HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-10-23-minutes-2027-budget-meeting
2026-10-23 MINUTES 1
KITTITAS COUNTY
2026 BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
BOCC AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 109 - ELLENSBURG
FRIDAY 10:00AM OCTOBER 23, 2026
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Commissioner Jeff Leichleiter, Commissioner
Laura Osiadacz (Webex)
Staff Present: Zack DeHaven, Bryan Elliott, Sue Patterson, Anderw Yoder, Reid
Burbank, Josh Fredrickson, Cory Wright, Charlie Smith, Mandy Buchholz
(Webex)
1. Call to Order: 10:00AM
2. Citizen Comments – None
3. 2027 Preliminary Budget meetings with Public Works
Zack DeHaven presented an update on the 2027 preliminary General Fund budget, including a
projected paper deficit of approximately $3.0 million that is reduced to an estimated $1.2 million
structural deficit through vacancy savings, a hiring freeze, and restricted balance funds. He
reviewed significant budget adjustments, remaining transfers, and the County’s strategic
priorities of achieving a net-zero budget, addressing capital infrastructure needs, improving
operational efficiency through technology, and strategically using reserves. Mr. DeHaven also
provided an overview of professional services and travel and training expenditures across County
funds and departments.
Josh Fredrickson, Public Works Director, presented the preliminary 2027 Public Works Family
budget to the Board of County Commissioners. The proposed budget totals approximately $49.3
million and supports County road, airport, flood control, public facilities, parks, water mitigation,
broadband, Springwood, and equipment rental and revolving operations. The presentation
reviewed major operating and capital projects, staffing, revenue sources, and planned use of
grants and fund balances, with emphasis on road and bridge preservation, flood-risk reduction,
broadband construction, facility and park improvements, water-right acquisition, and fleet
replacement.
Chairman Brett Wachsmith and Commissioner Jeff Leichleiter agree to allocate 125K to
Springwood. From the Board directed reserve.
Josh Fredrickson, Public Works Director, summarized that Public Works funds rely on a
combination of restricted revenues and General Fund support, with fund balances used to
accommodate capital expenditures and projects proceeding only when grant funding is secured.
2026-10-23 MINUTES 2
He noted that deferred maintenance increases long-term infrastructure costs, staffing levels
remain generally consistent aside from wage and benefit increases, and the primary challenge is
maintaining service levels and capital assets while relying on grants for major capital
investments.
4. BOCC Questions and Requests for Follow up Information- None
5. Other Business- None
6. Concluded: 11:02
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sue Patterson
Auditor’s Office
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman