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2025-09-18 MINUTES 1 <br /> <br />KITTITAS COUNTY <br />FINANCE STUDY SESSION MINUTES <br />BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG <br /> <br />THURSDAY 1:30 PM SEPT 18, 2025 <br /> <br />Board members present: Chairman Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner Brett Wachsmith <br />Staff Present: Budget and Finance Director, Zack DeHaven, Auditor, Bryan Elliott, <br />Treasurer, Amy Cziske, Lisa Murray, Andrew Yoder, Sue Patterson, Patti <br />Stacey <br />Others: Pat Kelleher <br /> <br />1. Call to Order: 1:30pm <br />2. Citizen Comments – None <br />3. Preliminary Budget Review (Information Only) <br />Zack DeHaven reviews the preliminary 2026 Budget. The most up to date version of the working <br />preliminary budget was distributed. The General Fund deficit is currently estimated at $6.3M. <br />Zack provided an overview of countywide financial activity, including both expenses and <br />revenues. He highlighted the top five categories in each area to illustrate key drivers of the <br />county’s financial position. <br />A review of non-departmental county contracts was discussed and decided upon. <br />Yakima Humane Society was approved. <br />Kittitas County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was approved <br />Upper Kittitas County Transportation Services agreement between Hopesource and Kittitas <br />County approved. <br />Upper Kittitas County Senior Center is being continued. <br />Kittitas County Regional Library Board is being continued. <br /> <br />4. Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) Current Usage and Changes (Information Only) <br />Zack DeHaven discusses the new changes with REET 1 and REET 2 funding. House Bill 1791 <br />went into effect and any revenues raised under REET 1 may now be eligible for REET 2 and <br />vice versa. This brings more flexibility for upcoming projects. A joint meeting with Public <br />Works is requested to review projects and their funding. <br /> <br />