Yakima City Council votes to raise your utility taxes
YAKIMA -- Yakima City Council under pressure to pass a balanced budget by the end of the year adopted a plan to raise the tax on your utilities.
The council voted 5-2 to raise the tax as a way to generate $2 million directed for public safety.
“If you want to tax more (money), then tax more so you don’t have an increase,” one man said.
“I think it’s imperative those officers get back on the street,” said a Yakima woman. “It really is pay me now or pay me later.”
“I think it was the right decision,” Councilman Dave Edler said. “On behalf of the council, it was very difficult. We just can’t continue to let services, especially public safety, diminish.”
The council also moved the $20 car tab fee forward. The council needs to have a budget finalized by the end of the year. Members say they hope to do that by next week.
The council voted 5-2 to raise the tax as a way to generate $2 million directed for public safety.
“If you want to tax more (money), then tax more so you don’t have an increase,” one man said.
“I think it’s imperative those officers get back on the street,” said a Yakima woman. “It really is pay me now or pay me later.”
“I think it was the right decision,” Councilman Dave Edler said. “On behalf of the council, it was very difficult. We just can’t continue to let services, especially public safety, diminish.”
The council also moved the $20 car tab fee forward. The council needs to have a budget finalized by the end of the year. Members say they hope to do that by next week.
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