Yakima City Council Study Session – July 8, 2025

The Yakima City Council held a study session on July 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting focused on three major items: a discussion of the Downtown Master Plan and potential update, a resolution authorizing a property tax levy lid lift ballot proposition for the November 4, 2025 election, and council guidance on final budget direction. Public comments highlighted concerns about the city's budget shortfall and the preservation of services. The council did not vote on the resolution but unanimously approved a motion to hold special meetings to develop multiple cut packages and explore alternative revenue options.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Linda Lockwood, President of the Yakima Valley Seniors Citizens, Inc. and city resident, urged continued support for the Harman Center, fire department, and police department, calling them "vital arteries that pump life, safety, and well-being into the heart of Yakima."
• Luis A. López, city resident, advocated for implementing a sales tax increase as soon as feasible, noting it would generate revenue by March 2026 regardless of the levy outcome, and that all residents and visitors would contribute.
• Vicki Rodgers, city resident, expressed concern about potential closure of the Harman Center and Washington Fruit Community Center, emphasizing the value of senior services, exercise, and community connection.
• Tony Sandoval, city resident, suggested leasing the Southeast Community Center to the city for $100 to reduce maintenance costs, and listed specific items he would not cut (economic development staff, YPD traffic units, crime analysis, property crime, gang, and narcotics units) and items he would cut (lobbying, council travel, fireworks, Windows of Life funding, flowers downtown, trolley maintenance, alley maintenance, YCDA funding, crime-free rental housing, graffiti removal, and some training budgets).
• Zach Stambaugh, city resident, advocated for a hiring freeze and spinning off non-essential services into nonprofits, warning that tax increases hurt minimum-wage workers and renters.
• Kenton Gartrell, county resident with property in the city, opposed a property tax increase, stating that renters (over 50% of the population) have already faced 20% lease increases, and that the city should cut spending, freeze hiring, and implement a sales tax for police only. He reminded council members that many ran on "no new taxes" pledges.
• Autumn Torres, county resident, business owner, and grandparent, urged the council to reject the property tax levy, calling for cuts to a "bloated city budget" and creative solutions instead of tax increases.
• Tony Courcy, city resident, expressed frustration about crosswalk safety at N. 16th Ave. and Hathaway, referencing a child's death on Halloween night.

Discussion Items

3.A. Downtown Master Plan Update

• Assistant City Manager Gary Ballew presented an overview of the Downtown Master Plan, adopted in 2013. He noted successes: a parking plan, improvements to Chestnut Avenue, and an improved Farmer's Market location. He recommended a smaller-scale strategic plan with three-to-five-year measurable goals, focusing on specific areas rather than a full master plan update.
• Council members expressed support for a strategic plan. Councilmember Berg agreed that a strategic plan is needed and that downtown businesses want a clear direction. Councilmember Glenn questioned whether past efforts were measurable and suggested engaging downtown business owners directly. Mayor Byers noted that the original master plan's big vision was not fully realized and that COVID-19 disrupted further efforts.

3.B. Resolution for Property Tax Levy Lid Lift

• Finance Director Craig Warner read the proposed resolution title and ballot proposition. The measure would increase the city's regular property tax levy by $0.50 per $1,000 assessed value (to a maximum of $2.46 per $1,000) to fund operations including public safety, parks, streets, and related services, with exemptions for qualifying seniors, veterans, and others.
• Deputy Mayor Matt Brown presented three general fund forecasts: (1) no changes – showing deficits of $9M in 2026, $24M in 2027, and $42M in 2028; (2) $9M in cuts – leaving a narrow fund balance in 2026 but deficits of $3.2M in 2027 and $5-8M in 2028; (3) $6M in new revenue (levy) plus $3M in cuts – showing similar deficits in 2027-2028. He argued that both cutting $9M or passing the levy lead to similar structural deficits, and that the city cannot keep asking taxpayers for more.
• City Manager Vicki Baker noted that the 1% cap on property tax increases does not keep pace with inflation, creating a persistent funding gap since 2001.
• Council discussed the need to identify specific cuts before approving the resolution. Several members emphasized that voters deserve to know what services would be cut if the levy fails.

3.C. Council Guidance on Final Budget Direction

• After extensive debate, the council agreed to direct staff to develop multiple cut packages. Councilmember Deccio moved and Deputy Mayor Brown seconded a motion to hold additional special meetings as necessary to consider cut packages at $3 million, $4.5 million, and $9 million, and to include other options such as volunteerism and sponsorship programs. The motion was amended to also include cut projections for 2027 and 2028 to avoid negative fund balances. The final motion passed unanimously (7-0).
• Councilmember Berg suggested freezing vacant positions (estimated up to $3M in savings from 25-30 unfilled general fund positions), eliminating small items under $200,000 (fireworks, Windows of Life, flower pots, council travel, trolley maintenance), and exploring interlocal agreements with other municipalities for fire and EMS services.
• Councilmember Glenn supported presenting three cut options to the public alongside the levy request so voters can see impacts.
• City Attorney Sara Watkins outlined the process and timeline: a resolution must be adopted by August 4, 2025, to appear on the November 4 ballot; the city must also form pro and con committees of up to three residents each to write statements for the voters' pamphlet.

Key Outcomes

• Motion Passed (7-0): The council will hold additional special meetings as necessary to develop cut packages at $3 million, $4.5 million, and $9 million, along with projections for 2027 and 2028 to avoid negative fund balances. The packages will also explore volunteerism, sponsorship, and other non-revenue options. Staff will bring back the resolution for a vote once the cuts are identified.
• No action taken on the Downtown Master Plan update, but council expressed support for pursuing a strategic plan rather than a full master plan update.
• Next meeting: Regular City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The council expects to schedule special meetings in the following weeks to finalize cut packages before the August 4 deadline for ballot measures.