Ellensburg City Council Regular Meeting Summary - October 19, 2026

The Ellensburg City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on the 2027 revenue sources and a possible 1% increase to the property tax levy, final adoption of updates to the taxicab code, first readings on environmental commission membership and the gifts and donations threshold, and the award of a significant contract for a city-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system. The council also received a presentation on the results of the Ellensburg Aquatics Community Survey. The meeting concluded with executive sessions on legal matters and real estate, resulting in a directive to pursue a real estate purchase.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda (5-0).
• Minutes: Approval of the October 5, 2026 Regular Meeting and Study Session minutes.
• Acknowledge Minutes of Boards and Commissions.
• Staff Report: Fiscal Year 2022 Community Project Funding Grant Update.
• Voucher Listing: Approval of the October 19, 2026 voucher listing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pat Kelleher, City of Ellensburg (Non-Agenda Issue - Reed Park): Expressed dissatisfaction with the city's response to his concerns regarding Reed Park. He stated he found the response "quite humorous" and noted that the city recorded 181 park-related calls since the beginning of the year. He requested a specific plan to address the issues raised in his letter.
• Pat Kelleher, City of Ellensburg (Item 11B - Aquatics Survey): Expressed confusion about the process regarding the future of the aquatics facility. He argued the current 45-year-old pool has no capital costs and is functional, while a new facility estimated at $25-30 million would drastically increase user costs from the current approximate $19 per use. He urged the council to consider alternative options like expanding Sunday hours.

Discussion Items

• Item 8.A - Public Hearing: 2027 Proposed Revenue Sources and Possible 1% Property Tax Levy Increase: Assistant Finance Director Keith Bassett presented the proposed revenue sources. Staff projected that taxes would make up 64% of the general fund, with property taxes representing 23% of tax revenue. The proposed 1% increase to the property tax levy amounts to an estimated $38,177.75 on the existing tax base. Sales tax collections were also reviewed. No members of the public offered testimony. Council asked clarifying questions regarding the calculations. The public hearing was closed with no formal action taken; the matter is expected to return for an ordinance vote at a future meeting.
• Item 9.A - Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 4997 (Taxicabs): City Clerk Beth Leader presented the second reading. The ordinance replaces the 1971 taxicab code, removing city council approval for certificates of public convenience and updating vehicle inspection, driver requirements, and equipment. The council approved the ordinance unanimously (5-0), effective January 1, 2027.
• Item 9.B - First Reading of Ordinance 4999 (Environmental Commission): Water Resources Manager Rebecca Springer presented the first reading. The ordinance amends City Code to allow any officer of the Ellensburg High School Environmental Club, rather than only the president, to serve as an ex-officio member. Councilmember Lillquist expressed support for the change to encourage youth participation and increase quorum flexibility. First reading was approved unanimously (5-0).
• Item 9.C - First Reading of Ordinance 5000 (Gifts and Donations): City Attorney Chris Horner presented a first reading to increase the gift threshold requiring council acceptance from $1,000 to $5,000 to account for inflation and align with the county threshold. Councilmember Goodloe stated they were "100% okay" with the higher threshold but raised questions regarding the ability to make anonymous donations. First reading was approved (5-0).
• Item 11.A - Award RFP and Contract for ERP Software (Workday and Strada): IT Director Jim Goeben presented the recommendation to award the contract. Microsoft Dynamics GP, the city's ERP for 20 years, will lose support in 2029. Workday was selected over 8 other vendors. Council discussed security, the feasibility of hiring temporary staff, and the impact on current employees. The motion, clarified during discussion, awarded the RFP to Workday and Strada, authorized contract execution, and authorized necessary budget adjustments including up to $1.56 million for hiring temporary staff for 18-24 months. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
• Item 11.B - Ellensburg Aquatics Community Survey: Parks & Recreation Director Brad Case presented survey results (~1,400 online responses, ~120 pop-up participants). Key findings indicated strong community desire for a balanced facility offering both leisure and lane swimming, with priorities focused on families and youth. The current pool operates at roughly a 70% operational deficit, and new facility costs are estimated at $25-30 million. Council discussed capacity issues, Sunday closures, and affordability. The item was informational only; no action was taken.
• Item 12.A - Manager's Report: Acting City Manager Lisa Young announced a call for applications for two city representatives on the newly established Kittitas County Public Facilities District Board, reported five Opportunity Zone designations, and outlined upcoming seasonal park closures.
• Item 12.B - Councilmembers' Reports: Councilmembers provided reports on various committees. Highlights included a positive review of the FLOCK camera system following a meeting with Police Chief Wade, a proposed Eagle Scout project for a disc golf course at Rotary Park, and a grant recommendation for weatherized speakers at Unity Park.
• Item 13.A & 13.B - Executive Sessions: The council recessed into executive session to discuss legal matters (13.A, Per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)) for five minutes with no action taken. A second session (13.B, Per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b)) was held to discuss a real estate acquisition, which resulted in a motion and vote.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: 5-0.
• Public Hearing Held: 2027 Revenue Sources and 1% Property Tax Levy Increase. No action taken.
• Ordinance 4997 Adopted (Taxicabs): 5-0. Effective January 1, 2027.
• Ordinance 4999 First Reading Approved (Environmental Commission): 5-0.
• Ordinance 5000 First Reading Approved (Gifts and Donations): 5-0.
• ERP RFP Awarded (Workday/Strada): 5-0. Authorized contract execution and budget adjustments, including up to $1.56 million for temporary backfill staff.
• Real Estate Directive: 5-0. Staff directed to pursue options for a city real estate purchase following executive session.