2025-03-25 Budget UpdateBudget Update
March 25, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Shad Hail, John Abplanalp
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Kate Chatterton
Public comment: None.
2026 budget planning: Becky discussed 2026 budget planning dates.
Distressed Counties - .09 use of funds follow-up
Becky said she has reached out to MRSC to ensure counties are allowed to bond against .09 Distressed
Counties funds. She said she reviewed documents from Benton and Kittitas County, which have bonded
against their .09 funds.
2025 Budget Amendment
Juvenile request – The commissioners discussed Juvenile Court Administrator Shad Hail’s request to add
a position. They directed staff to identify any funding mechanisms that could allow for both positions.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve Shad Hail’s request to hire one additional full-time
hourly Juvenile detention officer, as outlined in the memo Shad provided. Commissioner Swope
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Becky reviewed Q1 amendment details.
Broadband project update
Becky said Dale and Aaron will be in mid-April to provide an update on the closeout of Contract 1. The
project is still on track, according to ToledoTel, to meet the target date to close in July/August.
Risk Services
Policy Updates:
• Sam has been working on restructuring and updating the draft policy that was reviewed
by the Directors last fall. The goal is to have this updated by June.
• The Hearing Conservation Plan has been updated and is out to impacted departments
for review with an overview and training next week. The Policy has not been updated
since adopted in 2005.
• Becky said she is working with HR on risk policies that impact HR and departments and
offices. Addressing challenges with county structure and county policy with electeds
having the ability to implement their own policies.
• Driving update to the fleet app and new training is being received well.
Safety Program
• Nathaniel has been doing outreach to departments and arranging fire drills.
• Training will begin on HCP to employees included in the program.
• Safety walkthroughs are being performed as needed at the fair and other locations.
Public defense
Becky discussed a new contract attorney.
Capital projects
• Equestrian design
• ARPA-funded water main
• 4-H grant-funded project and repair
Meeting adjourned at 3:04 p.m.