Kittitas County commissioners approve change order, pursue city and partner funds to cover rodeo grandstands shortfall

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — At a Jan. 26 study session, the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners approved a construction change order and several procurement and grant-authority actions for fairgrounds and rodeo projects while identifying a funding gap of roughly $400,000 for the Rodeo Grandstands Project and agreeing to seek outside funding to avoid delaying work.

Budget and Finance Director Zack DeHaven told commissioners that about $75,000 from the County’s Capital Reserve 309 fund could be applied to the Timed Event Pen work and that the Ellensburg Rodeo Board may contribute an additional $100,000 if the Board approves terms. DeHaven’s staff report underpins the funding options the Board discussed.

Vice‑Chairman Brett Wachsmith said reducing the project further would be unwise because the scope already has been cut from original plans, and he and County Auditor Bryan Elliott will meet with the City to request at least $500,000 to cover the remaining shortfall. "Cutting the project more to cover the deficit doesn't make sense," Wachsmith said.

Facilities and Maintenance Director Patti Stacey described the contractor’s…