HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-16-minutes-finance-study-session2026-07-16 MINUTES 1
KITTITAS COUNTY
FINANCE STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
THURSDAY 1:30 PM July 16, 2026
Board members present: Brett Wachsmith, Laura Osiadacz
Staff: Zack Dehaven, Bryan Elliott, Andrew Yoder, Sue Patterson, Amy Cziske, Lisa Murray,
Zane Kinney, Therese Murphy.
Others: Amy McGuffin, Johann Furr, Pat Deneen, Pat Kelleher
Meeting called order at 1:30pm
Citizen Comment: None
Sewer District #8 (Discussion Only)
Therese Murphy with the Prosecutor’s Office reported that it had completed its review of the
necessary documentation and determined that the County may proceed with supporting Sewer
District #8 operations. The County will move forward with establishing banking services for the
district through the Treasurer's Office, and the Auditor's Office will issue warrants on behalf of
Sewer District #8. It was also noted that the Sewer District #8 Board consists of three positions,
with two positions currently filled and one position vacant. The Board of County Commissioners
will seek recommendations for qualified individuals to fill the vacant third board position.
Finalize Fieldhouse Commitment- Resolution and ILA (Discussion/Decision:
Zack DeHaven recommends the board to review and sign the Interlocal agreement and the
Resolution to allocate $1,000.000 from available REET II finds to support the construction of the
Ellensburg Fieldhouse project.
Commissioner Laura Osiadacz makes a motion to approve and sign both the Interlocal
Agreement and the Resolution as stated above. Commissioner Brett Wachsmith seconded
the motion and the motion passed.
Resolution to Authorize Director Signature Fairgrounds Contract (Discussion/Decision):
A request to authorize contract signing authority for Director Patti Stacey and Director Cody
Cupp for the Belsaas & Smith contract related to SCJ Project #22-000186-3 to bury electrical
lines at the Fairgrounds. The contract is currently under legal review, and the additional signing
authority was requested to avoid delays and allow the project to begin promptly and be
completed before the County Fair.
2026-07-16 MINUTES 2
Commissioner Laura Osiacadz makes a motion to Approve the Resolution Authorizing
Contract signing permissions be granted to Director Patti Stacey and Director Cody Cupp,
specifically for the Belsaas & Smith contract for SCJ project #22-000186-3 to bury some
electrical lines. Commissioner Brett Wachsmith seconded the motion and the motion
passed.
IT Server Room HVAC (Discussion):
Zack Dehaven gave a brief introduction regarding the County's server room HVAC system,
which has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to ensure the continued
operation of critical County technology infrastructure. Staff recommended earmarking an
additional $60,000, through either a 2026 budget amendment or the 2027 budget process, to
supplement the $35,000 already included in the 2026 adopted budget for the project. Staff noted
that while repairs restored the system to operation following a failure, replacement is the most
cost-effective long-term solution to reduce the risk of future failures and disruptions to County
operations.
Sales Tax Update (Discussion):
Zack Dehaven gave a monthly financial update on unincorporated (local retail) sales tax and
other revenue sources. Staff reported that while local retail sales tax collections rebounded in
June, revenues are still projected to finish approximately $500,000 below the 2026 budget if
current trends continue. Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) collections also remain below the prior
year, and staff noted that, when adjusted for inflation, the County's purchasing power continues
to decline despite modest nominal revenue growth. Staff will continue to provide monthly
updates to monitor revenue trends and fiscal impacts.
OTHER BUSINESS- None
Meeting adjourned at 1:55pm
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sue Patterson Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner, Acting
Chair