at 10:48 A.M.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Jodi Larsen Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chair