Okanogan County Sheriff
nd county HR staff updated commissioners on several law-enforcement grants and related budget supplements on Aug. 6; commissioners approved three supplemental appropriation resolutions for sheriffunding.
Shelly Keatsman, HR director and risk manager, briefed the board on a wage study requested for a Drug Task Force operations support specialist and discussed options including contracting the position to the task force instead of county employment to avoid county budgeting conflicts. Keatsman also reported on risk-pool conference takeaways and warned of a projected near-30% increase in the countymployer insurance premium for 2026.
Sheriff's Office representatives reported two CJTC-related awards and a federal AJA core grant. The board approved Resolution 96-2025 authorizing a $34,430 supplemental appropriation for CJTC grant awards; approved Resolution 98-2025 for a $143,686 federal AJA core grant; and approved Resolution 97-2025 to address public defense budget needs tied to county obligations.
Sheriff Mike Warden also briefed the board on the Morgan sheriff storage project, saying on-site contractor and subs meetings focused on placement and utilities were productive and that progress was steady. He reported a separate payout estimate in the
bout $500,000 range is under review for that matter.
Separately, the board approved a wellness-spending plan for sheriff staff using CJTC funds, including modest equipment and training, and a motion approving the schedule of vouchers and payroll for the period. Commissioners asked staff to ensure CJTC reimburses overtime that was charged to the county for training the deputies.
Ending: Commissioners approved the grant supplements and directed staff to return with final contract language and any interlocal agreements needed for Drug Task Force staffing and for the Morgan storage project invoicing and reimbursement.