Council refers $150,000 appropriation for EEOC-related legal services to Ways & Means, asks for invoices

The Everett City Council referred a request to appropriate $150,000 from free cash to a Litigation Professional Services account to cover additional legal services related to an EEOC inquiry to the Committee on Ways and Means, and asked administrators to bring invoices and supporting documentation.

During public comment Paul Streati urged transparency and asked whether the $150,000 is the total sum or an initial allocation; he also requested copies of invoices and letters from the U.S. Attorney’s Office related to a prior investigation. In committee referral language, councilors specifically requested that any invoices already paid or anticipated be made available to Ways and Means for review.

Why it matters: The funding request is tied to an EEOC inquiry that has drawn public scrutiny; council members sought clarity about the amount requested, what it covers, and whether additional funds may be necessary.

What’s next: The item was formally referred to the Ways and Means Committee with a request that an appropriate administrative official appear and provide past and anticipated invoices before the committee considers the appropriation.