County finance staff: General Fund in "strong Health" but trending toward "Moderate Concern"; commissioners set 2027 budget priorities

Zack Dehaven, a county staff member, presented the Central Services Committee report on Fiscal Year 2025 and metrics for the General Fund at the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners study session on April 16, saying the fund is in "strong Health" but "trending toward Moderate Concern." Commissioner Laura Osiadasz asked for clarification that the Personnel Benefits line reflected deductions and employer contributions to the Self-Insurance Fund but not claims paid; Dehaven confirmed and Osiadasz requested a follow-up on the health of the Self-Insurance Fund.

Dehaven also presented requested 2026 budget amendments and said he will begin the process to return those amendments for formal approval; Commissioners Brett Wachsmith and Laura Osiadasz had no questions at the review. Bryan Elliott presented the proposed 2027 Budget Development Timeline and Rules of Engagement and asked the board for strategic priorities; the commissioners stated that position reclassification requests would not be heard during the budget process and that only requests for new positions would be considered.

Commissioner Wachsmith asked staff to show where statutory requirements have increased county costs and requested more detail for Airport, Event Center (General Fund), Solid Waste and Road funds so the board can better understand those operations and fund health. Dehaven suggested including a departmental breakdown of "Statutory" versus "Optional" services in the 2027 budget books, per Commissioner Osiadasz’s request. No formal budget decisions or votes were taken at the study session; staff will return required materials and formal approval items at a future agenda session.