HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-14-minutes-hr-study-session2026-04-14 MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY
HR STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 W 5TH AVE., ROOM 108, ELLENSBURG
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY 10:00 AM 4/14/2026
Board Members Present: Brett Wachsmith, Laura Osiadacz
Others Present: Clay Myers, Mike Hougardy, Chelsey Loeffers, Josh Fredrickson, Therese Murphy, Jeanne
Killgore
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM.
CITIZEN COMMENTS (1 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)
None.
DISCUSSION/DECISION – PUBLIC WORKS STAFFING
Public Works Director Fredrickson presented a request to reclassify the County Engineer position to Deputy
Director/County Engineer. He explained that recruitment efforts to fill the County Engineer vacancy have been
unsuccessful. The Board approved the reclassification and directed staff to begin the recruitment process.
DISCUSSION/DECISION – ASSESSOR’S OFFICE STAFFING
Assessor Hougardy requested Board approval to begin the recruitment process for a new Appraiser I prior to the
retirement of the current Appraiser IV – Lead Appraiser. He explained that the overlap would allow training of the
new employee while the current employee transitions out of the County. The Board approved the request.
DISCUSSION/DECISION – POLITICAL ACTIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
HR Director Killgore requested Board review and approval of an agency-wide communication regarding the
County’s political activity personnel policy. She explained that it is an active election cycle with several County
staff running for election or reelection, and a friendly reminder regarding the County’s policy may be helpful. The
Board provided direction to move forward with the communication.
CLOSED SESSION – RCW 42.30.140(4)(B)
The OPMA does not apply to that portion of a meeting during which the governing body is planning or adopting the
strategy or position to be taken by the governing body during the course of any collective bargaining negotiations, or
grievance or mediation proceedings, or reviewing the proposals made in the negotiations or proceedings while in progress.
The Board entered closed session to discuss collective bargaining with Sherif Myers, DPA Murphy, and Director
Killgore. The Board exited closed session with direction to staff not to proceed with mid-contract union
discussions.
The Board reentered closed session with Public Health Director Loeffers, DPA Murphy, and Director Killgore.
The Board exited closed session with no action taken.
2026-04-14 MINUTES
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board reviewed the recommendations from the Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Salaries for Elected
Officials. They expressed interest in discussing further when the full Board is present.
CONCLUDED
The meeting was concluded at 10:55 AM.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Jeanne Killgore, HR Director Cory Wright, Chair