HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD. NO. 2026-017 amend YMC 7.64.040_3% Stormwater tax and sunset clauseORDINANCE NO. 2026-017
AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima Municipal Code Section 7.64.040 Stormwater
tax.
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima is authorized by Title 35 RCW to acquire, construct, own,
operate, and provide financing for storm drainage and surface water management, and to
establish rates, fees, and charges therefore; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Yakima finds and determines that adoption of
this ordinance amending the stormwater tax rate section of the Yakima Municipal Code, Section
7.64.040, is in the public interest and best interest of the City and its residents; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1.
to read as follows:
Section 7.64.040 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code is hereby amended
7.64.040 Stormwater tax.
For the provision of stormwater compliance and stormwater collection services there is
levied a tax against the total assessments collected from annual stormwater
assessments charges. Commencing June 1, 2026, and effective annually thereafter, the
rate of the tax shall be twenty-four percent.
The additional 3% utility tax added on April 14, 2026, and effective on June 1, 2026,
shall be repealed if Yakima County passes an EMS Levy at $0.50 per $1,000.00 of
assessed value, upon receipt of those EMS funds.
Section 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 14th day of April, 2026.
Rosalinda lbarra, CMC, City C
Publication Date: April 18, 2026
Effective Date: May 18, 2026
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No, 9.H.
For Meeting of: April 14, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Ordinance amending the Yakima Municipal Code Section 7.64.040
Stormwater tax, adding 3% utility tax
SUBMITTED BY: *Craig Warner, Budget & Finance Director
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
This ordinance implements a March 17th council -directed increase to stormwater tax rates to establish a
funding source to maintain operation of Fire Station 92 until such time as other funding may be identified.
The City of Yakima's adopted 2026 budget required closure of Fire Station 92. In January 2026, City
Council authorized one-time funding from reserves to continue Station operations through August 2026.
The proposed utility tax of 24% on water, sewer, refuse, and stormwater is estimated to provide
$1,800,000 of additional revenue, sufficient to operate Fire Station 92.
ITEM BUDGETED: No
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: A Resilient Yakima
RECOMMENDATION: Pass Ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance re amend YMC 7.64.040.pdf
Ordinance re amend YMC 7.64.040.24 Stormwater.docx
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