2020-06-17 Economic Recovery MeetingEconomic Recovery Forum
June 17, 2020
1 p.m.
Commissioner Fund (remotely), Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik Martin, Matt Matayoshi,
Rep. Ed Orcutt, Sen. Takko, Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh, Perteet consultant Kirk Holmes, Peter
Lahmann, Becky Butler, Alison Puckett, Annalee Tobey, Assessor Dianne Dorey, Eric Sonnenberg, Janelle
Lindsey, Meri Hamre, Scott Smitherman, Susie Palmateer, Terra Oster, Josh Metcalf, Julie Bollock, Lara
McRea, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Kittitas County Commissioner Brett Wachsmith, Ellensburg Mayor
Bruce Tabb, Treasurer Arny Davis, Christine Nhan of Sen. Patty Murray’s office, David Woodrum, Tammy
Martin
Guests: Other various members of the public and press
Recorder: Rieva Lester
EDC Executive Director Matt Matayoshi said the county has signed an agreement with the Lewis County
Economic Development Council (EDC) to distribute a portion of the Coronavirus Relief Funding to small
businesses throughout the county.
Kittitas County Commissioner Brett Wachsmith and Ellensburg Mayor Bruce Tabb discussed steps their
areas are taking to help weather the economic storm COVID-19 has caused.
• Consistent messaging
• Collaborative effort between the county and the cities located therein
• Constant communication and updates, which include business and entity logos
• Frequent economic updates
• Regular health updates
• Involving municipalities
• Meet with officials from across the state to have a unified approach to asking the state for
clarification or changes
County Manager Erik Martin discussed Community Development Block Grant funding that may become
available from the state Department of Commerce.
Kirk Holmes recommended formalizing the county’s collaborative efforts to address the region’s
economic recovery.
Mayor Tabb said community messaging, especially online communications, should be a main focus.
Rep. Ed Orcutt said the revenue report for April shows about a $9 billion drop in revenue for the next
biennium. He said he thinks a special session will be needed, possibly in August September. Rep. Orcutt
said operating budgets likely will be cut, leading to possible capital cuts.
Sen. Dean Takko said he thinks existing capital projects will be OK but that transportation projects may
be in jeopardy.