Budget Cuts Threaten Closure of Yakima Fire Station 92; Council Discusses Options

Budget cuts top the agenda for the Yakima City Council during the first meeting of the new year Tuesday, 5:30 pm at Yakima City Hall.

BUDGET TALKS CONTINUE TO FIND WAYS AROUND CUTS

Along with electing a new mayor and deputy mayor to represent the city, council members will talk about budget cuts in the 2026 budget that impact Yakima Fire Station 92 located at 7707 Tieton Drive. Last year the council asked city staff to come up with ideas to keep the station open in the new year after budget cuts called for the station to be closed in 2026.

MAJOR CUTS IN 2026

The city cut $1.75 million dollars from the Yakima Fire Department.
The council will also talk about the closure of Lions Pool and ways to keep the pool open through 2026. Last year the council directed city staff to find funding solutions, aiming to keep the pool open until February of this year to allow swim teams to finish the season.

WILL THE COUNCIL FIND A SOLUTION? WILL SCHOOL DISTRICTS HELP?

So on Tuesday the council will get an update on talks with area school districts. Along with talks with school districts city officials say they're looking for other ways to keep the pool open all year with "community support and potential donations explored."

SUPPORTERS OF YAKIMA VALLEY TROLLEYS WILL ALSO BE AT THE MEETING

Those who support Yakima Valley Trolley's are also expected to show up at the council meeting to voice support for the trolley budget that was slashed in the 2026 budget cuts essentially ending years of trolley operation in Yakima.
The meeting starts at 5:30 pm.
Live public comment on agenda items via Zoom is also available. Click Public Comment | City Council (yakimawa.gov) for instructions and a Public Comment Request Form.

YOU CAN ALSO CALL IN AND LISTEN

Dial 1-253-215-8782
When prompted for the meeting ID enter 950 3246 3340
When prompted for the participant ID enter #
When prompted for the meeting passcode enter 152352
The Jan. 6th Yakima City Council regular meeting will air live at 5:30 pm on Y-PAC, Charter Spectrum Channel 194, and stream live at https://www.yakimawa.gov/council/live-stream/