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2026-06-18 MINUTES 2 <br /> <br />The CDS budget discussion is also interesting. Four positions are being eliminated from a single <br />department. CDS may require downsizing, but the larger concern should be total County payroll, <br />not just one department. <br />A County-wide hiring freeze should be implemented, with any exceptions requiring specific <br />BOCC approval. As positions become vacant through retirement, resignation, or transfer, <br />workload balancing opportunities should be reviewed before hiring replacements. Cost-of-living <br />adjustments, where not contractually required, should also be considered for suspension. <br />Department-specific payroll reductions are the wrong approach when the challenge is County- <br />wide spending. The solution should be a comprehensive review of personnel costs across all <br />departments. <br />Old SAR Building on Leased BNSF Land (Discussion/Decision) <br />Darren Higashiyama from the Sheriff’s office reported a significant increase in the lease <br />payment for the former Search and Rescue (SAR) facility leased from BNSF Railway Company. <br />The annual lease rate will increase from $1,242.83 to $14,250 effective September 1, 2026, with <br />a prorated charge of $10,971.48 for the remainder of the current lease year. Staff recommended <br />that the Facilities Department develop a plan to vacate the leased property and return with <br />options for Board consideration. The legal department will be contacted. <br />Ellensburg Fieldhouse Funding-Interlocal Agreement (Discussion/Decision) <br />Zack DeHaven presented an Interlocal Agreement proposing a $1,000,000 allocation of REET II <br />funds to support the City of Ellensburg Fieldhouse project. The contribution would assist with <br />project construction and financing costs and be distributed as needed throughout the project. The <br />proposed funding would come from available REET II funds without impacting the County <br />General Fund. Discussion focused on the project financing structure and the County’s role in <br />supporting the development of a community asset. <br />Commissioner Laura Osiadacz makes a motion to approve and sign the Interlocal <br />Agreement to allocate $1,000,000 from Reet II funds to support the construction of the <br />Ellensburg Fieldhouse project. Chairman Cory Wright seconded the motion and the <br />motion passed. <br />Rodeo Grandstands Project update and Interlocal Agreement (Discussion/Decision) <br />Zack DeHaven updated the board that due to changes still taking place with the Interlocal <br />Agreement with the City of Ellensburg for a $500,000 Lodging Tax contribution the review <br />would be postponed to a later meeting. He explained that construction costs exceeded original <br />funding estimates due to change orders, market conditions, sales tax, and the compressed <br />schedule required to complete the project before the annual rodeo. The remaining funding <br />shortfall is estimated at approximately $600,000. Staff recommended using REET funds to cover