2021-10-26-minutes-follow-up-meeting-with-prosecutor-and-auditor

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10/26/21 MINUTES 1 COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON CONFERENCE ROOM/WEBEX SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY 1:30 P.M OCTOBER 26, 2021 Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman Laura Osiadacz, and Commissioner Cory Wright. Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Jerry Pettit, Auditor; Greg Zempel, Prosecutor; Sue Higginbotham, Chief Administrator; and Carly Brettmann, Communications Director. SPECIAL MEETING MH/REET TAXES COMMISSIONERS At 1:30 p.m. Chairman Wachsmith opened a Special Meeting with the County Prosecutor and Auditor to discuss pending taxes to be included on a future ballot. There was discussion on a previous motion which had been approved to place the proposed increase of 1/10th of 1% in Sales & Use Tax for mental health purposes onto the 2021 General Election. There had been some confusion and therefore the deadline to include it on the General Election ballot had passed. Prosecutor Zempel explained the difference between an advisory vote and a vote of the people. Commissioner Wright felt that due to the confusion and not being able to get the pro and con committees together, it would be beneficial to go through the process again and to ensure everything was done correctly and in a timely manner. Chairman Wachsmith agreed to holding another Public Hearing, so everything is done accurately. Commissioner Osiadacz said she didn’t mind going through another Public Hearing but did not want anyone confused about her position and would stand by her decision that was previously made to put the issue on a ballot and allow people to vote on the proposed tax. Jerry Pettit, Auditor, explained how there needs to be a pro and con committee created on the issue so they can create and provide a statement to go into the voter’s pamphlet. Commissioner Wright said he would request the Prosecutors office to draft a Resolution to include ballot language for the Mental Health tax. Carly Brettmann, Communications Director was tasked with creating some messaging on why the Board will be holding another Public Hearing. The proposed REET tax was not disputed as the motion was clearly stated that the proposal would be put to a vote of the people on the 2022 General Election ballot. Mr. Pettit indicated his office would provide dates of when things are due into their office.