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Kittitas County commissioners direct IT to continue researching hires to meet growing GIS demand
Summary
County IT presented four options for rising GIS support needs and the Board of Commissioners agreed GIS is a high priority; commissioners directed IT to continue researching hiring new GIS staff rather than taking immediate contractual action. No formal vote was recorded.
Kittitas County commissioners on March 31 told county IT leadership to keep pursuing options to expand geographic information system (GIS) support, signaling a preference for hiring additional staff.
IT Director Doug Fessler and Assistant IT Director Zane Kinney presented the Board of County Commissioners with four ways to address growing GIS needs across multiple departments: hire new staff, train current staff, retain third‑party consultants, or adopt a hybrid approach combining internal training with consultants. Commissioners Cory Wright and Brett Wachsmith, who were present, acknowledged the demand and the cross‑departmental impact.
The Board "expressed their understanding that the growing GIS need is a high priority affecting multiple departments and directed Mr. Fessler and Mr. Kinney to continue researching into hiring new talent," according to the meeting record. That direction was given by consensus; the transcript does not show a formal motion, mover/second, or a recorded vote.
County staff said the next steps will include additional research into recruitment options and likely budget implications. The meeting record does not specify any dollar amounts, hiring timelines, or whether the County will pursue permanent hires versus contract-to-hire arrangements.
The study session adjourned at 1:57 p.m.
