HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/08/2025 Study Session46
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
July 8, 2025
City Hall - Council Chambers - 129 N 2" Street, Yakima, WA
5:00 PM City Council Study Session - Conducted in person and virtually via Zoom,
1) Roll Call
Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding; Assistant Mayor Matt Brown and Councilmembers
Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn (attending remotely via Zoom), Danny Herrera and
Leo Roy
Staff: City Manager Vick Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinda
Ibarra
2) Public Comment (allow 15 minutes)
Linda Lockwood, City resident and President of the Yakima Valley Seniors Citizens, Inc.;
Vicki Rodgers, City resident: Luis A. Lopez, City resident; Tony Sandoval, City resident;
Zach Stambaugh, City resident; Kenton Gartrell, County resident: and Autumn Torres,
County resident, expressed concerns about the City's budget and preservation of
services provided by the city,
Tony Courcy, City resident, expressed frustration with crosswalk matters at N. 16th Ave,
and Hathaway.
3) Study Session Items
3,A. Discussion of the Downtown Master Plan and Potential Update
Assistant City Manager Gary Ballew presented a brief overview of the Downtown
Master Plan, He described the implementation process that occurred leading to
its adoption in September 2013. Some of the successful efforts since then
include the completion of a parking plan to address short-term and long-term
parking in the area; frontage and retail improvements to Chestnut Avenue; and
an improved Farmer's Market location, Looking ahead, Mr. Ballew noted that it is
time for an update and introduced the idea of a strategic plan for the downtown
area that will outline measurable goals and actions.
The City Council did not take any formal action; however, most Councilmembers
expressed support for a downtown strategic plan.
3.B Resolution authorizing the submission of a ballot proposition for a property tax
levy lid lift
Director of Finance and Budget Craig Warner read the proposed resolution title
authorizing a ballot measure to be added on the November 4, 2025, election
ballot, He also read the proposed ballot proposition in its entirety.
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A RESOLUTION providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City
of Yakima at an election to be held on November 4, 2025, of a proposition
authorizing the City to lift the levy limit established in RCW 84.55.010 in order to
provide funds to pay costs of City operations and services, including public
safety, parks and recreation, streets, and related services, and providing for
severability and an effective date,
Assistant Mayor Brown reviewed three separate comparisons of the 2026, 2027,
and 2028 general fund forecasts. One version did not include any changes,
another version included $9 million in cuts, and the third version included $6
million in revenue and $3 million in cuts, Brown noted that by either cutting $9
million or imposing a property tax levy, the City would face similar budgetary
challenges in 2027 and 2028. City Manager Baker pointed out that the 1% cap
on property tax increases does not keep pace with the rate of inflation which
creates a funding gap year after year.
Council members discussed at length reduction options and ideas and agreed
that specific cuts should be identified prior to them considering this resolution,
3 C Council guidance to staff on final budget direction
After extensive discussion related to Item 3,B,
FINAL AMENDED MOTION: Deccio moved and Brown seconded to have
additional special meetings as are necessary to consider cut packages
based on $3 million in cuts, $4.5 million in cuts, and $9 million in cuts, and
include other options (volunteerism and other programs) in developing the
budget; and also include cut projections for 2027 and 2028 to not be in the
negative; and bring back a resolution. The motion carried unanimously.
City Attorney Watkins outlined the process for adding a ballot measure to the
November general election.
4) Adjournment
MOTION: Brown moved and Herrera seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
regular meeting on July 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
The motion carried by unanimous vote, The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m,
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July 8, 2025 — Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes
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