HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-11-10-minutes-hr-study-session2026-11 -10 MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY
HR STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 W 5 TH AVE., ROOM 108, ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
TUESDAY 10:00 AM 11/10/2026
Board Members Present: Brett Wachsmith, Laura Osiadacz, Jeff Leichleiter
Others Present: Greg Zempel, Stephanie Hartung, James McCubbin, Therese Murphy, Cori McKean, Kady
Porterfield, Chad Bala, Jesse Cox, Andrew Yoder, Jeanne Killgore
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM.
CITIZEN COMMENTS (1 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)
None.
DISCUSSION/DECISION – CDS STAFFING
CDS Director Bala presented a request to reclassify his Planner Is to Planner IIs effective immediately. He
summarized that they meet the qualifications of a Planner II and have taken on more responsibility with CDS’s
reduced staffing levels. Commissioner Osiadacz moved to approve the request. Commissioner Leichleiter
seconded the motion. Motion was passed; 3:0.
DISCUSSION/DECISION – EVENT CENTER STAFFING
Event Center Director Porterfield presented a request to reclassify her Maintenance Technician I to a Maintenance
Technician II effective 1/01/2027. She explained that the current employee meets the qualifications of a
Maintenance Technician II, and the reclassification will support continued operational efficiency. Commissioner
Osiadacz moved to approve the request. Commissioner Leichleiter seconded the motion. Motion was passed; 3:0.
DISCUSSION/DECISION – SOLID WASTE STAFFING
Solid Waste Director Cox presented a request to fill his upcoming Solid Waste Operator vacancy. He explained
that he has three Operators to cover all of the Solid Waste facilities. One Operator just began employment with the
County, and the Lead Operator will be on leave soon. He also stated that the position is covered by the Solid
Waste Enterprise Fund, not the General Fund. Commissioner Osiadacz moved to approve the request.
Commissioner Leichleiter seconded the motion. Motion was passed; 3:0.
DISCUSSION/DECISION – PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE STAFFING
Chief Civil Deputy Hartung presented three staffing requests to the Board:
1. Begin recruitment for an upcoming vacancy in the contracted City of Ellensburg Deputy Prosecutor role.
2. Begin recruitment for an upcoming Criminal Deputy Prosecutor vacancy.
3. Begin recruitment for an upcoming Chief Criminal Deputy vacancy.
2026-11 -10 MINUTES
The Board discussed each staffing request. The Board expressed interest in gathering additional data about the
Prosecutor ’s caseloads, and suggested that succession planning efforts may be beneficial during periods of
turnover. Commissioner Osiadacz moved to approve all three requests. Commissioner Leichleiter seconded the
motion. Motion was passed; 3:0.
DISCUSSION/DECISION – CORONER’S OFFICE STAFFING
Coroner McKean presented a request to reorganize her office with requested changes taking effect 1/01/2027. The
Board reviewed the request. Regarding the request to move the Chief Deputy Coroner wage in order to retain
exempt status in 2027, the Board stated that they had already made a decision on positions falling below the
exempt salary threshold and did not intend to modify their direction. Commissioner Osiadacz moved to approve
the Coroner’s staffing requests, with the except of the Chief Deputy Coroner position. Commissioner Leichleiter
seconded the motion. Motion was passed; 3:0.
REQUEST TO APPROVE RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF REVISING PERSONNEL POLICY
4.14 – DRUGS AND ALCOHOL USE
HR Director Killgore presented a request to update the County’s drug and alcohol personnel policy. She explained
that the policy was old and in need of revision, included a consistent process when there is a reasonable suspicion
that an employee may be impaired at work. Commissioner Leichleiter moved to approve Resolution 2026-183 in
the matter of revising Personnel Policy 4.14 – Drugs and Alcohol Use. Commissioner Osiadacz seconded the
motion. Motion was passed; 3:0.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
CONCLUDED
The meeting was concluded at 10:57 AM.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Jeanne Killgore, HR Director Brett Wachsmith , Chair