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�L�SCpdES:; z Kittitas County <br />C <br />- Office of the County Treasurer <br />Amy Cziske, Treasurer <br />KITTITAS ( :NTV <br />Memorandum <br />TO: Kittitas County offices and departments <br />FROM: Amy Cziske, Kittitas County Treasurer <br />DATE: February 17, 2026 <br />RE: Penny Shortage <br />As you may be aware, the US Treasury Department has ceased minting new pennies for circulation. <br />For organizations that accept cash payments, providing exact change to customers can be <br />challenging. Our primary banking partner, US Bank, has confirmed that it is experiencing a penny <br />shortage and cannot fulfill our coin orders at this time. <br />While we await additional Federal and/or State guidance, or any legislative action that may address <br />this issue, we are requesting your department/office to request exact change for cash <br />transactions. <br />This is the simplest and most straight forward option, particularly when prices are fixed by statute <br />or external agreement. If you choose this approach, please ensure the policy is clearly posted <br />for customers. <br />We also advise against stockpiling pennies. Handling large quantities of coin increases the risk of <br />misplacement, and all losses — regardless of amount -- must be reported to the Washington State <br />Auditor. Storing pennies introduces avoidable administrative burden and risk for a low -value <br />activity, especially when viable alternatives exist. <br />As additional information or guidance becomes available, we will share updates and any further <br />recommendations. <br />Please contact my office with any questions or if you would like to discuss these options further. <br />205 West Fifth ♦ Courthouse Room #102 <br />Ellensburg, Washington 98926 <br />Phone (509) 962-7535 ♦ Facsimile (509) 933-8212 <br />