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Council approves first reading of 2025–26 supplemental budget that includes pool roof design funding
Summary
Ellensburg’s council advanced first reading of a supplemental 2025–26 biennial budget that adds funding for design and engineering of a replacement sloped pool roof (estimated at about $500,000), Unity Park infrastructure, prosecution services transition and a USDA‑matched wood products study.
The Ellensburg City Council on Aug. 18 conducted first reading of Ordinance 4970, a supplemental amendment to the 2025–26 biennial budget that includes several facility investments and program adjustments.
City Manager Heidi Barrington and finance staff described items that formalize previously approved council actions and a few new requests. Barrington highlighted a proposed $500,000 design and engineering allocation for the sloped roof replacement at the Minnetas Valley Memorial Pool, funded from a recreational facilities reserve. “We estimate our best estimate is about a $500,000 investment,” she said, adding that further work (including mechanical systems such as dehumidification) will be necessary in later phases.
A pool user, Candace Comfort, spoke in public comment and read from a June 2018 structural analysis by Weatherholt and Associates that found multiple roof issues: “The roof systems have been allowing water entry beyond the roof and in several locations to the interior of the structure... The insulation within the roof assembly is deteriorated and is likely not serving as intended,” she told the council, urging prompt replacement.
Other items in the supplemental budget include funding for Unity Park security cameras and Wi‑Fi; matching funds for a wood products economic study being pursued by the Kittitas County Chamber and USDA; and adjustments tied to downtown infrastructure, affordable housing acquisition awards and facility HVAC replacements that had previously been approved or awarded through grants.
Staff said the supplemental maintains required fund balance thresholds and aims to limit general‑fund impacts where possible. The ordinance passed its first reading by voice vote; the council also discussed timing for mid‑biennial budget reviews and noted some line items will require subsequent contract approvals or interlocal agreements (for example prosecution services costs moved from an in‑house position to contracted services).
Councilmembers urged continued attention to long‑term funding stability for infrastructure and noted the supplemental is intended to set up near‑term work while staff continue evaluating options for larger facility‑level investments.
