Yakima Council Halts Levy Vote Over Cuts Disagreement

The Yakima City Council on Tuesday decided to postpone the levy proposal that would raise money to fill a $9 million deficit in 2026.

DIRECTING STAFF THEN POSTPONING

During the last meeting the council directed staff to bring back to council a resolution which would put onto the November 4 ballot an increase in the City’s regular property tax levy by 50 cents per $1,000.00 of assessed value, which would raise $6 million dollars to help in the city deficit problem. Under that plan Deputy Mayor Matt Brown says the other $3 million needed would be covered in budget cuts.

NO AGREEMENT ON CUTS

Brown says the levy proposal for November was postponed because council members haven't yet agreed on a list of cuts in services or a cuts package. Some of the things on the suggested list of cuts include the Harman Senior Center, Fire Station 92 at 7707 Tieton Drive, the Yakima Police Department Gang Unit and City Animal Control. However council members have not agreed on a list of specific items of services that would be cut under the city proposal.

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 2026?

Brown also says projections show with the proposed property tax increase or with $9 million in cuts the city would still be in the "same place financially come 2027/2028" meaning the city will still be in the negative even if the city decides on a levy/cut package.
Don't miss our conversation with Matt Brown at 7:10 am Thursday, July 10 on KIT.