Yakima City Council Regular Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Yakima City Council held a regular meeting on March 17, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with an executive session and the public portion starting at 5:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. Key topics included recognition of fire department personnel, a tourism annual report, discussion of a municipal fire district and fire department funding, updates on capital improvement projects, a review of business and regulatory licensing fees, and several motions related to utility taxes, drug penalties, and a pro-business letter.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (7-0), which included: minutes from March 3, 2026; payment of disbursements for February 1-28, 2026; February 2026 Investment Transaction Report; setting a closed record public hearing for April 14, 2026 on the Plat of Johnston Estates and another on a Certificate of Appropriateness appeal at 2810 Barge St; project completion for MLK Jr Park Eastside Pool (Aquatic Center); ordinances updating the classification and compensation plan for city employees, amending police department service fees, and amending the Transportation Benefit District Fund; resolutions authorizing a grant for the Climate Resilience Element of the Comprehensive Plan, settling damage claims from a November 27, 2025 water main break, and authorizing an interlocal agreement with Yakima County for a K-9 vehicle.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tony Sandoval, city resident, recognized City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Manager Vicki Baker for Women's History Month and their positive impacts on the community.
• Reverend Rosetta Marshall-Williams, city resident, expressed concern about "ready-to-serve" charges on her utility bill, questioning why customers pay for potential pipe issues. She estimated the city could collect over $92,000 annually from the charge.
• Lynn Harden, city resident, spoke about paramedics and the fire department budget, noting past financial burdens from training and overtime. He also raised concerns about street maintenance in annexed areas.
• Tony Courcy, city resident, discussed boundary line issues at Hathaway and 16th Avenue and alleged misrepresentation by the city regarding past improvements.
• Joseph Kopsick, city resident, expressed concerns about recent tax increases and spoke in support of land value taxation, advocating for taxing land rather than labor, income, or improvements.

Discussion Items

• Fire Department Recognitions: Yakima Fire Chief Aaron Markham recognized Lieutenant Brent Bauer (30 years), Deputy Chief Jonathan Hood (20 years), and Firefighter William Lealos (20 years) for their service. Bauer was noted for developing air management rules and winning a national competition in firefighter rescue techniques.
• 2025 Yakima Valley Tourism Annual Report: John Cooper, President & CEO, presented the report. Tourism supports over 5,100 jobs, generates nearly $53 million in local and state taxes, and accounts for over $400 million in visitor spending. The convention center hosted 344 event days. A $25,000 state grant supported video marketing. The organization launched an ambassador program to train frontline staff.
• Municipal Fire District, House Bill 2224, Senate Bill 6037, and Fire Department Overtime: Chief Markham provided an update on pending legislation that would allow cities to create municipal fire districts within their boundaries without reducing the city's property tax levy. The bill, if signed, would also allow the district to impose up to $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed value above the $5.90 limit. Council discussed the levy implications, including how a fire district would be funded. Chief Markham reported that overtime costs for January and February 2026 were $53,138 and $62,083, respectively, below the $150,000 monthly allocation, but noted that seven retirements by June would increase overtime. He emphasized that hiring replacements takes time; the next academy starts September 1, 2026.
• 2025 Update on Capital Improvement Projects: City Engineer Robert Washabaugh highlighted completed projects: 72nd to Washington roundabout, 34th Ave/Fruitvale/River Road roundabouts, Third Avenue/Division Street signal, and 5th & D intersection improvements with leading pedestrian intervals at 10 intersections. For 2026, 12 projects totaling $11.7 million are planned (98% grant-funded). For 2027, 7 projects totaling $23.7 million are planned (58% grant, 42% local), including the 6th Avenue construction and Washington Avenue/Long Fiber intersection. An update on the Mill Site property is expected in April.
• Review of Business and Regulatory Licensing Fees: Assistant City Manager Gary Ballew and Supervising Code Inspector Julia Rosales presented proposed changes. For general business licenses: a base fee of $45 for 1-2 employees, $15 per additional FTE, and a new fee for nonprofits (with religious organizations exempt). Current revenue is ~$720,000; any increase would support economic development. For regulatory licenses: staff proposed a flat $45 fee for many types that are currently uncharged or under-charged, eliminating several obsolete licenses (e.g., amusement devices, sign companies), reducing regulations for secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers, and adding a fire inspection fee for new businesses (starting at $58). Council members raised questions about enforcement practicality and the definition of religious exemptions.
• City Manager Update: City Manager Vicki Baker previewed upcoming topics: Mill Site property update, Flock camera legislation, quarterly reports, and finance information.

Key Outcomes

• Arbor Day Proclamation: Motion passed (7-0) to direct staff to prepare an Arbor Day proclamation for the April 7, 2026 agenda.
• Terrace Heights Annexation Update: Motion passed (7-0) to direct staff to provide an updated presentation on annexation progress at a future meeting.
• Utility Tax Increase for Fire Station 92: Motion passed (4-3) to direct the City Manager to prepare an ordinance amending the utility tax rate by 3% (including Nob Hill Water), with additional revenue dedicated to fire station 92 operations. Councilmembers Byers, Glenn, and Gonzalez voted no. The expected revenue is approximately $1.8 million.
• Criminal Penalty for Exposing Children to Fentanyl: Motion passed (7-0) to prepare an ordinance for council consideration creating the strongest local criminal penalty for exposing a child to fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, to be brought back in April.
• Pro-Business Letter: After suspending the rules (7-0), council adopted a letter (as amended) affirming council's support for business development. Amendments removed a sentence about Yakima being an alternative to the west side due to rising taxes, and removed the last sentence of the fourth paragraph. The motion passed unanimously.