Yakima City Council Makes Some Budget Decisions

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Story Published: Nov 18, 2009 at 12:33 AM PDT

By Stacy Lilienthal

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YAKIMA -- It was Yakima's first and only chance to speak out about the 2010 city budget. Action News was at Tuesday nights meeting and has a re-cap of the council's decisions so far.

"For me, one of the most important things about kids in band is that it establishes a team spirit. They learn to walk together, they learn to move together, they even breathe together," Yakima Symphony Orchestra Executive Director, Noel Moxley said.

But the Yakima Symphony Orchestra may not be able to bring small ensemble orchestras into a few Yakima schools to encourage music like that anymore. The Orchestra, Sunfair Parade, Allied Arts, RSVP senior program, and the Chamber of Commerce would lose 50-percent of what the city gives them if the council approves its latest budget proposal.

"We can't abandon our seniors," one woman said while defending Harman Center funding.

The lists of program cuts drove all of the public comments at the city's one and only budget public hearing. 21 vacant positions may also remain vacant, and three full time positions could be cut.

"Hopefully things will change," Council Member, Kathy Coffey told the audience, "this too will pass and we will not be so strapped for dollars," she continued.

The council did make a few big decisions at its meeting. For the first time in the city manager's career, home owners will have roughly the same property tax next year. Council members decided against the allowed one percent tax increase. They said the city isn't the only one strained by the economy. But you can expect a roughly five dollar increase on your average storm water rate. City leaders have some tough decisions underway, but still have some discussions left for programs like the Yakima Symphony Orchestra.

The final budget will be decided in a council meeting in early December.

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