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KITTITAS COUNTY <br />SHERIFF'S STUDY SESSION MINUTES <br />COMMISSIONERS' AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 109 - ELLENSBURG <br />Regular Meeting <br />WEDNESDAY 1 8:00 AM I Janua 7, 2026 <br />Board members present: Chairman Cory Wright, Vice -Chairman Brett Wachsmith and Commissioner <br />Laura Osiadacz. Others: Sheriff Myers, Inspector Chris Whitsett, Chief Admin Deputy Nancy Shaff, <br />Finance Director Zack DeHaven, Chief Civil Deputy Stephanie Hartung, Deputy Prosecutor Miko <br />Tempski, and CDS Director Chad Bala. <br />Citizen Comments: None. <br />Discuss process and responsibilities for Abatement: Sheriff Myers mentioned -the need for a finer point <br />in this process to include the budget. Stephanie said she has an upcoming meeting with Molly and will <br />work with her. Stephanie also agrees that clarity is needed. Chad said on their end they are working on <br />reviewing documents and rates and working with the Prosecutor Office. Zack agrees there needs an <br />amount in a fund to start, who would manage the cost and identify the responsibilities of that budget and <br />recommended that it fall with CDS. Sheriff Myers added that there would need to be policy guidelines <br />established. <br />Discuss and acknowledge K9 MOU and donation form between Sheriffs Office and Kittitas County <br />Sheriffs Association: Inspector Chris Whitsett explained the Sheriff's Office intentions to acquire and <br />deploy a patrol K9 to the board along with informing the board that a private party provided Sheriff <br />Myers with a large donation. Inspector mentioned he worked with legal on the donation receipt form, <br />spoke with Finance for a plan in place on the funding and wanted to inform the board for <br />acknowledgment. Motion was moved to pass donation by Chairman Wright. <br />Other Business: Sheriff Myers wanted to provide an update on the Boating program that there are <br />changes this year and that we can't draw on the 2024/2025 funds unless we have the 2026 year approved. <br />This effects grants, training, contracted instructors, conferences, life jacket programs, all those funded <br />through federal monies until this agreement is signed. As it stands, State Parks funding is stalled, and we <br />are prepared to manage but it affects 2-3 years down the road. <br />Sheriff Myers mentioned the snowmobile registration has decreased and the discussion as to what are the <br />issues, is it snowmobile sales, climate change or is the program declining and need to adjust the program. <br />Sheriff said he would speak with Chief Kokjer on the operation side and Chairman Wright mentioned he <br />will keep having conversations with State Parks. <br />Meeting adjourned at 8:44 a.m. <br />KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br />KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON <br />SW\__ <br />m Dawson Cory Wright, Chairman <br />2026-01-07 MINUTES <br />