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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 2026 Study SessionKITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Public Health Study Session Regular Meeting Wednesday October 28, 2026 - 10:00 AM BOCC Conference Room 205 West 5th Room 108 - Ellensburg Call to Order Citizen Comment (1 minute time limit) Department Business • Approve Resolution Authorizing the One -Day Closure of the Kittitas County Public Health Department on December 11, 2026 • FPHS Funding as a Kittitas County Legislative Priority Discussion/Decision • HopeSource Financial Audit Update • Approve Human Services Non -Competitive Funding Request Form • Kratom Age -Gating Discussion/Decision Other Business • Health Officer Update Conclude KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STAFF REPORT FOR STUDY SESSION Public Health Office STUDY SESSION DATE: 10/28/2026 TOPIC: Annual Archiving Day Office Closure ACTION REQUESTED: Approval LEAD STAFF: Chelsey Loeffers RECOMMENDATION: The Board of County Commissioners approves a Resolution closing the Public Health Office for its annual archiving day on December 11, 2026. BRIEFING SUMMARY: The Kittitas County Public Health Department closes its office 1 day a year to allow staff to review email and documents (electronic and paper) for proper archiving purposes and in accordance with Washington State Archives Retention Schedule. BACKGROUND: The Kittitas County Public Health Department closes its office 1 day a year for annual archiving of county records. DISCUSSION: N/A FISCAL IMPACTS: N/A ATTACHMENTS: BOCC Resolution Authorizing the One -Day Closure of the Kittitas County Public Health Department on December 11', 2026. Legal consultation: No Finance consult: No Page 1 of 1 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY OF KITTITAS STATE OF WASHINGTON RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ONE -DAY CLOSURE OF THE KITTITAS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 11, 2026 RESOLUTION No. 2026 - WHEREAS, the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners has the authority, pursuant to RCW 36.16.100, to approve changes by resolution in the days and hours that County offices shall be kept open for the transaction of business; and WHEREAS, the Kittitas County Public Health Department has requested that the department be closed to the public on December 11, 2026; and WHEREAS, said closure is needed for the purpose of conducting the Kittitas County Public Health Department's annual archiving day in compliance with the records retention standards set out in Chapter 40.14 RCW requiring the destruction or transfer of older records to the Washington State Archives; and WHEREAS, the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners authorizes said closure of the Kittitas County Public Health Department by action taken at a regular meeting; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Kittitas County, Washington authorizes approval of the request to change the hours of service for the Kittitas County Public Health Department such that the department will be closed to the public on December 11, 2026. ADOPTED this day of October, 2026. ATTEST: CLERK OF THE BOARD BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON Chair Vice -Chair ❑ Julie A. Kjorsvik Commissioner ❑ Mandy Buchholz KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STAFF REPORT FOR STUDY SESSION Public Health Office STUDY SESSION DATE: 10/28/2026 TOPIC: FPHS Funding as a Kittitas County Legislative Funding Priority ACTION REQUESTED: Approval LEAD STAFF: Chelsey Loeffers RECOMMENDATION: Approve the designation of Maintaining level Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) funding as a legislative priority for Kittitas County in the 2027 Legislative Session BRIEFING SUMMARY: • KCPHD receives almost $1.5 million annually in FPHS appropriation from the Washington State Legislature. • Reductions are anticipated in the upcoming session, which could negatively impact KCPHD. In order to avoid potentially significant impacts to program and service level delivery in Kittitas County, FPHS funds must be maintained at the current funding level. • The recommendation from the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials (WSALPHO) is county -level engagement with legislators, in particular from rural counties and counties with smaller populations. • Department leadership plan to partner with Grant County Health District to provide education to local legislators on the benefits of FPHS funding in their communities but are not able to participate in lobbying. • Staff request BOCC designate maintaining level FPHS funding as a Kittitas County Legislative Priority and direct the county's contacted lobbyist to support this priority during session on the county's behalf. BACKGROUND: • Governor Fergeson has indicated in a letter from OFM to Agency Directors that programs created or expanded after January 1, 2019 and areas where Washington provides particularly high levels of services relative to other states should be carefully reviewed, both of which put focus on FPHS. • Governor Fergeson also directed the Washington State Department of Health that they could not submit a decision package this year for FPHS. Page 1 of 2 • Once the Governor releases his budget in December, the Washington State Department of Health will not be able to advocate for any alternative funding scenarios. • Historically, the House and Senate have been more supportive of funding FPHS in their individual and conference budgets than the Governor. FISCAL IMPACTS: In 2026, the total FPHS legislative appropriation to the Washington State public health system was reduced to approximately $280 million, a total reduction of $21 million, resulting in a $418,000 reduction to KCPHD's FPHS funding. This followed an approximately $41,000 reduction to the department's total from the previous year. KCPHD is currently filling the gap in these funds with one time funding through 2027 while planning for ongoing fiscal sustainability for 2028 forward. While a portion of this reduction can be managed through cutting discretionary expenditures, without additional revenue there is already a need for long-term changes to address the coming budget gap. KCPHD operates a fiscally efficient department with little to reduce before service levels are impacted. Additional reductions to FPHS would only exacerbate the existing budget challenge and mean potentially significant changes to program and service delivery. Depending on the size of a new legislative reduction, reductions in workforce force, sunsetting of programs, and if extreme, the shift of funding mandated public health services back to county general fund, are all possibilities. ATTACHMENTS: none Page 2 of 2 KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STAFF REPORT FOR STUDY SESSION Public Health Office STUDY SESSION DATE: 10/28/2026 TOPIC: HopeSource Audit Update ACTION REQUESTED: No Action - Information Only LEAD STAFF: Chelsey Loeffers, PH Director Katie Odiaga, PH Accountant III Zack DeHaven, Budget and Finance Director RECOMMENDATION: No Action - Information Only BRIEFING SUMMARY: • PH and AU's Office staff partnered to plan the structure of the HopeSource audit. • The audit is the agreed upon alternate to HopeSource providing all supporting documentation with contract invoices each month. • Just over six weeks were given to provide the required audit documents due to the anticipated size of the request: August 12th to September 25' • HopeSource was unable to meet the audit deadline to prepare all required documents, and a two -week extension was provided by County staff. • To date, HopeSource has provided all the documents required by the audit. • Documents are in review by PH Accountant and supported by the Budget and Finance Director and AU's Office staff as needed; approximately 2,000 documents in total. • HopeSource has requested that future audits exclude transactions below $50. • To date, staff have identified potential issues, which are flagged for further review. • At the completion of the audit, PH and AU staff will provide the BOCC with recommendations regarding future invoicing and auditing procedures. BACKGROUND: In early 2025, HopeSource requested an exception to PH's invoicing procedures which require copies of original receipts/invoices for all direct program expenses. HopeSource cited high administrative burden to provide these documents each month primarily due to their agency practice of pooling direct expenses that benefit multiple programs, in addition to traditional indirect/administrative expense cost sharing across programs. HopeSource leadership negotiated with Auditor Bryan Elliott and Commissioner Wright as decision makers and agreed to a periodic audit of invoice documentation by PH and AU staff to maintain fiscal accountability at the same standard applied to all other contractors. Through further negotiations, it was also agreed that HopeSource would be allowed to invoice for indirect/administrative charges over the cap of 10% if administrative charges were also subject to audit. DISCUSSION Page 1 of 2 This is the first audit of HopeSource documents. One invoice for each of their four programs currently funded through PH's Human Services division was selected for audit — Senior Support and Advocacy, Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project, Behavioral Health Bridge, and the Cold Weather Shelter. All supporting documentation for all line -item expenses was required to be provided for any of the following applicable costs: administrative costs, pool costs, direct costs, and personnel/payroll expenses. Timeline • HopeSource was notified of the County audit on August 12, 2026. • The due date for the documents was September 25tt', 2026, by 5:00 pm. • No follow up questions or requests for extension of the due date were made prior to September 25'. • HopeSource did not provide all the of the required documents by September 25' and requested to provide a sampling of transactions, rather than what was originally requested. PH and AU staff denied the sampling request, but extended the due date to October 9", 2026, to provide the remaining required document. • Final documents were provided by HopeSource on October 9'. FISCAL IMPACTS: Public Health and Auditor's Office staff are currently tracking their time dedicated to the audit and will provide a report on cost to the County to provide this alternate invoicing and fiscal accountability model. ATTACHMENTS: none Page 2 of 2 KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STAFF REPORT FOR STUDY SESSION Public Health Office STUDY SESSION DATE: 10/28/26 TOPIC: Human Services Noncompetitive Funding Request Form ACTION REQUESTED: Approval LEAD STAFF: Kasey Knutson RECOMMENDATION: Approve the use of the noncompetitive funding request form for applicable Human Services funding processes. BRIEFING SUMMARY: • Human Services occasionally has funding requests appropriate for a noncompetitive process permitted under County requirements and directed by the BOCC. • The form provides a consistent, documented basis for the BOCC to review before funding is authorized. It helps with transparency, fiscal stewardship, and complete records; this does not replace a formal agreement for services, required County approvals, or other funding requirements. • This form will not be used for formal request for proposals (RFP) processes. • Before the form is used, Human Services will confirm with the prosecutor that the noncompetitive approach is allowed under applicable requirements. • The form does not authorize a noncompetitive award or commit county funds. BACKGROUND: Occasions where the noncompetitive process have been used and may be used include examples like continuity of critical services, documented limited or sole provider, time sensitive circumstances, or a BOCC directed allocation when no competitive process is legally required. This form is targeted towards homelessness and affordable housing funds but may be used for other areas as needed. DISCUSSION: We want to provide balance to the agency requesting funds and to the BOCC so that there is simpler funding request process than a full RFP while also providing enough information to the County to be able to make informed decision. The form uses Page 1 of 2 Public Health Office "Study Session Staff Report", 12/23/2024 information like an RFP application including contact information, request amount and period, populations served, etc. If there are missing elements that the BOCC would like to see or have information removed, we are available to make those edits prior to implementing the form. FISCAL IMPACTS: None ATTACHMENTS: Human Services Noncompetitive Funding Request Form Legal consultation? Yes: Legal Request 12858 Finance consulted? No Page 2 of 2 Public Health Office "Study Session Staff Report", 12/23/2024 Kittitas County Human Services Basic Information and Funding Documentation County staff may request additional documentation when required by the funding source, County policy, contract terms, or applicable law. 1. Applicant and Contact Information Organization legal name Doing business as (if different) Organization type Federal Tax ID or UBI Mailing address Primary contact Email and phone Authorized signatory 2. Funding Request Project or activity name Amount requested Funding period Service area Population served Brief request summary Nonprofit / Name and Name, title Start date - End date Kittitas County location(s) or countywide In 2-4 sentences, describe what County funds will support. 3. Program Information Respond to the questions below. Attach additional What is the overall goal of the program? What specific community need or service gap does this program address in Kittitas County? Who is eligible to receive services, and what priority populations will be served? How many unduplicated participants, households, or clients do you expect to serve during the funding period? What specific services, activities, or supports will County funds provide? if needed. Kittitas County Human Services - Non -Competitive Funding Request What measurable outcomes will demonstrate that the program is meeting its goal? How will services and outcomes be documented and reported to Kittitas County? What is the total annual cost of the program, and what portion is requested from Kittitas County? IF - What other funding sources are confirmed, pending, ending, or at risk during the funding period? What happens if County funding is not awarded or is reduced in a future year? What are the eligibility criteria for this program? What documentation is required to show eligibility? How long is someone a participant in the program? What are the potential barriers to achieving the program goal? Does your agency use County funds as a match to other funds? If so, what is the match requirement? L 4. Use of Funds Complete the attached Budget Template and submit it with this request. 5. Other Funding and Resources List other funds or resources supporting this activity, if any. Include confirmed and pending support. If none, write "None." Source Amount / value I Confirmed, pending, or in -kind 6. Basic Eligibility and Compliance Check each statement that applies. If a statement does not apply, explain in the space provided or attach a brief explanation. ❑ The organization is authorized to operate and provide services in Kittitas County. ❑ The organization is in good standing with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Kittitas County Human Services - Non -Competitive Funding Request ❑ The organization is not suspended or debarred from receiving public funds. ❑ The requested funds will be used only for the purpose described in this request. ❑ The organization will maintain records supporting costs, services, and outcomes and will provide reports or documentation requested by Kittitas County. ❑ The organization will comply with the terms of any County agreement and applicable nondiscrimination requirements. Explanation or exceptions (if any): 7. Applicant Conflict -of -Interest Disclosure and Certification Disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest related to this funding request. This includes any County elected official, appointed official, employee, or immediate family member with a direct or indirect financial interest in the applicant organization, this request, or an anticipated County -funded agreement. Attach additional pages if needed. Disclosure (identify the person, County role, nature of the interest, and steps taken or proposed to manage the conflict): ❑ No actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest is known to the applicant. Applicant certification: I certify that the disclosure above is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I agree to notify Kittitas County promptly if a conflict arises or becomes known after submission. I understand that Kittitas County will review disclosed or identified conflicts before approving or administering funding and may require mitigation, recusal, additional disclosure, or other appropriate action. County conflict review (County use only) Reviewer name and title Review date Determination ❑ No conflict identified ❑ Conflict disclosed/identified; mitigation or other action required Required action / approval notes 8. Required Documentation Complete the attached Contractor Risk Assessment and Monitoring Determination and submit it with this request. 9. 2025-2030 Homeless Housing Plan Alignment Complete this section to show how the request supports the Kittitas County 2025-2030 Homeless Housing Plan. Plan goal(s) supported (select all that apply): ❑ Goal 1: Equitable, accountable, and transparent response system ❑ Goal 2: Provider workforce ❑ Goal 3: Prevention ❑ Goal 4: Highest barriers/risk ❑ Goal 5: Stable housing Kittitas County Human Services - Non -Competitive Funding Request Alignment summary: Identify the applicable plan strategy/action and briefly explain how the request addresses a Kittitas County need or service gap. Expected results: List the primary measurable result(s) for the funding period and how they will be reported (for example, people served, housing outcomes, referrals, or staff trained). 10. Certification I certify that the information in this request is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that approval of this request does not create a County obligation until required County approvals and a written agreement or other funding authorization are completed. Authorized signature Printed name and title Date Kittitas County Human Services - Non -Competitive Funding Request KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STAFF REPORT FOR STUDY SESSION Public Health Office STUDY SESSION DATE: 10/28/26 TOPIC: Kratom Age -Gating Discussion/Decision ACTION REQUESTED: Discussion/Decision LEAD STAFF: Mark Larson, Health Officer Chelsey Loeffers, PH Director RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to conduct initial planning and stakeholder engagement for a proposed county ordinance prohibiting retail sale of kratom products to persons under age 21. BRIEFING SUMMARY: Kratom and concentrated 7-OH products have opioid-like effects and have been associated with dependence, withdrawal, and serious health risks; product potency and contents can vary. • Kittitas County has had two kratom-related deaths in adults confirmed by toxicology. Washington does not currently have a statewide minimum purchase age for kratom, despite its availability in some retail and online settings. • A 2 1 + retail age requirement aligns with Washington's approach to other potentially addictive products, including tobacco/vapor products and cannabis. • Initial planning would explore an ordinance focused on retail sales and age verification, not criminalizing possession or use, while allowing staff to consult legal counsel, municipal partners, retailers, and enforcement partners before returning with options. BACKGROUND: Kratom is a botanical product derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. It can produce stimulant -like effects at lower doses and opioid-like or sedating effects at higher doses. Kratom products are commonly sold as powders, capsules, teas, gummies, extracts, and liquid "shots" through online retailers and in some retail settings, including convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops. Kratom is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, and Washington does not currently have a statewide minimum -age requirement specific to kratom products. However, kratom products are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use. Page 1 of 2 Public Health Office "Study Session Staff Report", 12/23/2024 Washington also does not have a comprehensive, kratom-specific regulatory framework for product potency, testing, labeling, or retail sales. Product composition and potency can vary, particularly among extracts and products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), an alkaloid with opioid-like effects. FDA has raised concerns about contamination, undisclosed ingredients, and highly concentrated products. Reported health risks associated with kratom include dependence and withdrawal, liver injury, seizures, cardiovascular effects, and, in some cases, serious illness or death. Individual reports can be complicated by co -use of other substances and differences in product formulation. Some individuals report using kratom to self -manage pain, anxiety, depression, opioid withdrawal, or use of other substances. However, these reported uses do not establish that kratom is safe or effective for medical treatment, and no kratom product has been approved by FDA for therapeutic use. DISCUSSION: This request is not to prohibit adult possession or use of kratom. It is to begin planning for a practical 21-and-over retail safeguard. In the absence of statewide age restrictions, the County has an opportunity to reduce youth access to products with variable contents, opioid-like effects, and emerging concerns around concentrated 7-OH products. • Restricting access protects adolescents and young adults during a developmental period of heightened vulnerability. Delaying commercial access is a common prevention strategy for substances associated with dependence, impaired judgment, and other health risks. • A 2 1 + threshold aligns with Washington's age -based approach for other potentially addictive retail products, including tobacco/vapor products and cannabis. This gives retailers, families, and enforcement partners a familiar standard. • FDA reports that kratom-related and concentrated 7-OH products are sold online and in gas stations, corner stores, and vape shops. Age verification would add a practical barrier between these products and youth. • Retail products can vary substantially in formulation and concentration. FDA has raised concerns about products with enhanced 7-OH content, inaccurate labeling, and products that may appeal to youth through flavors, candy -like forms, or packaging. • Initial planning would allow staff to work with municipal partners on possible coordinated ordinances, assess local availability, conduct outreach to stakeholders including retailers and law enforcement, coordinate with County legal counsel, identify enforcement options and capacity, and return with ordinance options and estimated implementation costs before the BOCC takes final action. FISCAL IMPACTS: Fiscal impacts would be identified as part of the planning process. ATTACHMENTS: none Legal consultation? Not at this time: Legal Request N/A Finance consulted? No Page 2 of 2 Public Health Office "Study Session Staff Report", 12/23/2024