HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-06-minutes-law-and-justice-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY
LAW AND JUSTICE STUDY SESSION MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS' AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 109 - ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
WEDNESDAY 8:02 AM Janua 6, 2021
Board members present: Brett Wachsmith Chairman, Commissioners Cory Wright, Laura
Osiadacz (via WebEx).
Others via WebEx: Sheriff Clay Myers, Inspector Chris Whitsett and Judy Pless, Budget &
Finance Manager.
Budget Process & Responsibility — Sheriff Myers discussed the budget process an outlined concern with
the board giving direction and a timeline, then making changes to significant items (body cams) prior to
the timeline. Outlining the negative staff -times and equipment priorities
Commissioner Wright discussed communication concerns with impacts to IT and potential policy
changes to support a broader request process for large ticket items.
Sheriff Myers and Inspector Whitsett clarified the impacts to IT would be minimal.
Commissioner Osiadacz shared concerns over this year's tight timelines and acknowledged the
importance of these types of clarifying meetings.
The Board clarified it's rational in requesting the cuts and Chairman Wachsmith voiced support of a
budget adjustment to support body cams, but not an amendment.
Current Mandates — Sheriff Myers asked if the board received additional direction from State or IMT on
establishing Regions. Commissioner Osiadacz indicated the reasoning is due to medical and migration of
people, lumping us in with Benton Franklin, Yakima, Columbia, and Walla Walla. She stated the Board is
objecting. Sheriff Myers voiced concern, as EM director, on potential impacts to the current statewide
system and long-standing processes.
Commissioner Wright asked Sheriff Myers if he would you be interested in an executive session with
prosecutor and the board on this. Sheriff agreed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Meeting adjourned at 8:51 AM
Kim Dawson
2020-12-02 MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman