HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-01-minutes-sheriffs-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY
SHERIFF'S STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
WEDNESDAY 8:04 AM I Februa 1, 2023
Board members present: Chairman Cory Wright, Vice -Chairman Brett Wachsmith, and Commissioner
Laura Osiadacz (via WebEx).
Others: Chief Ben Kokjer, Auditor Bryan Elliott, Budget Director Brian Carlson (via WebEx), Treasurer
Amy Cziske, Lt. Ed Buntin, Inspector Chris Whitsett and Sheriff Clay Myers.
Citizen Comments: None
Surplus Update: Chief Kokjer updated the Board on the vehicle trade to rent with Cie Elum. He
mentioned there are troubling areas for Cie Elum and so Chairman Wright approved moving forward to
surplus the vehicle.
Discussion on Legislation: Inspector Whitsett provided updates on some legislation bills; substance use
disorder we are waiting to see what happens, watching the bill on vehicle pursuits, interviewing of
juveniles as it makes it impossible for law enforcement, and mentioned the House Bills (HB 1025, HB
1445). Chairman Wright asked Commissioner Osiadacz if this has been on WASAC radar, and she
replied that for different municipalities on firearms bill. Inspector Whitsett indicated that Deputy
Prosecutor Chris Horner is aware and on the same page regarding 1-1131025. Commissioner Osiadacz will
discuss that bill with formal questions this week. Chairman Wright asked Commissioner Osiadacz to
discuss at WASAC and bring back to him and he will follow up with the Sheriff's Office if needed.
Command Structure: Budget Director Brian Carlson provided an overview of the proposal on the
Sheriff's Office restructure for the and jail and line and that the Sheriff's Office acknowledges the current
hold on moratorium. The Sheriff's Office and finance staff have calculated estimated budget impacts and
identified other operational benefits. Chief Kokjer included that the Sheriff's Office does system
analysis yearly and that LEMAP questioned the 24-hour supervision that we currently do not have. Chief
Kokjer added that we have grown, our sergeants are now supervising 13-14 people, this gives us 24-hour
supervision and reduces risk mitigation. Chairman Wright recognized the value of this and understands,
however we are now in a current 90 -day moratorium and possibly at the end of February make more solid
decision on revenue.
Other Business: None.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m.
Kim Dawson
2023-02-01 MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Cory Wright, Chairman