[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6289742,"mediaKeyId","2532141-7ccdc3541f08d9aa0ad49dde657be78a","parentId",2532141,"title","Yakima city manager launches public budget survey, announces incoming assistant city manager","audioSeconds",106,"startMs",5712000,"endMs",5818000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532141-7ccdc3541f08d9aa0ad49dde657be78a&start=5712&end=5818","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532141-7ccdc3541f08d9aa0ad49dde657be78a/thumbnail_5712000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6289742/Yakima-City/Yakima-County/Washington/Yakima-city-manager-launches-public-budget-survey-announces-incoming-assistant-city-manager","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289742-7813474c71682ba749ea0b345e7be4c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170158&Signature=l-Q0Zp5~lWPJXiF3ZTuK90rDFlJBSNmCxH~5JtR8gTil3RgvntFR~TancF60RcxvAQok3wPlCKTaPa35heHi-UerIf9HrRr3nxH86MUHkEfKPbngUh2kLXtOFWQHF4PqybieivHVgmT8wleZIVX7TdGmM369Mzj2itvo7CW-UeziS~~HyKvmN8zimzTz~hJvhPBiQ4AaaJxaFJL7D~fphrnKFiIe5fQh85IIRkGqT9Iy7PmhzYMPKiVwAWyS4bOt~lsGhrDyl9myyTG98rvEYSGct-ZMsOLvWOMADKM4B-yO00RfblRHeloLBJyfkJtZFwZKVaEETN5Gu1dehw5pYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Yakima City, WA","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","City Manager Baker told the Yakima City Council on March 4 she will release a public survey this week asking residents to weigh trade-offs for roughly a $9 million gap in city services, and she announced the hire of an assistant city manager, Gary Baloo, who is expected to start in March.

Baker said the survey will ask residents to consider difficult budget choices tied to streets, parks, fire and police services. “This is a $9,000,000 problem that we have. Includes really important things. That’s streets, parks, fire, and our police department,” Baker said. She told council that roughly 82% of the city’s general fund supports public-safety services and asked the public to weigh priorities in forthcoming outreach.

The survey will be reviewed by the budget committee and then distributed online and via targeted outreach in partnership with the Yakima Valley Council of Governments to reach multiple neighborhoods and community groups. The city manager said she will attend local meetings and town halls to discuss the survey results and that the budget committee will review responses.

Baker also announced that Gary Baloo (pronounced “Baloo”), currently serving in administrative roles in the region, will join the city as assistant city manager in March. She described Baloo’s background in economic development, Port and county administration and environmental/engineering matters and said he will help with downtown and mill-site revitalization and other operational priorities.

The council did not take a vote on the survey or the hire at the meeting; Baker said staff will return with budget study materials and survey results in coming weeks.

Why this matters: The survey frames potential trade-offs in core public services and will inform the city’s 2026 budget direction; bringing an assistant city manager on board expands staff capacity for implementation and interagency coordination.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Yakima City Council 03-04-25","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager (Baker) told the council she will launch a public budget survey this week that frames a $9 million gap in services and that an assistant city manager, Gary Baloo, will join the administration in March to help with revitalization and operational priorities.","taxTitle","Yakima City, Yakima County, Washington","taxId",12681,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6289747,"YVCOG highlights crime-lab turnaround, transportation funding and housing assistance in 2024 report to Yakima council",686,1414000,2100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532141-7ccdc3541f08d9aa0ad49dde657be78a&start=1414&end=2100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532141-7ccdc3541f08d9aa0ad49dde657be78a/thumbnail_1414000.jpg","/articles/6289747/Yakima-City/Yakima-County/Washington/YVCOG-highlights-crime-lab-turnaround-transportation-funding-and-housing-assistance-in-2024-report-to-Yakima-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289747-85024cff57157badad19414c97280bbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170158&Signature=Siq0sKh50VyY4xewm1sWNk8Rjpg5QHdusqgt~ucBQ4lqdEZrZLNrKuf8ycBFPLtT4R~f~MheeiV6iIwjTi5jP9eD1tpqPgLi9GHBHOXlD~T~yavbPBU23pgHx6lqR8~KYPd5NG8874AJrsK-VKeeqYSzeictJUsqjtRGeIWe8FoSeWIwZ9Ofm~Jh6780GtHuXRiltE~gyBkNt6wmf4UcyeJmUsgQgeQ4AWxjv~kEOsvh3lzZ8S3Ptd4XcSKTykkxWec7BaWLzyvy94yUtc9YEzslkMtt7bLlg~Qe0s5FO8U7qJ4lGi-DfojAnLitXOwtDSH87WKdVKf3GYZWBq1kHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chris Weigenhagen, executive director of the Yakima Valley Council of Governments, presented the agency’s 2024 annual report to the Yakima City Council on March 4, highlighting crime-lab capacity, regional transportation funding and housing programs.

Weigenhagen told the council the local crime lab has reduced turnaround time for NIBIN (ballistic-casing comparisons) to about 3½ days from submission to return, a change he said gives officers a “huge advantage” in investigations. YVCOG also is facilitating a rapid-DNA work group with multiple counties and the FBI to develop policies and procedures for rapid-DNA use.

On transportation, YVCOG reported $7,750,000 in federal funding awarded in 2024 and said members obligated $22,000,000 of that funding; Weigenhagen noted jurisdictions should be “shovel ready” before obligating funds because obligated funds carry a 10-year completion window. He said YVCOG adopted a required 20-year transportation plan and sponsored corridor and regional studies, including the State Route 12 corridor and passenger-rail restoration discussions.

YVCOG described housing services that include emergency home repairs for eligible owners (heating systems, wheelchair ramps and other limited repairs) and said it had received a $2,000,000 down-payment assistance grant. The council was told YVCOG received other grants and private support to equip the crime lab and continued to provide planning and GIS shared services for smaller jurisdictions.

Weigenhagen also highlighted planned 2025 priorities: workforce development for local government roles, $5,000,000 in transportation air-quality project funding (e.g., street sweepers), continued climate-element support for local comprehensive plans, and a Target Zero project focused on freeway fatalities.

Councilmembers asked questions about upcoming government-training classes; Weigenhagen said a “plain-talk” communications workshop will be held March 11 in Union Gap. The presentation concluded without a council vote.

Why this matters: YVCOG’s programs — crime-lab services, coordinated transportation planning and housing repairs — are regional functions that affect municipal planning, public safety data-sharing and grant readiness.","Chris Weigenhagen, executive director of the Yakima Valley Council of Governments, presented YVCOG’s 2024 annual report to the Yakima City Council, noting faster local crime-lab processing, federal transportation awards, housing repair and down-payment programs, and planned workforce development efforts for 2025.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6289752,"Votes at a glance: Yakima City Council actions on appointments, proclamations, consent agenda and next steps",1650,1380000,3030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532141-7ccdc3541f08d9aa0ad49dde657be78a&start=1380&end=3030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532141-7ccdc3541f08d9aa0ad49dde657be78a/thumbnail_1380000.jpg","/articles/6289752/Yakima-City/Yakima-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-Yakima-City-Council-actions-on-appointments-proclamations-consent-agenda-and-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289752-e16d3ab563a7a52dab49612bdabdb83f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170158&Signature=DC29USBI3spe8c4RqpZRGAHKbFYeAiLa8DIFYTFj8mhb24Ui2KRhWlgqXHIzhxm8WdzK52R-34S2yonz8yjz6UNEUm~NsVPCkn6j7XDvWTUV2N4ydELm9FYTRmy~e5yhwSwmXXb-vR20w1WUzlfr71Bk2nm8aQ5Yis6EhA4wARfdGCiwd3MGraAbm9w7VLtwhdamUzh7lCD5gn9zCYYutWiTtrOPc9d0KV6D-eqBu7TPQG9S65R~7Q0J4nmpOK5UTHrPX6bUcPdwm2IG54mpXkL-3c92c54knPYSO4Rbx1YRV~QWCmiNTzqwSHcYuIksdkMAta5Pcn5LFZnltSp0SA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yakima City Council on March 4 recorded several formal actions: it accepted nominations to city advisory bodies, adopted a multi-item consent agenda, directed staff to analyze animal-licensing fees, asked for a code review on backyard chickens, and approved a revision to the city’s proclamation policy. Below are the actions, outcomes and key details.

Nominating committee appointments: The council unanimously adopted the nominating committee’s recommendations. Councilmember Decio moved to adopt the nominating-committee recommendations and Deputy Mayor Matt Brown seconded; the roll call was unanimous. The committee recommended (1) Emica Udenze to the Henry Beauchamp Community Center advisory board and (2) Audrey Rutherford and Erica Keller to the Hotel and Motel Commission (Tourism Promotion Area). The appointments became formal on adoption.

Consent agenda: The council adopted the consent agenda by motion (Deputy Mayor Matt Brown moved; Councilmember Decio seconded). The roll-call vote was 7–0. Items approved on the consent agenda included approval of minutes from the Feb. 18, 2025 regular meeting; acceptance of procurement for snow-removal equipment (AIP number stated on the agenda); resolutions authorizing write-offs of certain uncollectible central accounts receivable and utility receivables; a resolution to write off certain uncollectible parking citations and penalties; a contract authorization with KDA Architecture, Inc. for architectural design and space planning; a sole-source purchase authorization with Howden USA for wastewater aeration blower parts and repair; a mutual-aid agreement with the Department of the Army for emergency aid response services; and an ordinance amending municipal code chapter 9.25 (cruising control). The agenda text contained specific item descriptions as read into the record.

Proclamation policy amendment: By a 7–0 vote, the council directed staff to update the City of Yakima proclamation issuance policy to require council procedural steps (motions and votes) before staff drafts and schedules proclamations on the council agenda. A motion to amend the policy was made and seconded on the floor; council members voted unanimously to adopt the change and directed staff to return the revised policy language at the next meeting.

Directives to staff (study requests): Council directed staff to bring a cost–benefit analysis of animal-licensing fees and animal-control contributions to a future study session (motion by Councilmember Vergheen; second by Deputy Mayor Matt Brown). The council also directed staff to review the municipal code and return recommendations on increasing the number of permitted backyard chickens (motion introduced by Mayor Byers; second by Councilmember Decio). Both motions passed without recorded opposition.

Meeting close and next steps: The council moved to adjourn and reconvene at the next study session on March 11 at 5 p.m. (motion by Deputy Mayor Matt Brown; second by Councilmember Decio).","At its March 4 meeting the Yakima City Council approved a set of routine and policy items, including nominating-committee appointments, a multi-item consent agenda, amendments to the proclamation policy, and motions directing staff on animal licensing and backyard chickens.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6289757,"Yakima City Council adopts resolution expressing concern about county homeless coalition performance",4830,95000,4925000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532141-7ccdc3541f08d9aa0ad49dde657be78a&start=95&end=4925","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532141-7ccdc3541f08d9aa0ad49dde657be78a/thumbnail_95000.jpg","/articles/6289757/Yakima-City/Yakima-County/Washington/Yakima-City-Council-adopts-resolution-expressing-concern-about-county-homeless-coalition-performance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289757-89c1bc7b43b070a630b70964cb41ab55/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170158&Signature=i9u7nP3ggr8~aPozxVxVvw1qh2jgmnBf2I0rkPjSY4gKhqcvkEpyvTNzPQ6T8KitWV5RjMPmgwGQSOiguVPp4qC54CkuafzHG2K9gy7z69SHgepnEwPyA6JIQHXRatuCDfgAKk-fF~jfJcF85iJlKGgRxNXV3Uag7c5mQKpg-UUQg-KbUylojwO1GnksS66NCQpd0S9OnEJGNKNTkFxk1sl3R91Gog4SBfSHfedkSv~5NYHj9Ks-DKayXBhz0u2A4p1crWA6eAyVqiV3twPMGVGr4thnK38Fj5Hox1EDvxUxqCuW4uK-JocorzvT3yisIxqhf-QlZEX37oAkIC1Xqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yakima City Council on March 4 adopted a resolution saying the city has “profound concerns” about the performance and accountability of the Yakima County Homeless Coalition and that it may pursue alternative strategies if meaningful reform does not follow.

The resolution was adopted after about an hour of public comment from business owners, residents and providers and more than an hour of council discussion. The vote was 5 in favor, 2 opposed.

Commissioner Cal Curtis of Yakima County, who addressed the council during public comment, said the draft resolution “stems from frustration” with conditions on city streets but urged changes that empower oversight rather than replace county staff. “We do not need a different entity to run the day to day administration of contracts and funds, but rather … a project coordinator that has no ties to government,” Curtis said.

Deputy Mayor Matt Brown, who introduced the resolution, said the city needs a stronger role in decisions that affect street conditions and public safety. “If we don’t have a plan and then it’s not getting executed well, then what are we doing?” Brown said, and moved to adopt the measure.

County staff member Esther (last name not provided) described how homelessness funding is awarded and tracked. She said county contracts are reimbursed only after providers submit documentation showing allowable costs and that the county — not the city — holds the contracts. “We don’t provide cash upfront. You have to incur the cost, and then you have to provide us the documentation,” Esther said.

Council members who supported the resolution said the move is intended to press for reforms, including clearer performance metrics, better city representation in decision-making and stronger annual reporting. Opponents, including Councilmember Decio and Councilmember Herrera, said they were concerned the measure could be punitive to service providers and preferred reforms rather than a show of “no confidence.”

The adopted resolution states the city’s intent to explore alternative strategies if the coalition does not implement meaningful reforms; it does not immediately cut or reallocate funding. The council did not specify an implementation deadline in the resolution.

Votes and next steps: the council took the formal vote by roll call; the tally was Byers — yes; Decio — no; Glenn — yes; Herrera — no; Roy — yes; Berg — yes; Brown — yes. The council and commissioners indicated interest in scheduling a joint meeting to work on the governance and accountability questions raised during the discussion.

Why this matters: Yakima officials and downtown business owners testified to rising street-level problems — camping, vandalism and public sanitation issues — and said they want measurable, enforceable improvements from the region’s homeless response system. County officials said structural changes and data improvements are already under way, and county staff offered to return to the council with regular updates.","After extensive public comment and debate, the Yakima City Council voted 5–2 to adopt a resolution saying the city has “profound concerns” about the Yakima County Homeless Coalition’s performance and signaling it will explore alternatives if meaningful reform is not implemented.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Yakima city manager launches public budget survey, announces incoming assistant city manager

YVCOG highlights crime-lab turnaround, transportation funding and housing assistance in 2024 report to Yakima council

Votes at a glance: Yakima City Council actions on appointments, proclamations, consent agenda and next steps

Yakima City Council adopts resolution expressing concern about county homeless coalition performance