The Ellensburg City Council's recent study session on September 2, 2025, spotlighted the pressing need for accessible meeting recordings, particularly for individuals with hearing and visual impairments. A significant discussion revolved around the costs and logistics of implementing live captioning and audio description services, which are essential for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Council members explored various AI solutions for live captioning, with costs ranging from $2,700 to $13,000 monthly, depending on the volume of minutes purchased. The company Scribe offers packages that could help transcribe audio into written form, crucial for those who are hearing impaired. However, the conversation highlighted the potential for cost savings by opting for audio-only recordings, which would eliminate the need for video descriptions.

The council acknowledged the complexities of meeting accessibility requirements, noting that both audio and visual formats must be available online to cater to all individuals. This raised questions about the responsibilities of staff during meetings, including the time needed for setup, monitoring, and post-meeting processing of recordings. The council is considering whether existing staff can manage these tasks without additional overtime costs.

Another key point of discussion was the need for a policy that addresses technological failures during recordings. Members suggested that meetings should proceed regardless of recording capabilities, ensuring that public discourse continues uninterrupted.

As the council moves forward, they are tasked with balancing the financial implications of these accessibility measures against the legal requirements to ensure all community members can participate fully in local governance. The outcome of these discussions will shape how Ellensburg City approaches meeting accessibility in the future, with a focus on inclusivity and compliance.