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2026-10-13 MINUTES 1
KITTITAS COUNTY
2026 BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
BOCC AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 109 - ELLENSBURG
TUESDAY 1:00 PM OCTOBER 13, 2026
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Commissioner Jeff Leichleiter, Commissioner
Laura Osiadacz
Staff Present: Zack DeHaven, Bryan Elliott, Andrew Yoder, Sue Patterson
Daren Higashiyama, Clay Meyers, Nancy Shaff, Steve Panattoni, Ben
Kokjer, Chris Whitsett, Julie Kjorvik
Public Online -1
1. Call to Order: 1:00PM
2. Citizen Comments – None
3. 2027 Preliminary Budget meetings with Sheriff
Zack DeHaven discussed the General Fund’s 2027 preliminary budget, identifying a projected
paper deficit of $3.6 million, which includes approximately $2.1 million in vacancy savings,
leaving a structural deficit of $1.5 million. He reviewed the primary cost pressures, including
compensation growth, increasing service demands, aging infrastructure, and rising insurance
costs. He also outlined strategic priorities to address the deficit through operational efficiencies,
prioritization of essential services, appropriate cost recovery, and strategic use of reserves.
Additionally, he reviewed the distinction between unrestricted and restricted revenues,
emphasizing that dedicated public safety and criminal justice revenues must be used for their
legally designated purposes and cannot be redirected to other County needs.
The presentation provided a consolidated review of the Sheriff family—Sheriff, Fire Marshal,
and Emergency Management—showing preliminary 2027 expenses of approximately $23.7
million, up from $22.0 million in the 2026 budget. The General Fund accounts for the majority
of costs at approximately $19.9 million, with personnel representing the largest expense
category. The Sheriff’s Office comprises about 96% of General Fund expenditures within this
group. Estimated 2027 revenue is approximately $5.6 million, including increased service
revenue associated with revised Corrections bed rates; however, General Fund support remains
necessary. Staffing and FTE trends were also reviewed, along with key Sheriff, Corrections, Fire
Marshal, and Emergency Management positions.
2026-10-13 MINUTES 2
Fire Marshal and Emergency Management budgets are proposed at $378,077 and $310,674,
respectively, with no personnel or capital change requests. The Sheriff’s total budget is proposed
at $22.96 million, including Administration at $4.02 million, Law Enforcement at $10.36
million, and Corrections at $8.58 million; requested additions include school resource deputy
funding, jail malpractice insurance, and a 0.5 FTE nurse position. The 3/10ths Criminal Justice
Public Safety Sales Tax budget includes approximately $4.91 million in planned expenditures.
Revenues and available fund balance will be monitored throughout the budget cycle to support
ongoing public safety program needs and maintain long-term financial sustainability.
The Capital Project Requests were presented for preliminary review and discussion. No
decisions will be made at this time; the requests will be considered for potential inclusion in the
budget at a future budget meeting.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sue Patterson
Auditor’s Office
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman