HomeMy WebLinkAboutFully Executed AgreementCity Contract#42926
2026 LODGING TAX SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN CITY OF ELLENSBURG AND KITTITAS COUNTY
This Contract, effective upon execution, is made and entered into by and between CITY OF
ELLENSBURG ("City"), a municipal corporation of the State of Washington, and KITTITAS
COUNTY ("County"), a municipal corporation and subdivision of the State of Washington, for the
"Rodeo G randstands" ("Project").
WHEREAS, the purpoee of thio Agrcemcnt is to provide for activities and expenditures designed
to increase tourism,
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions contained herein, or attached
and incorporated and made a part hereof, the City and the County mutually agree as follows:
Section 1. Scope of Work.
a. For purposes of this Agreement, Scope of Work, is defined as the Project Description
included in the County's application for lodging tax funds, submitted on March 3,2026,
which is attached to and incorporated by reference to this Agreement as Exhibit "A".
b. The County shall furnish or cause to be furnished all labor, personnel, supervision,
professional services, materials, equipment, and other resources necessary to implement
the Project for which lodging tax funds are awarded under this Agieement.
c. All such services, property and other items furnished or required to be furnished, together
with all other obligations performed, or required to be performed, by the County under this
Agreement are collectively referred to herein as "Services."
d. The County shall commence, perform, and complete such Services in accordance with
the project milestones in Exhibit "A."
Section 2. Payment.
a. As full compensation for satisfactory performance of the County's Services, the City
agrees to pay the County the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) (City of
Ellensburg lodging tax funding).
b. Additional payment terms: The City will make payment to the County only on a
reimbursement basis, as receipts/invoices are submitted to the City, not to exceed the total
sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) (City of Ellensburg lodging tax funding)
listed above in Section 2.a.
c. Services/Expenses that are reimbursed must be dated during the contract term, or consist
of eligible pre-award project expenses incurred on or after April 1't 2026, and final date to
submit reimbursements requests is January 30, 2027, after this date funds lapse.
d. Requests for reimbursements must be submitted to:
City of Ellensburg
Attn: Arts & Economic Development Manager
501 N Anderson St
Ellensburg, WA 98926
e. Reporting requirements of the project will be required on prescribed forms from the City.
f. County is eligible to claim reimbursement for services related to the Scope of Work and in
an amount not to exceed the total sum listed in Section 2.a.
g. The County must complete any Lodging Tax Reimbursement compliance requirements
provided by the City prior to filing reimbursement claim.
Section 3. Performance by the County.
a. The City acknowledges and agrees that the County is a government entity that will fulfill
the Scope of Work defined in Section 1 by procuring and managing third-party public works
general contractors, architects, engineers, and specialized subcontractors. The use of such
third-party professionals and construction firms is expressly authorized under this
Agreement and shall not be construed as an impermissible assignment or delegation of the
County's duties.
b. The County shall at alltimes be an independent contractor and not an agent or
representative of the City with regard to performing the Services. The County shall not
represent that it is, or hold itself out as, an agent or representative of the City. ln no event
shall the County be authorized to enter into any Agreement or undertaking for or on behalf
of the City. lt is understood that the County and the County's staff and employees are not
employees of the City and are not, therefore, entitled to any benefits provided employees of
the City.
c. The County shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders,
licenses, permits, and other requirements, now or hereafter in effect, of any governmental
authority (including, but not limited to, such requirements as may be imposed upon the City
and applicable to Services). The County shall furnish such documents as may be required to
effect or evidence such compliance. All laws, ordinances, rules, and orders required to be
incorporated into agreements of this character are incorporated into this Agreement by this
reference. The County agrees to obtain all required licenses and permits, and further agrees
to keep them in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement.
d. The City and the County agree that in fulfilling the terms and conditions of this Agreement
neither shall discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or
immigration status, age, sex, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status,
or the presence of a physical, sensory, or mental disability or the use of a trained guide dog
or service animal by a person with a disability.
e. This contract is subject to review by any Federal or State auditor. The County shall
promptly furnish the City or its designee, or such Federal or State auditor with such
information related to the Services as may be requested by the applicable governmental
entity. The County shall preserve and maintain all financial records and records relating to
performance of Services under this Agreement for six (6) years after contract termination.
For such duration after the City makes final payment of compensation due hereunder, the
County shall provide the City access to (and the City shall have the right to examine, audit
and copy, with orwithout notice) allof the County's books, documents, papers and records
related to the Services or this Agreement.
f. The County understands and acknowledges that the County is solely responsible for its
own reporting and accounting of all state, federal, social security, and local taxes, of every
nature, arising from the County's performance of this Agreement.
g. The County acknowledges and agrees that the Project is a public works project subject to
the laws of the State of Washington. The County shall ensure that all work performed by
third-party general contractors or subcontractors complies fully with all applicable public
works requirements under Washington law, including but not limited to public works bonds
and retainage pursuant to Chapters 39.08 and 60.28 RCW.
h. The County shall require that its primary contractor and any subcontractors pay prevailing
wages to all laborers, workers, or mechanics in compliance with Chapter 39.12 RCW. No
lodging tax funds shall be released by the City as reimbursement until the County confirms
that all applicable statutory intents to pay prevailing wages and affidavits of wages paid have
been properly filed with the Washington State Department of Labor & lndustries (L&l) by the
executing contractors.
i. The City's lodging tax funding is expressly conditioned upon the project's strict adherence
to these public works statutes. Any underpayment of prevailing wages or failure to secure
required public works bonds by the County's third-party agents shall be the sole
responsibility of the County, and the City shall assume no liability or financial exposure for
statutory non-compliance.
Section 4. lndemnity and Hold Harmless.
The City assumes no liability for the County's actions under this Agreement, including the
actions of any contractor or subcontractor hired by the County to perform the services described
in Exhibit "A". The County shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City, its officers and
employees, agents, representatives, attorneys and/or volunteers, from and against claims
arising from the County's negligent acts, errors, omissions, breach, or the acts of those for
whom the County is legally responsible including:
a. Any lien asserted upon any property of the City in connection with the Services for this
Agreement; or
b. Any breach of or default under this Agreement by the County.
Section 5. Gompliance with Public Records Law.
a. ln compliance with Washington's public records law, the City will retain copies of any
documents associated with this Agreement, which may be required by law unless legally
exempt from such retention, for any applicable legally required retention period.
b. ln the event a public records request is made to the City for documents created in relation
to this Agreement, should legal uncertainty arise regarding the disclosability of any
documents under federal or state public records laws, the City shall provide notice to the
County pursuant to Washington's public records act, chapter 42.56 RCW, to allow the
County to seek a court injunction.
c. The City specifically shall not be liable to the County for the City's release under public
records laws of any documents not protected by trademark, copyright or other law.
Section 6. lndustrial lnsurance Waiver.
With respect to performance of this Agreement and as to any claims against the City, its
Additional lnsureds, officers, agents and employees, the County expressly waives its immunity
under Title 51 of the Revised Code of Washington, the lndustrial lnsurance Act, for injuries to
the County's employees and agrees that the obligations to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
provided in this Agreement extend to any claim brought by or on behalf of any employee of the
County. This waiver is mutually negotiated by the parties to this Agreement.
Section 7. lnsurance and Endorsements.
a. The City requires that the County maintain liability insurance which will protect the
County, its employees, agents and representatives, from all claims, losses, harm, costs,
liabilities, damages and expenses arising out of personal injury (including death) or property
damage that may result from performance of the Services or this Agreement, whether such
performance is by the County or any of its employees, agents or representatives.
b. The County agrees to provide proof of insurance prior to commencing performance of this
Agreement.
c. Copies of the insurance documents provided by the County shall be attached to this
Agreement and by this reference will be made part hereof.
d. Where insurance secured by the County is through a self-insurance pool, it is understood
the City may not be named additional insured. Should the County purchase any policy that
is separate from their pooled coverage, the County's insurance policies shall be endorsed to
include the City as an Additional lnsured and shall stipulate that the insurance afforded by
the policies shall be primary insurance. Any insurance premiums, self-insured retention,
deductibles, or risk retention trusts maintained or participated in by the County shall be the
responsibility of the County. Any insurance, self-insurance, or self-insured pool coverage
maintained by the City shall be excess of the County's insurance and shall not contribute
with it. The County shall furnish the City with a certificate of insurance with Endorsement as
evidence that the required policies are in full force and effect.
Section 8. Termination
a. The City may, by providing sixty (60) days' advance written notice to the County,
terminate this Agreement as to any portion of the lodging tax funding not yet disbursed
b. The County shall not be obligated to refund any previously disbursed reimbursement
funds to the City for work already completed, materials delivered, or outstanding general
contractor invoices that the County is legally bound to pay under Washington public works
laws.
c. lf either party defaults in the performance of any material term or condition of this
Agreement, the non-defaulting party shall provide written notice specifying the default. The
defaulting party shall have thirty (30) days from receipt of such notice to cure the default. lf
the default is of such a nature that it cannot reasonably be cured within thirty (30) days, the
party shall not be in default if it commences a cure within such time and diligently
prosecutes it to completion.
Section 9. Miscellaneous.
a. T5 County slrall not (by contract, operation of law or othenrvigc) assign this Agrcoment or
any right or interest in this Agreement without the City's prior written consent.
b. This Agreement embodies the entire Agreement between the City and the County and
supersedes any and all prior oral or written communications, proposals, conditions,
promises, representations, or understandings regarding the Services. No change,
amendment or modification of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless set forth
in a written amendment to the Agreement signed by both parties.
c. Notice for any purpose under this Agreement, except service of process, shall be given by
the County to the City of Ellensburg, Attn: City Manager, 501 N Anderson St, Ellensburg,
WA 98926. For all purposes under this Agreement, any notice by the City to the County
shall be given to the County's address provided on the signature page. Notice may be given
by delivery or by depositing in the U.S. Mail, first class, postage prepaid, certified mail,
return receipt requested.
d. The section and paragraph headings of this Agreement are for reference convenience
only and are not intended to restrict, affect or be of any weight in interpreting or construing
the provisions of such sections or paragraphs.
e. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and by facsimile, each of
which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
f. The County warrants to the City that the individual signing on the County's behalf has the
requisite power and authority to enter into and to perform the County's obligations under this
Agreement. The County further warrants to the City that the County has made no
misrepresentation or misleading statement in connection with this Agreement, and is not in
violation of any applicable law, ordinance, or regulation the consequence of which will or
may materially affect the County's ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
g. lf any term or condition of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person(s) or
circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other terms, conditions or
applications which can be given effect without the invalid term, condition or application. To
this end, the terms and conditions of this Agreement are declared severable.
h. The exclusive venue for any action brought to enforce this Agreement or any of its terms
shall be in Kittitas County, State of Washington.
lN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.
CITY OF ELLENSBURG KITTITAS COUNTY
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Address:
501 N Anderson St
Ellensburg, WA 98926
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City Attorney
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Commissioner
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205 W Sth Ave, Suite 108
Ellensburg, WA 98926
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SEAL A
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Lodging Tax for Tourism-Related Operations
Application
Submission Deadline: Open
City of Ellensburg
501 N Anderson St,
Ellensburg, WA 98926
WNSFTINGTON
Lodging Tax
. General lnformation
The City of Ellensburg imposes a lodging tax assessed on the sale or charge made for furnishings
of lodging according to RCW 67.29.180 and RCW C7.28.78I. ln accot"datice wi[lr Llre lax arrd
Washington State law, a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has also been established. The
committee's purpose is to advise and recommend to the City Council how excise taxes on lodging
should be allocated to support tourism, which in turn generates revenue.
Uses Accordins to [aw:
Per RCW 67.28.t876, lodging tax revenues under this chapter may be used, directly by any
municipality or indirectly through a convention and visitor bureau or destination marketing
organization for:
a) Tourism marketing;
b) The marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists;
c) Su pporting the operations a nd capital expen d itures su pporting the operations of tou rism-
related facilities owned or operated by a municipality or a public facilities district created
under chapters 35.57 and 36.100 RCW; or
d) Supporting the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit
organizations described under 26 U.S.C.Sec. 501(c)(3) and 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(6)of the
internal revenue code of 1986, as amended,
The followins definitions. as set forth in RCW 67.28.080, should be considered in anv
application requesting fundins:
1. Tourism means economic activity resulting from tourists, which may include sales of overnight lodging,
meals, tours, gifts, or souvenirs.
2. Tourism promotion means activities, operations, and expenditures designed to increase tourism,
including but not limited to advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information for the
purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists; developing strategies to expand tourism; operating
tourism promotion agencies; and funding marketing or the operation of special events and festivals
to attract tourists
Review Process:
The City of Ellensburg's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) will review all completed
applications. Applicants will be provided with the opportunity to present their projects to the
3. Tourism-related facility means real or tangible personal property with a usable life of three or more
years, or constructed with volunteer labor that is: (a) (i) owned by a public entity; (ii) owned by a
nonprofit organization described under section 501 (c) (3) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986,
as amended; or (iii) owned by a nonprofit organization described under section 501 (c) (6) of the federal
internal revenue code of 1986, as amended; a business organization, destination marketing
organizations, main street organization, lodging association, or chamber of commerce; and (b) used to
support tourism, performing arts, or to accommodate tourist activities.
LTAC and answer questions. The LTAC will submit their recommendations to the City Council
who have final approval authority for the list of recommendations.
prior to making a final decision, the Council will publicly deliberate on the recommendations
received from the LTAC. Applicants may also be requested to present their projects to the Council
and answer questions.
please return ONE COPY of the entire original application and answers to narrative questions tq:
City of Ellensburg
Attn: Kelle Vandenberg, Arts & Economic Development Manager
501 N Anderson Street
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Prolact Manasgnentl
After reviewing and considering the recommendation of the LTAC, the City of Ellensburg's City Council
will approve or deny the application, following the process set forth in RCW 67.28.7876 and/or RCW
67.28.L8L7. The Council's approval of an application and award of funds will be via Resolution.
All funds awarded under this program will be available in the form of a direct charge to the Lodging tax
budget for the Fiscal year, January through December.
All funds awarded will be available for reimbursement until January of the next year' lf January 15, falls
on a weekend the requests must be submitted on the Monday immediately following' Unless
otherwise approved by the City, in writing, any unexpended funds will be returned to the Lodging Tax
account and made available for re-appropriation.
All requests for reimbursement shall be made to the City of Ellensburg's Managers office at the
following address:
City of Ellensburg
Attn: Kelle Vandenberg, Arts & Economic Development
Manager
vandenberek@ellensburewa.sov
so9-962-7L49
50L N Anderson St
Ellensburg, WA 98926
For specific information and requirements regarding the reimbursement process, please contact 509-
962-722L.
Application Requirements
X 1. As required by RCW 67.28.18\6, Applicants must demonstrate the project is for
tourism promotion purposes, and Applicants must also provide estimates of how any moneys
received will result in increases in the number of people traveling for business or pleasure on a
trip:
a) Away from their place of residence or business and staying overnight in paid
accommodations;
b) To a place fifty miles or more one way from their place of residence or business for
the day or staying overnight; or
c) From another country or state outside of their place of residence or their business.
Y 2. A completed project budget is included in the application.
Applicant Certification: Please sign below in agreement with statement of certification.
Certification is hereby given that the information provided is accurate and the applicable
attachments are complete and included as part of the application package.
I further certify that the application thresholds are met at the time of application.
7/o\/ zou-
DateSignature of al Representative Title
Tourism-Related Facility Operational Funding Narrative
Expanded Questions for Application
t. Project Desription:
The Ellensburg Rodeo Grandstands Project is a large-scale infrastructure initiative designed to enhance
both the spectator experience and safety at the historic Ellensburg Rodeo and the many year-round
events held at the Kittitas Valley Event Center (KVEC). The project includes the demolition of aging
structures-including seating sections AA through J.l, the catwalk, restrooms, and Behind-the-Chutes
areas-and the construction of modern, accessible, and code-compliant grandstands with expanded
restrooms, upgraded concessions, improved lighting, and safer, more efficient pedestrian circulation.
This redevelopment enhances safety, accessibility, and functionality while preserving the venue's
historic character.
Key project components include:
New Grandstands: Aluminum bench seating with backs, premium seating zones, and expanded
ADA-accessible seating.
Support Facilities: Upgraded restrooms, expanded concessions, improved participant staging
areas, and modernized gathering spaces.
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lnfrastructure lmprovements: Enhanced lighting, safe pedestrian flow with a new skywalk
connection to the fairgrounds, and full building code compliance'
Sustainability: Designed to achieve LEED Silver certification through energy-efficient systems
and durable materials.
Milestone Start Date Completion Date
Final Design Completed Mav !,2O25 June 30, 2025
Permitting and Bidding Julv L,2025 September 9,2025
Approval and Contracting September 16,2025 September 30, 2025
Site Prep and Demolition October L,2025 November 15,2025
Primary Construction November L6,2025 Mav 37,2025
Final I nspections/Testing June L,2026 luJy 3L,2026
Facility Opening and Prep August 7,2026 August tO,2026
2. Tourism lmpact Analysis:
The grandstands redevelopment substantially advances regional tourism by modernizing one of the
County's premier event venues. This project directly aligns with the top recommendation in the Kittitas
County Tourism Strategic Plan, which prioritizes investment in KVEC and the Rodeo Grounds as critical
tourism infrastructure. The enhanced facility is expected to increase event attendance, elevate the
profile of the Ellensburg Rodeo, and expand the venue's usability for concerts, festivals, equestrian
events, and other year-round programming.
3. Projected Attendance and Visitor Data
The upgraded grandstands will sqpport major tourism-driven events such as the Ellensburg Rodeo, Bares
& Broncs, Cowboy Cross, equestrian competitions, and concerts. lmproved amenities and expanded
accessibility will benefit tourists, participants, and community members alike. Currently the event
calendar has availabilily for 27 additional event days. Upgrades are expected to attract additional
interest in the facility. lf an 9 additional events were added during the May to October period, with 3 of
them being large scale events then based on an average attendance of 5,000 per event, the venue could
attract approximately 15,000 attendees during this period, including an estimated 5,100 tourists
traveling more than 50 miles.
4. Economic Benefits:
The economic impact of these improvements is equally significant. As more visitors attend events at the
modernized facility, they will spend more in the local economy-staying in hotels, dining at restaurants,
shopping at local businesses, and fueling at area gas stations. The Kittitas Valley Event Center serves as a
key economic driver for Kittitas County by generating a significant volume of overnight stays in lodging
facilities located both inside and outside the City of Ellensburg. With the planned enhancements, this
impact is expected to grow, further establishing the Event Center as a key contributor to overnight
visitation and regional economic development. lncreased activity will support localjobs and generate
sustained growth, benefiting both residents and business owners.
Assuming an additional 5,100 tourists spend a minimum of 5223 per day* and stay for an average of
I.47 days**,this project is estimated to generate an additional S1,671,831 in economic impact for both
the City of Ellensburg and Kittitas County.
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* Spending amount figure was pulled from Oxford Economics and presented by the Thurston EDC during
their officiol 2O22 economic impoct study on the Ellensburg Rodeo
**7.47 is the multiplier effect ossigned to KVEC within the Kittitos County Tourism Strotegic Plan when
discussing the potential economic impoct of capital investments.
5. Marketing and Outreach Plan
The Ellensburg Rodeo remains the signature event for this facility, backed by more than a century of
tradition and a well-established outreach and marketing program that reaches regional, national, and
international audiences. ln addition to the Rodeo, emerging events such as Cowboy Cross continue to
grow in popularity and attract new visitors to both the Event Center and the City of Ellensburg.
Each event maintains its own marketing strategy, but all will benefit significantly from the modernized,
more accessible, and enhanced grandstands. These upgrades will allow event organizers to better
showcase the spectator experience, elevate promotional content, and expand their reach to new
audiences.
Throughout construction, the Event Center is collaborating with local media partners to provide a live
construction feed and periodic project updates to keep the community and visitors engaged. Planning is
also underway for a grand opening celebration aligned with the 2026 Ellensburg Rodeo, which will serve
as a major promotional opportunity for the facility and the broader tourism economy.
6. Sustainability Plan
To ensure the long-term viability and success of the Rodeo Arena Grandstands, a comprehensive
maintenance and funding strategy will be implemented, designed to preserve the facility's condition,
enhance the visitor experience, and support continued economic contributions to Kittitas County. This
proactive approach emphasizes sustainability, financial responsibility, and strategic partnerships to
safeguard the investment and extend the life ofthe upgraded venue.
A key element of this plan is the implementation of a routine maintenance schedule to preserve the
long-term quality and functionality of the grandstands. Regular inspections and timely upkeep of critical
infrastructure-including seating, support facilities, plumbing, and electrical systems-will help ensure
the safety, reliability, and visual appeal of the venue.
Currently, much of our annual maintenance for the Rodeo Arena seating and support areas is centered
on ongoing repairs and safety checks. Facility walk-throughs are conducted annually or s-emi-annually
with stakeholders to inspect and assess maintenance needs. Once issues are identified, they are
incorporated into our yearly maintenance schedule, which includes both winterization and spring
reopening preparations.
Each year, this work typically involves replacing or re-securing boards on the seating, stairwells, and
walkways; welding railings; replacing toilets; and repairing leaks and other broken components
throughout the restrooms. This reactive approach focuses heavily on addressing liabilities and urgent
safety concerns. Over the past decade, we've incurred significant repair costs simply to maintain basic
usability.
Shifting to a preventative maintenance model for the new facility will help reduce costly repairs,
minimize downtime, and preserve the venue's quality for both spectators and event participants.
To support these ongoing efforts, a dedicated maintenance fund has been established. A portion of
sponsorship revenues and grant funding will be directed into a Capital lmprovements reserve,
specifically earmarked for facility repairs, upgrades, and general upkeep. This financial foundation will
ensure that resources are available when needed and will reduce reliance on emergency funding or
reactive fixes.
Collaboration with local businesses and organizations will further strengthen the long-term maintenance
strategy. Strategic partnerships will be pursued to secure sponsorship opportunities and develop
fundraising initiatives that contribute dlrectly to the upkeep and enhancement of the facility. These
relationships not only provide financial support but also help build community investment and pride in
the venue.
Sustainability will be at the core of the infrastructure management approach. The use of durable, low-
maintenance building materials and the integration of energy-efficient systems will minimize .
operational costs and environmental impact. By reducing the frequency and cost of repairs and lowering
energy consumption, these sustainable choices will contribute to the facility's long-term affordability
and resilience.
Regular facility assessments will also be conducted by professionals to identify potential issues early and
recommend necessary upgrades. These evaluations will be critical in preventing deterioration, ensuring
compliance with safety standards, and continuously improving the visitor experience.
By implementing this multi-faceted strategy, the Rodeo Arena Grandstands will be positioned to remain
a premier event destination for decades to come. These efforts will not only protect the investment
made in the upgrades but also ensure that the venue continues to serve as a key driver of tourism,
community engagement, and economic growth in Kittitas County.
7. Details of Budget
The total cost of the Grandstands Project is currently estimated at approximately s14.25 million,
inctuding several pending change orders associated with the construction contract. County staff
continue to work closely with the architect and general contractor to identify cost-saving opportunities
wherever feasible. However, we must also maintain an accelerated schedule to ensure the project is
fully completed in time for the 2026 Ellensburg Rodeo, which remains a key driver for both timeline and
budget.
To date, the County has secured S13.5 million in committed funding for the project. A 5500,000
contribution from the City through Lodging Tax funds would substantially close the remaining funding
gap and provide greater budget certainty as the project moves into final stages. The County is prepared
to absorb any remaining costs beyond this contribution if necessary-
A detailed revenue and expense breakdown is provided below.
8. Partnerships and Collaboration
The Grandstands Project represents more than a decade of planning, community engagement, and
coordination among public and private partners. Throughout this period, Kittitas County has worked
closely with key stakeholders-including the Washington State Department of Commerce, the
Ellensburg Rodeo Board, event organizers, and local business partners-to design a modern facility that
strengthens the community's identity and supports long-term tourism growth.
The City of Ellensburg has been a critical collaborator from the outset. Most recently, the City's
leadership partnered with the County by enabling our Community Development Department to take the
lead on permitting, an effort that has been essential in navigating a compressed construction timeline
and keeping the project on track for completion ahead of the 2025 Ellensburg Rodeo.
A contribution from the City's Lodging Tax would build on this strong foundation of partnership. With
$t9,5 million already secured, the County is working to close the remaining funding gap and maintain
momentum through the final phases of construction. Continued support from the City would
demonstrate a shared commitment to delivering a modern, accessible, and high-quality facility that
benefits residents, visitors, and the broader tourism economy.
9. Risk Assessment
While the project is carefully planned, there are potential risks and challenges that could impact its
timeline and success. The primary risk is completing construction in time for the next Ellensburg Rodeo
and Kittitas County Fair.
Rlsk: Construction Delavs: The project is expected to take 9-10 months based on consultations with
architects and engineers experienced in stadium construction. However, unforeseen challenges such as
supply chain issues, labor shortages, or weather conditions could extend the timeline.
Mitiaotlon Strateov: To minimize delays, we will work with experienced contractors who have a proven
track record of meeting tight deadlines. We will also implement a phased construction approach to
ensure that critical components, such as seating and infrastructure, are prioritized.
Risk Limited Pre-Rodeo Event Time: We aim to fully open at least one month before the rodeo, but any
setbacks could reduce that timeline.
Mitigotion Strategy: By maintaining a buffer period in our schedule, we can still accommodate smaller
events and preparation plans even if minor delays occur. Additionally, we will ensure early procurement
of materials and permits to prevent administrative delays.
Risk: Budget Overruns: Cost overruns could occur due to fluctuating material prices or unexpected
scheduling or structural requirements.
Mitigation Strategy: A contingency fund is built into the budget to cover unexpected expenses. Regular
financiai iracking and cost assessments will help ensui'e expenditures stay within budget. County
leadership will explore additional partnerships, if cost overruns are at risk of exceeding the contingency
10, Project Feasibility
The feasibility of the Ellensburg Rodeo Grandstands project is strongly supported by a foundation of
thorough planning, professional expertise, and secured funding, all of which contribute to a high level of
confidence in the project's successful and timely completion. This approach ensures that the
grandstands redevelopment can move forward efficiently, with minimal risk of delays or budgetary
shortfa lls.
Comprehensive studies and planning efforts have played a critical role in laying the groundwork for
success. Architectural and engineering assessments have confirmed that the proposed construction
timeline of 9 to 10 months is both realistic and achievable. The design team has integrated efficient
construction techniques and scheduling strategies that aim to minimize disruption to surrounding
activities while maximizing productivity. This level of planning helps ensure that each phase of the
project proceeds smoothly and on schedule.
The cross functional team behind the project further strengthens its feasibility. The involvement of
experienced county maintenance, finance, lT, Events center, CDS along with the Rodeo Board and our
contract architects, and engineers provides assurance that the work will meet high standards of quality,
safety, and efficiency. The collective expertise enhances the project's overall credibility and reduces the
likelihood of complications during construction.
11. Measurement of Success
Project success and tourism impact will be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative metrics. Key
measures include:
Event Attendance and Visitor Origin: Tracking total attendance, proportion of visitors traveling
more than 50 miles, and increases in multi-day event participation
Lodging Metrics: Monitoring changes in hotel occupancy rates, average length of stay, and
lodging tax collections during major events and newly introduced programming.
Event Utilization: Measuring the number of new events hosted annually, total event-day usage
ofthe arena, and growth in year-round bookings.
Economic lmpact lndicators: Estimating visitor spending using established multipliers from the
Kittitas County Tourism Strategic Plan and comparing year-over-year sales tax and business
revenue trends.
Visitor Satisfaction: Gathering feedback through digital surveys distributed at events to assess
facility q uality, accessibility, a nd ove rall experience.
Together, these metrics will demonstrate the project's impact on increasing tourism, supporting
overnight stays, strengthening event activity, and contributing to Ellensburg's visitor economy
Additional Certification Requirements
Alignment with istrategic Goals: The Ellensburg Rodeo Grandstands Project directly supports
Ellensburg's tourism-related objectives by modernizing one of the community's most iconic
tourism assets and enhancing the City's ability to attract and retain overnight visitors. As
emphasized in the Kittitas County Tourism Strategic Plan, investment in the Kittitas Valley Event
Center-and specifically the renovation of the Rodeo Grounds-is a top regional priority for
strengthening tourism infrastructure and expanding year-round event capacity. The upgraded,
accessible grandstands will elevate the spectator experience for the Ellensburg Rodeo and other
emerging events, increase the venue's operational flexibility, and support growth in multi-day
programming that drives lodging demand. By improving safety, comfort, and ADA accessibility,
the project reinforces Ellensburg's commitment to providing high-quality visitor amenities and
preserving the cultural heritage that draws tens of thousands of tourists to the community each
year.
Progress Reports
o Require applicants to provide a timeline for submitting periodic progress updates and a
final report on outcomes and impact,
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Project Budget Template
1. Revenue
2. Expenses (See attached expense table)
ing Source
llEmoum
tsl Status (Secured, Pending, ln-kind)Comments/Notes
Lodging Tax
llssoot
Requested Lump Sum Requested
Secured Debt Service/10 Years.
nty Lodging Tax
llsz.sruvt
Secured Debt Service/lO years
County Lodging Tax
llsstvtttt
Secured p Sum
Service/10 YearsRodeo Board
llsz.sruv
Secured
Board k ending
I Rodeo Board Lump Sum to
accelerated construction
Grants .5MM red Grant (Reimbursement)
Revenue
llsra.rrurvt
3. Budget Summary
Category
llnmount
(sl
llncome
llst+.tvwt
Total Expenses
llst+.zsvtvr
Surplus/Deficit (lncome -exnenseslll ($rsotl*
*Kittitos County I prepored to cover the outstanding bolance ot the end of the project.
l{or PreS.rthg
contndfGm
Ps SlBnorte
ALSC
ContrEclTerm
PSASlgn Dere
Contract Amount
Change Orders
ConlractTotat
Expense To Date
Cascade Ccntlrt Constructlon
ContractTcrm
PSASlln D.ts
Fulcrum
Contracl Tatm
PSASI$ Dare
Contract Amount
Change Orders
ContractTotal.
ExpenseTo Date
ContractAmount
change orders
Contract Totat
ExpenseTo Date
Amount
5,805,061.00
500,000.00
6,305,061.00
689,290.82
1,004,973.00
11,792.00
1,016,765.00
735,I43.2!
ContractAmount
Change Orders
Contlact Total
ExP-"n5t to Or,"
5,065,000.00
190,831.82
5,255,831.82
1,450,353.00
8,500.00
8,500.00
7,047"34
Nor Co[tr4tElpanlr
Date
til5,909409
9it86 8it0,.[29.82
9440 14.715.30
290.158.05202HX!9{4
18.947,61202rHl0$.05
7.1186.582024-009-06
1.97LB4202.1{Otl-07
$,23a052024-009-09
'ELXELZS202S0(B-01
78,361-612025409.02
86,1@.552025-0603
5E,E91.652025.0@-05
3,68L812m$009.08
4879.10
22724-31
72"514.98
2025{109{'6
202+009-01
14.037.302024-009-02
18.81a.782024.{lN}"{t4
2&365.662024-009-03
38600 455,03400
3E6r0 5t8,54i1.00
38584 451.716-00
7gz7a
EstlmateTotal