Yakima City Council Faces $8.1 Million Budget Deficit

The Yakima City Council met on April 1, 2025, to confront a significant budget deficit projected at $8. 1 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Interim Finance Director Mike Bailey informed the council that the current deficit is $4. 6 million, necessitating the use of reserves to bridge the gap. The council is exploring priority-based budgeting to enhance transparency in financial allocations, which would help the public understand how their tax dollars are spent.

Public input revealed concerns about potential cuts to essential services such as senior centers and community pools, with resident Patti Maggard Pretoletto stressing the negative impact on the Westside community. The council is also under pressure from inflation and a state-imposed 1% cap on property tax increases, prompting discussions on increasing revenue through a possible sales tax proposal. To engage the community, the council is hosting town halls and conducting pop-up surveys, while a citizen budget committee is set to present its findings by May 6. The council is determined to balance the budget, with the next study session scheduled for April 8, 2025.