HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-10-07-minutes-2027-budget-meeting
2026-10-07 MINUTES 1
KITTITAS COUNTY
2026 BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
BOCC AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 109 - ELLENSBURG
WEDNESDAY 10:00AM OCTOBER 07, 2026
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Commissioner Jeff Leichleiter, Commissioner
Laura Osiadacz absent
Staff Present: Zack DeHaven, Bryan Elliott, Andrew Yoder, Sue Patterson
Reid Burbank, Cody Cupp, Zane Kinney, Bill Davis, Jeanne Killgore,
Julie Kjorvik, Mandy Buchholz
1. Call to Order: 10:00AM
2. Citizen Comments – None
3. Health Plan Prescription Benefits- Evaluation of Potential Plan Change
Jeanne Killgore from HR is seeking direction from the Board on whether to implement one of
the proposed prescription benefit cost-saving models or maintain the current prescription drug
plan structure. 2027 benefits for prescriptions are expected to increase by 30% or higher.
Commissions want no change to the plan.
4. 2027 Preliminary Budget meetings with Central Services
Zack DeHaven updated the financial pressures on the Counties Budget, including a projected General
Fund paper deficit of approximately $3.6 million and a structural deficit of approximately $1.5 million
after accounting for 6% vacancy savings. Risk Pool Insurance was reviewed and historically has
increased. The budget discussion focused on the Central Services Family, including Auditor’s Finance,
Information Technology, Maintenance, Non-Departmental, Human Resources, and Post-Employment
Benefits. The review will evaluate internal support functions, staffing capacity, and opportunities to
improve operational efficiency across departments.
In Closing Zack DeHaven discussed the County’s ongoing General Fund structural deficit with the
Board, noting that vacancy savings alone will not resolve the funding gap. He explained that much of
the Central Family’s 2027 budget reduction reflects the timing of capital projects rather than reductions
in ongoing services. Rising personnel, benefit, insurance, and infrastructure costs continue to place
2026-10-07 MINUTES 2
pressure on the budget. Zack DeHaven discussed the importance of evaluating staffing levels, service
capacity, and capital requests based on available funding, operational needs, and overall County
priorities, while ensuring limited recurring resources are directed toward the County’s highest-priority
services and long-term needs.
5. BOCC Questions and Requests for Follow-up Information- None
6. Other Business- No action to be taken
7. Concluded- 11:28AM
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sue Patterson
Auditor’s Office
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman