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Tacoma's City Council has approved an additional $2.5 million for the Fire Department to maintain staffing levels amidst significant budget cuts and layoffs due to a structural deficit. While this funding helps prevent immediate service reductions, concerns persist about the department's critical state and potential future layoffs.
Deb Krishnadasan has been appointed as the new state senator for Washington's 26th Legislative District, succeeding U.S. Rep.-elect Emily Randall. Krishnadasan, a former school board president and education advocate, was selected during a joint meeting of Pierce and Kitsap county officials. A special election is set for next November to complete Randall’s term.
The City of Tacoma will observe Christmas Day on December 25 and New Year's Day on January 1, impacting local services, including kerbside collection and food waste management. Residents are encouraged to check for changes in service schedules during the holiday season. This announcement is crucial for Tacoma residents to plan accordingly during the festive period.
The Tacoma City Council has approved an additional $2.5 million funding for the Fire Department to maintain staffing levels amidst a structural budget deficit that may lead to layoffs of other city employees. Despite this funding boost, the department faces challenges, including a shortage of requested temporary roving positions. The budget reflects a commitment to community safety, although difficult financial decisions are anticipated in the future.
Shari's Cafe & Pies is facing class-action lawsuits in Oregon and Washington over allegations of improper layoffs and wage transparency violations. The Oregon lawsuit claims sudden job terminations without proper notice, while the Washington case addresses the failure to disclose salary information in job postings, affecting many former employees and job applicants.
Deb Krishnadasan has been appointed as the new state senator for Washington's 26th Legislative District, succeeding Emily Randall, who is moving to Congress. An experienced education advocate and former school board member, Krishnadasan has strong community support as she prepares for a special election next November.
Timothy Roosevelt Baugh, a 58-year-old Lakewood resident, faces multiple theft charges for allegedly scamming two vulnerable individuals out of $73,000 by falsely promising yard work. His court appearance is set for December 18, as the investigation uncovers a troubling pattern of deceit targeting seniors.
A mixed-use development project is planned for a city-owned property in downtown Puyallup, proposed by Palindrome Development. Set to break ground in early 2026, the project will include mixed-income rental housing, for-sale townhomes, a food hall, and a craft beer brewery. A public presentation to the City Council is scheduled for December 10, 2024.
The article reports on the layoff of nearly 400 employees at Lamb Weston's French fry processing plant in Connell, Washington, raising concerns about the economic impact on the community and the urgent need for a new owner to fill the economic void.
The Tacoma City Council has officially adopted the 2025-2026 biennial budget, emphasizing a balanced financial plan aimed at enhancing local government collaboration and community services. This budget reflects the city's commitment to fiscal responsibility while addressing pressing economic needs and community priorities.