Press Release
Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Hearing to Consider 1/10th tax funding for mental health and substance use disorder prevention

Kittitas County, WA - 11/25/2025 - Kittitas County will host a public hearing on December 2, 2025, in the Commissioners’ Auditorium at 205 West 5th Avenue, Room 109, in the courthouse to consider the 1/10th of 1% Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Tax. This public hearing will address the 2027 sunset clause.

On December 7th, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing and implemented the 1/10th tax of 1% sales tax for mental health and chemical dependency (substance use disorder).  With that implementation, the BOCC set a 2027 sunset clause, which limited the amount of time the funding would be collected. The goal of this sunset clause was to gather data and show community impact before deciding whether to establish long-term funding.
 
The Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners page has information about how to participate at a public hearing.  “Public participation is important in local decision making,” states Commissioner Brett Wachsmith.  “We want the public to come and give input.”  If you would like to give your input, you can do so in person or in writing prior to the hearing on December 2, 2025.
 

• For written comments, please submit your information to bocc@co.kittitas.wa.us.  Please note that it is for the public hearing on December 2, 2025.
• For in person comments, individuals will be limited to 3 minutes at the public hearing.  Please start your comments with your name, if you are a resident of Kittitas County, and if you represent only yourself or others.  More information can be found at Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners.

 
For more information about the tax, our advisory committee and their role, and the projects and agencies currently using the funding, please visit the Kittitas County Public Health | Human Services | Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder page.
 
If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can contact KCPHD at 509-962-7515. 
 

• Public Hearing to Consider funding for mental health and substance use disorder prevention.pdf
• SPANISH Public Hearing to Consider funding for mental health and substance use disorder prevention.pdf

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

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Contact: Kasey Knutson, Public Information Officer, 509-962-7515