Yakima Deputy Mayor Vows to Oppose New Taxes

It's real. The Yakima City Council has voted in favor of placing a $6 million property tax levy on the November ballot to help fill a budget deficit.

BROWN VOTED NO

The issue passed on a 4-3 vote during a special meeting of the Yakima City Council. Yakima Deputy Mayor Matt Brown who represents District 6 says however he voted against the measure. He issued a statement after the special meeting Thursday at city hall.

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A MEETING WITH BUSINESS OWNERS

Brown says when he ran in 2021 he made a pledge to vote down any new taxes or the potential for new taxes. In the statement he says it was a commitment he's keeping. His statement says government must live within its means. Brown says he'll soon be meeting with large business owners to find ways to make more investments and more business and growth into the local economy.

TRUSTING YAKIMA VOTERS

Voting against the tax levy wasn't easy says Brown. He says he trusts Yakima voters to "weigh the facts and choose the direction they believe is best for the community."
He says he respects his fellow council members but he's determined to keep his promise to not increase local taxes. He says despite the vote to ask property owners for help he maintains there are still more ideas to explore, more efficiencies to find and more conversations to have.

WILL YOU SUPPORT THE TAX?

Placing the property tax increase on the ballot is risk because if the tax levy fails major cuts in programs and services would have to follow immediately because the city is required to have a balanaced budget in 2026.
Don't miss our conversation with Brown 7:40 am Monday on kit.