Sheriff, county staff call for clearer abatement procedures and a dedicated fund

Sheriff Myers and county staff told Kittitas County commissioners on Jan. 7 that the county needs clearer abatement procedures and an associated budget to carry out property abatements.

Sheriff Myers said the current process needs “a finer point” tied to funding and policy so responsibilities and costs are clear. Chief Civil Deputy Stephanie Hartung said she will meet with a staff member identified as Molly to work on clarifying the process. CDS Director Chad Bala said his office is reviewing documents and rates with the Prosecutor’s Office, and Finance Director Zack DeHaven recommended establishing an initial fund, identifying who would manage the money and assigning specific responsibilities. DeHaven advised that the fund be managed by CDS.

The discussion focused on practical implementation: who manages initial costs, how rates will be set, and what policy guardrails the Sheriff’s Office and county staff will use when pursuing abatement actions. Officials repeatedly emphasized the need for written policy guidance before significant funds are committed.

No ordinance, resolution or formal vote on a fund or policy is recorded in the study session minutes. The transcript shows staff and the Sheriff agreed to continue work with Prosecutor’s Office review and interdepartmental coordination; next steps include staff meetings to draft policy language and a proposed funding approach for future consideration by the commissioners.

The commissioners did not adopt a policy or appropriate money during the session; staff will return with details in a subsequent meeting.