Yakima’s Budget Crisis: Council Moves Toward Tax Increase

It looks like city property owners could be helping to fill a big budget hole in 2026 in Yakima.

STAFF TO DRAFT RESOLUTION

The Yakima City Council talked about a series of tax proposals Tuesday as the council looks for ways to fill a $9 million shortfall in 2026. Deputy Mayor Matt Brown says a motion to direct staff to draft a resolution placing .50 per $1000 of assessed value tax increase on the November ballot passed on Tuesday. That motion passed on a 4-3 vote. Brown says other proposals didn't get the support he was hoping including a sales tax, two smaller property tax levies and other proposed budget cuts.

KIT

IT'S NOT SET IN STONE

Brown says the public will have another chance to comment about the proposal before it moves forward because the action taken on Tuesday only directs staff to draft the resolution. It will be in front of the Yakima City Council again soon where they could take public comment before voting to place the issue on a future ballot.
Brown along with council members Leo Roy and Reedy Berg voted against the property tax proposal but they were in the minority.

WILL YOU VOTE IN FAVOR?

What is the possibility voters would support a tax levy? City officials say it's been more than 40 years since voters have supported a tax levy.
Brown is expected to make an appearance on Good Morning Yakima on KIT at 7:10 am Thursday. Don't miss our conversation about city finances.