HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-22-minutes-ph-study-session
Public Health Study Session
July 22, 2026
at 10:00 am
Commissioners’ Conference Room
Meeting Minutes
Present: Laura Osiadacz, Cory Wright
Absent: Brett Wachsmith
Others: Chelsey Loeffers, Candi Blackford, Kasey Knutson, Erin Moore
No citizens present for public comment
Other Business
IT Purchases
Zane Kinney provided a staff report that reviewed the rotation of technology practice for all
organizations to stay up to date. The IT department had limited time to arrange this purchase, but they
are taking advantage of special pricing. If allowed to purchase items, it saves the county approximately
$10,000.00. Total cost for the purchase will not exceed $150,000.00.
The board did not express any concerns with purchase as it was already budgeted for in the ETF for
2026.
Department Business
Approve Resolution Authorizing a Recurring Monthly Closure of KCPHD for All-Staff Meetings
Erin Moore discussed the department’s ask for closing the office one day a month from 3-4pm for
monthly all staff meetings. The Kittitas County Public Health Department currently operates with staff
assigned across multiple divisions, programs, and work locations. Establishing a recurring monthly all-
staff meeting provides a consistent opportunity for department-wide communication, organizational
updates, training, emergency preparedness activities, cross-program coordination, and employee
engagement.
Scheduling these meetings during normal business hours allows all employees to participate without
requiring overtime or extended workdays. A predictable one-hour monthly closure also allows the public
to plan accordingly and minimizes disruption compared to scheduling intermittent closures throughout
the year.
Chelsey Loeffers agreed to the board’s request that only required staff would attend Board of Health
meetings. Motion 07.01: Motion to approve Resolution 2026-132 to Authorize a Recurring Monthly
Closure of the Kittitas County Public Health Department for All-Staff Meetings. Laura Osiadacz moved to
approve Resolution 2026-132 to Authorize a Recurring Monthly Closure of the Kittitas County Public
Health Department for All-Staff Meetings. Cory Wright second. All approved. Motion 07.01 carried to
approve Resolution 2026-132 to Authorize a Recurring Monthly Closure of the Kittitas County Public
Health Department for All-Staff Meetings.
Approve Recommendation on Use of Liquor Excise Tax and Profits
Kasey Knutson discussed that public health is not the best fit for the Liquor Excise Tax. The department
would like to recommend the county devote the required two percent of Kittitas County’s share of
liquor taxes and Profits to support the Kittitas County Jail’s substance use disorder program. After
working with the Kittitas County Auditor’s office the average amount of those funds is small, annually,
about $2,730.
The Kittitas County Jail recently requested additional funding for its program and has explained that
other funding sources have gone away. The program at the jail also utilizes our 1/10th of 1% mental
health and substance use disorder tax funding as well as opioid settlement funding.
Although it is a small amount of funding, we know the jail will utilize any funds to support their program
in addition to other county funds. Utilizing an internal county office for the funds will also decrease any
staff time for oversight.
Both Laura Osiadacz and Cory Wright approved the recommendation.
Health Officer Update
No Health Officer update this month.
Other
Chelsey Loeffers asked for a letter from Cory Wright noting documentation concerns from meetings with
Hopesource. Commissioner Wright noted that he would do this before he left.
Meeting concluded at 10:09 am.
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BOCC Chair
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Candi Blackford, Clerk