Higher Taxes Or Fewer City Services It’s Up To City Taxpayers

In a move to try and maintain city services, the Yakima City Council will now consider raising your utility fees or charging more for your car tabs. The council admits the ideas are not popular but says the 2012 budget is not paying the bills. You'll get the chance to sound off on whether the city should raise your utility tax or slap an extra $20 on your annual license tabs during a public hearing is set for November 15th at city hall. The budget bottom line for 2012 is simple; raise more money or cut deep into city services, including public safety and even parks. At the latest budget workshop the message became crystal clear, if the public isn't willing to invest through fees or taxes or both, the city will have to cut six vacant positions from police and one firefighter and someone from every single city department. A balanced budget must be hammered out before the end of December.