RSSWapato budget leaves city pool, community center on the sidelines
Yakima Herald-Republic
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WAPATO — Facing a proposed $159,000 shortfall in next year’s operating budget, the city’s swimming pool and community center will not make it into the financial picture.
Monday night, Mayor Jesse Farias presented the preliminary budget to council members, who will have to come up with a final balanced budget by the end of December.
Like many Lower Valley cities, Wapato has seen expenses drastically outpace revenue during the past several years. This will be the third year the city has been unable to fund its swimming pool and community center, where youth activities and park recreation programs were once held.
City officials also blame the loss of state revenue as a factor. Nearly a decade ago, when auto licensing fees were leveled at $30 a year, Wapato alone lost more than $350,000 annually in state funds.
The city is currently in contract negotiations with police officers and jail staff, and funds have not been budgeted for any raises, Farias said in his budget message.
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