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2026-04-16 MINUTES 1
KITTITAS COUNTY
FINANCE STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
THURSDAY 1:30 PM April 16, 2026
Board members present:
Brett Wachsmith, Laura Osiadasz
Others:
Zack Dehaven, Bryan Elliott, Andrew Yoder, Heidi Behrends Cerniwey, Pat Kelleher
Meeting called to order at 1:30pm.
Citizen Comment:
Pat Kelleher emailed comments regarding the proposed Fieldhouse contributions (attached).
Ellensburg Fieldhouse Funding
Mr. Dehaven presented a proposal to contribute $1,000,000 from REET II toward the Ellensburg
Fieldhouse plan. Commissioners Wachsmith and Osiadacz expressed support. Mr. Dehaven will
return with a resolution to formalize the commitment at the May 5th agenda session.
2025 Financial Recap
Mr. Dehaven presented the Central Services Committee’s report on the results of Fiscal Year
2025. He also presented metrics pertaining to the health of the General Fund as of the same
period, stating that the fund is currently in “Strong Health” but trending toward “Moderate
Concern”. Commissioner Osiadacz asked for clarification that the Personnel Benefits shown
include deductions and employer contributions to the Self-Insurance Fund but not claims paid.
Mr. Dehaven confirmed. Commissioner Osiadacz then asked for a follow-up regarding the health
of the Self-Insurance Fund.
2026 Budget Amendment Review
Mr. Dehaven presented the list of requested amendments for the 2026 budget. Commissioners
Wachsmith and Osiadacz did not have any questions or follow-up. Mr. Dehaven will begin the
process to return for formal approval.
2026-04-16 MINUTES 2
2027 Budget Strategic Priorities
Mr. Elliott presented proposed 2027 Budget Development Timeline and Rules of Engagement
and asked the Board for their strategic priorities. Commissioners Wachsmith and Osiadacz stated
that position reclassification requests will not be heard during the budget process, only requests
for new positions. Mr. Elliott also presented the strategic priorities developed by the
Management Team.
Mr. Dehaven presented a plan for creating a work group to explore capital divestiture and the
development of new county infrastructure. Commissioner Wachsmith requests options that
provide for greatest flexibility for reaching capital priorities.
Commissioner Wachsmith expressed a desire to show the effect of statutory requirements on the
County’s budget. Specifically, where the County has had to increase costs to meet these
requirements. He also requested more details to be shown for Airport, Event Center (General
Fund), Solid Waste, and Road funds to better understand their operations and health.
Commissioner Osiadacz requested a departmental breakdown of “Statutory” vs. “Optional”
services that they provide. Mr. Dehaven suggested this be included in budget books during the
development of the 2027 budget.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
Meeting adjourned at 2:30pm.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Andrew Yoder Cory Wright, Chairman