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2026-05-21 MINUTES 1 <br /> <br />KITTITAS COUNTY <br />FINANCE STUDY SESSION MINUTES <br />BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG <br />Regular Meeting <br /> <br />THURSDAY 1:30 PM May 21, 2026 <br />Board members present: <br />Brett Wachsmith, Cory Wright <br />Others: <br />Zack Dehaven, Bryan Elliott, Darren Higashiyama, Ben Kokjer, Patti Stacey, Lisa Murray, Reid <br />Burbank, Chelsey Loeffers, Katie Odiaga <br />Meeting called order at 1:29pm <br />Citizen Comment: None <br />EOC/SAR Update: <br />Zack DeHaven presented the update, and the project has completed the site preparation phase <br />and is now in the construction phase. Total construction funding is $3,685,000, with $3,203,545 <br />committed under the current contract and $181,480 authorized through change orders, leaving an <br />estimated contingency balance of approximately $300,000. Funding sources include the General <br />Fund, REET, grant funding, and the 3/10ths Sales Tax. Concerns remain regarding the project <br />timeline and the County’s ability to meet grant requirements for approximately $1.2 million in <br />Phase One funding due to potential delays in steel building and generator delivery. Darren <br />Higashiyama provided an update on discussions with the granting agency and the status of grant <br />funding. Patti Stacey spoke about the completed portion of the project. <br />Public Health Reduction of Funding: <br />Chelsey Loeffers at Public Health provided an update regarding anticipated revenue reductions <br />of approximately $425,000 annually, with the potential for additional future reductions. Staff <br />discussed a phased plan to gradually adjust staffing, operations, and services to align with <br />available funding while minimizing layoffs and service disruptions. The Public Health <br />Department is actively searching for additional funding. Public Health may temporarily use <br />available fund balance funds during the transition, but staff noted this is not a long-term solution. <br />Zack DeHaven presented an attrition plan with service level adjustments and General Fund <br />support. <br /> Commissioner Cory Wright expressed support for the tentative plan. <br />