YAKIMA, Wash. – The City of Yakima’s levy lid lift , which aimed to generate $6 million through a property tax increase, did not pass in last week’s elections . This has left the city council with the task of making $6 million in cuts, specifically impacting parks, police and fire departments.

The proposed cuts could lead to immediate changes in the city, with layoffs and reduced public safety response times. The fire department is facing a $1.75 million reduction, leading to the potential closure of Station 92. Chief Aaron Markham highlighted the gravity of the situation at Wednesday’s city council meeting.

“At the end of the day, if we don’t have enough spots available, we may have to, you know, ultimately lay people off. That is our last resort. We don’t want to do that,” said Mar

See Full Page