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Kittitas County sheriff to refill jail and patrol positions after revenue uptick
Summary
At a May 7 study session, Sheriff Myers told commissioners the sheriff's office will refill vacant jail and patrol (line) positions after first-quarter revenue rose about $600,000, largely from U.S. Marshals placements; the board approved the request contingent on finance agreement. Estimated personnel costs are $108,000 (jail) and $134,000 (line).
At the Kittitas County Sheriff's study session on May 7, 2025, Sheriff Myers told the Board of County Commissioners the sheriff's office will refill vacant jail and patrol (line) positions after reporting a roughly $600,000 revenue increase in the first quarter driven in part by placements from the U.S. Marshals Service. "We would like to refill the line and jail positions," Myers said, and the board approved the request, with Chairman Laura Osiadacz adding she was agreeable "as long as finance agrees."
The sheriff said the jail positions carry an estimated annual personnel cost of about $108,000 and the patrol (line) positions about $134,000. Myers said startup vehicle and equipment costs would not be needed for the immediate hires, reducing upfront spending. Budget & Finance Director Zack DeHaven told the board the office's pro forma will be reviewed at the upcoming Budget Retreat and concurred that a budget amendment was likely unnecessary for the hires. Commissioner Brett Wachsmith indicated support for filling the positions.
The meeting also covered related personnel details: one clerical position remains unfilled while the sheriff's office explores an internal reorganization of fleet and training responsibilities; if that reorganization proceeds, the department will ask to reactivate the clerical post without a budget amendment.
Superintendent Steve Panattoni updated the board on federal grant work, saying DOJ grant funding was "not going anywhere and we are on track," and noting that work on an I15 waiver will begin July 1. Separately, the sheriff proposed purchasing storage containers for EMS, jail and sheriff's office equipment at Bowers Field, citing unit prices "starting at $3,500 each" instead of continuing to lease.
Commissioner Wachsmith asked to move into an executive session at 8:20 a.m. to discuss litigation and legal risk under state law; the board reconvened at 8:46 a.m. and took no action. The study session adjourned at 8:46 a.m.
The board approved the personnel refill request during the study session; the transcript does not record a formal roll-call vote tally. If commissioners or staff publish a finalized agenda packet or minutes with vote tallies, those documents should be consulted for the official record.
