The Yakima City Council next month is expected to adopt a proposed Charter amendment that would ban a local income tax on residents who live in the city of Yakima. If adopted The Charter amendment is expected to appear on the November ballot for voters to decide.

THE COUNCIL ALSO WANTS SUPPORT FOR TWO OTHER AMENDMENTS

During the July 20 meeting of the city council members also proposed two other amendments to the City Charter that, if approved by voters,would require Yakima City Council members to attend meetings. The other would conform the city Charter to state law provisions regarding purchases of supplies, material, equipment or services, appropriations, amendments to the Charter and civil service. The proposed amendment to require council members to attend meetings is a direct result of current council member Jason White who didn't attend a meeting of the council over the last year.

WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER ON A PRO/CON COMMITTEE?

The council has also decided to appoint three volunteers to serve on pro/con committees regarding the amendments. City officials say in accordance to state law the council on August 2 will appoint committees to prepare arguments for and against each of the proposed Charter amendments to be published in the voters pamphlet for the November election.

Anyone interested in applying for any of the above pro or con committees can contact the City Council/City Manager office at 575-6000 or CityCouncil@yakimawa.gov.

Those interested in serving are asked to indicate which proposed Charter amendment they would like to be considered for, whether they are “pro” or “con,” and a brief statement regarding why they would like to be appointed to the committee.