Arlington staff say city eligible to seek up to $49,000 in reimbursements from OPD grant

Chief Jonathan told the council Arlington’s application to the state Office of Public Defense (OPD) was approved, allowing reimbursement of defense costs tied to simple‑possession arrests. "We were actually approved for a larger sum than we didn't know what we would get...we were actually given the opportunity to put in for reimbursement for up to $49,000," he said.

Jonathan credited staff — particularly Terry Joe and Jen Bo — for preparing the large application. He described the administrative burden as moderate: staff must coordinate with the public defender’s office to collect records and submit reimbursement requests to OPD.

Council members thanked staff for the effort and asked whether the city has the systems to meet grant reporting requirements; staff said they will work with the defender’s office to ensure compliance.

No council action was required at the workshop; acceptance of grant reimbursement authority will be processed as appropriate through the city’s usual administrative channels.