HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-10-minutes-quarterly-update-with-public-defense-director08/10/2026 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON CONFERENCE ROOM SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY 10:00 AM AUGUST 10, 2026
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith; and Vice-Chair Laura
Osiadacz.
Others: Jodi Larsen, Office Administrator; Eileen Murphy, Director
of Public Defense; Sue Higginbotham Chief Admin Auditor.
CITIZEN COMMENTS: NONE SPECIAL MEETING PUBLIC DEFENSE DIRECTOR UPDATE COMMISSIONERS
At 10:00 a.m. Chairman Wachsmith opened a Special Meeting with the
Director of Public Defense, Eileen Murphy and the Auditor’s Chief
Administrator, Sue Higginbotham. Ms. Higginbotham requested
approval on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Kittitas
County and Local 792CH (Courthouse) to recognize and classify an
Elections Manager. Vice-Chair Osiadacz moved to approve the MOU
Between Kittitas County and Local 792CH. Chairman Wachsmith
seconded. Motion Passed 2-0.
Ms. Higginbotham then left the meeting.
Director of Public Defense Eileen Murphy provided a quarterly
update on the Office of Public Defense. The Public Defense team is
responsible for managing cases in the County, as well as all City
municipalities. Ms. Murphy reviewed the caseloads that she and her
team are currently working on, as well as staffing, grant
applications, approvals and funding.
Ms. Murphy reported that, as of the end of June, the Countywide
felony caseload totaled 120 cases. Lower District Court
misdemeanor and lesser-charge cases totaled approximately 300, and
Upper District Court accounted for approximately 200 cases, for a
total of more than 600 cases throughout the County.
Ms. Murphy reviewed her grant application efforts and incoming
funds. She stated that the Office of Public Defense received a
$99,000 Washington State legislative grant and is currently on
track to receive more than $500,000 in legislatively allocated
grant funds.
Ms. Murphy also explained that the County has signed a $200,000
contract with the City of Ellensburg for Public Defenses services.
08/10/2026 MINUTES 1
The OPD is actively seeking contracts with the other
municipalities.
Ms. Murphy reviewed current staffing levels and concerns. She stated
that all three new hires, including one bilingual legal assistant,
are performing excellent work and that she is pleased with their
progress. Attorney Paul McBride has resigned effective June 30 but is
finishing out his assigned caseload. Ms. Murphy is currently working
to replace those services.
OTHER BUSINESS - NONE
The meeting concluded at 10:57 a.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Jodi Larsen Brett Wachsmith, Chairman