YAKIMA, Wash. – The Yakima City Council voted to place a property tax levy on the November 4 ballot. If passed, the levy is expected to generate $6 million in revenue to address a $9 million shortfall faced by the city in 2026.
The decision came after a special meeting where Craig Warner, the Director of Finance and Budget, presented recommendations for budget cuts. He proposed cuts totaling approximately $2.54 million and advised the council to determine additional reductions to reach the $3 million goal.
During the meeting, Warner commented on the challenging decision.
“This is a difficult decision, but we know that the opportunity for council to decide where you would take the other $460,000 and I’m sitting here with my mouse because I’m ready to make changes,” Warner said.
An alternative resolution that would have generated $6.5 million was also considered, but the council opted to proceed with the $3 million cuts. Councilman Matt Brown suggested reducing street maintenance funding from $500,000 to $90,000. Public Works Director Scott Schafer discussed potential impacts with Mayor Patricia Byers, highlighting the elimination of three vacant positions.
“That would be three positions that are three vacancies that are going to go,” Schafer said.
“That would start in January of 2026 in terms of the budget rather than right now?” Mayor Byers asked
“I don’t know. I don’t have the positions filled. The three that are not filled. I desperately need them, but if they’re gone, they’re gone,” Schafer answered.
The council voted unanimously in favor of the revised cuts that included the street maintenance reduction. Councilman Rick Glenn then motioned for a vote on the levy tax, which passed with a 4 to 3 vote. Council members Brown, Roy, and Berg voted against the proposal, while Byers, Deccio, Glenn, and Herrera supported it.
Following the vote, the council’s next step, as outlined by the Revised Code of Washington 29A.32.280, is to appoint community members to prepare voter pamphlets for both sides of the ballot measure. This will be addressed at their regular meeting on August 4.
For the full meeting, be sure to visit the City of Yakima’s website.
