10/7/2026 - City Council Study Session

The City of Sunnyside, Washington City Council held a study session on October 7, 2026. The council discussed proposed changes to the city organization chart, including a finance manager role and a restructuring of public works into operations, development services, and capital projects management functions. The proposal was primarily to reassign existing staff, though some title and wage adjustments could result; any finance-manager compensation change would return to council. No reorganization decision or spending-related vote was made. Council requested further consideration, including the effect of the incoming city manager’s skills and clarification of job duties and salaries.

Public works staff presented a proposed permanent conversion of a sewer lift station to gravity flow, with a contractor quote of $30,296 and city-purchased materials estimated at $6,142.50, for a total of $36,438.50. The project would be funded from the sewer enterprise fund, reduce electricity use, and preserve pumps. Staff said bids had been received and planned to bring the item to council for action on October 14; no award was made at this session. The council also discussed setting aside funds for future sewer-lift replacements, a forthcoming budget update, and a possible service-club contribution toward playground shade structures, which was still under discussion.