Pasco City Council Workshop Meeting of October 13, 2026

The Pasco City Council workshop meeting on October 13, 2026, focused primarily on the proposed 2027–28 budget and a projected structural deficit. Staff described rising operating costs, declining reserves, and proposed reductions across departments, including police, fire, parks and recreation, streets, and technology. The presentation cited a projected $7.5 million annual structural gap, with general-fund reserves forecast to fall from about $23.5 million to roughly $16 million by the end of 2026. Council members and the public discussed possible revenue measures, protecting public-safety services, commercial growth, property sales, and alternatives such as partnerships to operate facilities. No budget decisions or formal votes were taken; staff requested further council direction and identified upcoming public hearings and meetings for continued discussion.

A separate item presented an interagency agreement for the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s Target Zero program, providing up to $19,500 in state reimbursement for DUI and other traffic-safety enforcement overtime, with no upfront city cost. The workshop did not take formal action on the agreement. Proposed budget changes also include reducing outside grant-application support by about $40,000, increasing development-fee cost recovery from 50% to 80%, and deferring or reducing selected contracts, services, technology purchases, and infrastructure-related work. These proposals could affect future consultant and vendor opportunities, but no contract awards or procurement approvals were identified.