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Kittitas County commissioners direct staff to refine plan for Land Use & Recreation Planner position
Summary
Kittitas County commissioners asked staff to refine the proposed Land Use & Recreation Planner’s scope, responsibilities and funding and to return the item to a CDS study session after a presentation by CDS Director Chad Bala; a resident objected to hiring without clear cost information.
Kittitas County commissioners on May 29 directed staff to further refine the proposed Land Use & Recreation Planner position and to work with HR and the Auditor’s office on funding and scope details.
CDS Director Chad Bala presented the staff report and background for the role, saying he and DPW Director Fosh Fredrickson had worked to refine details and were in favor of moving forward. Bala offered to continue coordinating with the Department of Public Works and human resources on next steps.
A resident, Pat Kelleher of Ellensburg, spoke during public comment against creating the position, raising concerns about the county budget and “a lack of cost information for the position,” according to the public record.
Commissioners discussed potential funding sources, including Lodging Tax revenue. Vice‑Chair Cory Wright said the position had been tailored to cover both land‑use and recreation duties. Commissioner Brelt Wachsmith expressed support and confidence in finding funding; Chair Laura Osiadacz confirmed the board’s direction to continue refining the role and bring it back to a CDS study session.
Bala told the board the position had been previously presented at an April CDS study session and that staff would return with a more detailed scope, responsibilities list and funding plan for the board’s review. No formal vote was taken.
