YES for Yakima Levy

12/23/2025

https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/yakima-proactive-police-unit-and-community-service-officers-saved-from-2026-budget-cuts/article_2128ed8e-4a5b-4046-bb08-709ba6e0e002.html

A recent utility tax increase approved by the City Council is helping the department keep some of the positions that were slated for layoffs, but the department still has a

12/18/2025

We can’t allow Station 92 to be closed.

CALL TO ACTION

What: Public comment to Council
When: January 6th, 2026, 5:00 pm
Where: Yakima City Hall

We will be making a series of posts over the coming weeks leading up to the Counil meeting on January 6th, 2026, to help explain the dire situation your Yakima Fire Department is in.

Yakima residents, we are asking for your help to save Station 92, and prevent further staffing reductions!

At the last City Council meeting, Reedy Berg requested that Chief Markham cut the $1.8 million while keeping Station 92 open.

The reality, over the last several weeks, our team, along with Chief Markham, and the Finance Director, have determined that this is an impossible task. There is simply no money left to cut on an already understaffed Fire Department.

Furthermore, Chief Markham and Deputy Chief Hutsell have proposed “dynamic staffing” that could potentially reduce our staffing even further!

For reference, YFD currently staffs 7 companies, 6 Engines and 1 Truck (the big ladder truck). With the loss of the Union Gap contract, YFD has gone down to 6 companies (5 Engines and 1 Truck). With the $1.8 million in cuts, YFD will staff 5 companies (4 engines and 1 Truck). The proposed “Dynamic Staffing” would further reduce YFD to 4 companies (3 Engines and 1 Truck) in an effort to eliminate overtime.

These reductions are simply dangerous for the community. Response times will increase dramatically. Homeowner’s insurance rates will increase. Critical 911 calls like CPR’s or fires will not have adequate personnel on scene to affect a positive outcome. YFD’s mutual aid to our neighbors will end. Specialties like our Tech Rescue Team will not have the resources for an event like the recent river rescue operation that rescued 19 people and 15 dogs from the flooding Yakima River.

For reference, YFD’s current initial response to a Structure fire is 5 companies (4 Engines and 1 Truck) leaving 2 companies to cover the city. With losing Union Gap, we will have 1 company to cover the city. With the closure of Station 92, there will be NO companies to cover the city. If a car accident occurs, or a CPR, or another fire, which routinely happens, there will be NO YFD companies to respond. If the “dynamic staffing” is employed, YFD will only be able to send 4 companies to a structure fire, far below the minimum needed to safely perform all of the fireground functions.

These proposed plans don’t just affect Station 92’s response area, they affect the entire city! We need your help to speak to council and ask for revenue options to be considered to keep Station 92 open, and a bare minimum staffing of 6 companies. Generally, staffing of 1 to 1.5 firefighters per 1,000 population is considered adequate staffing for a city of our size. YFD is currently at .83 firefighters per 1,000, with the proposed cuts reducing us to .78 firefighters per 1,000!

Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Ricky Walsh - IAFF 7th District KIMA Action News Suncomm 911 Communications Yakima Yakima Herald-Republic Apple Valley News Now

12/09/2025

It's really too bad the City & the YHR didn't share more on these impacts prior to the election. Contrary to the city's legal opinion, they could have discussed impacts without conducting electioneering. It's too late now.

Yakima Police Chief Shawn Boyle said the cuts could have significant impacts, especially on quality-of-life issues like parking, homeless response and animal control.

11/05/2025

As of election night, we are short of the necessary simple majority. It's a tight race, as we only trail by 190 votes. Vote tallies over the next day or two will tell the story. Hang in there!

11/04/2025

Did you vote? Get your ballot in today. It is highly recommended for last day voters to place your ballot in an OFFICIAL DROP BOX. The USPS may not stamp your ballot with today’s post mark if you mail it. See link below for drop box locations

By mail - No postage is required. - Mailing your ballot on election day? It must be postmarked no later than election day to be valid. Be sure to check the last pick-up or collection time if you use a blue collection box on election day.

11/03/2025

Make sure your vote counts!!

BALLOTS DUE NOV 4th!!

Help keep all funding for our Community Service Officers and Yakima Humane Society!

CSO SUNDAY - Stats & Story!

11/01/2025

Vote YES to maintain police coverage!!

Let's come together to strengthen our community by voting Yes to Yakima Levy Prop 1. By doing so, we can ensure our police department has the resources needed to continue providing vital services that keep our community safe and thriving. Otherwise, the department is looking at making the following cuts:

10/31/2025

Let's come together to strengthen our community by voting Yes to Yakima Levy Prop 1. By doing so, we can ensure our police department has the resources needed to continue providing vital services that keep our community safe and thriving. Otherwise, the department is looking at making the following cuts:

10/31/2025

Officials urge WA voters to use drop boxes for Nov. 4 election

Some Washington counties noticed during the August primary that ballots weren’t always postmarked the same day carriers picked them up.

10/29/2025

Have questions about the levy based on comments on KIT radio's facebook post?

Who raised the assessed values of your property? NOT the City. That is the County Assessors job, and it is done annually. Some years higher than others, to reflect market value. Not all assessed values increased, some actually went down from last year.

Won't the higher Assessed Value result in higher taxes without the levy? NO, it would not! You can double the assessed value (100% increase) and the amount collected can only increase by 1% unless a larger increase is passed by the voters.

Misinformation could lead to reduced services that are necessary to maintain a safe and livable city. Be careful who you believe!

YES ON YAKIMA LEVY PROP 1!

10/29/2025

Be sure to VOTE. Ballots are due Tuesday November 4th. (Next week!)

And while you’re at it, vote Yes on the Yakima Levy Prop 1.

10/27/2025

4 CSO positions will be cut if the Levy fails. And $50,000 cut to support the Humane Society that helps with stray animals.
Vote YES on the Yakima Levy Prop 1 to maintain these valuable services!

CSO SUNDAY