YAKIMA, Wash. – The City of Yakima’s levy lid lift, which aimed to generate $6 million through a property tax increase, did not pass in last week’s elections. This has left the city council with the task of making $6 million in cuts, specifically impacting parks, police and fire departments.
The proposed cuts could lead to immediate changes in the city, with layoffs and reduced public safety response times. The fire department is facing a $1.75 million reduction, leading to the potential closure of Station 92. Chief Aaron Markham highlighted the gravity of the situation at Wednesday’s city council meeting.
“At the end of the day, if we don’t have enough spots available, we may have to, you know, ultimately lay people off. That is our last resort. We don’t want to do that,” said Markham. “If we can’t get to a fire quick enough, it grows to the point where the ability to survive inside is untenable, and then it just continues to grow exponentially.”
Yakima parks are also set to face a $1.4 million cut, which includes closing the Harman Center, Fruit Community Center and Lions Pool, along with a 16% reduction in parks maintenance. Communications and Public Affairs Director Randy Beehler explained what these cuts may look like.
“It could range from no services or programs being provided to maybe, you know, services and provide services and programs being provided on a limited basis,” said Beehler.
In response, the city council approved a motion to seek outside funding to support these community centers.
Meanwhile, the Yakima Police Department is bracing for the steepest cut, with $3 million proposed. This includes the elimination of 12 police officer positions, a supervisor sergeant position, four community service officer positions, an analyst supervisor and an analyst position. Police Chief Shawn Boyle spoke on the potential impacts.
“When you start to see a reduction in number of officers, we have to maintain our staffing in patrol,” said Boyle. “You get tired, you get worn out, you miss things with your family. And so in longer hours are working, can lead to more, more injuries which can lead to more complaints and things of that nature. So, you know, we’re trying not to put too much stress on the men and women who go out every day and try to keep our community safe.”
The proposed cuts would reduce the Yakima Police Department to 1.2 officers per 1,000 residents, less than the state average of 1.5 and half of the national average of 2.4, according to YPD.
“There will be impacts that will be felt eventually. I mean, we’ll do the best we can, but we’re going to do it on what we can do that’s safe, safe for both the officers and the community,” added Boyle.
The city council has until the end of December to finalize the budget and reach the $6 million target. They will hold another meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., where a public hearing on the budget will take place.
