The Yakima City Council has approved an increase in utility taxes to help fund a fire station that had been at risk of closure. Yakima Fire Station 92, which serves the West Valley area, has been at risk of closure due to a lack of funds for its operation. Yakima Fire Department officials have said that recent budget cuts for the fire department have threatened their ability to staff the station. In January, at strong urging from the community, councilmembers unanimously voted to extend funding for the fire station through August 2026 while they considered long-term financial solutions for the station.
At the City Council meeting on April 14, councilmembers voted 6-1 to implement a 3% utility tax increase to help fund the station. The ordinance will increase utility bills in the city by about $36 per year. Councilmember Felisa Gonzalez was the only councilmember who voted against the ordinance. The increased tax is expected to raise nearly $2 million to fund operations at Fire Station 92. The ordinance includes language that would end the tax if Yakima County passes an increased levy for emergency medical services before 2028.
Apple Valley News Now
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