Yakima Council to Discuss EMS Levy for Fire Station Funding

The Yakima City Council is expected to talk Tuesday about a possible EMS levy to support emergency services. Council members last year asked staff members to prepare a proposal for an EMS levy to fund Yakima Fire Department Station 92 in west valley.

CURRENT FUNDING RUNS THROUGH AUGUST

The city has funded the station through August but is still looking for a long term funding solution. City council members will talk about an EMS levy of $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed value to raise some $3 million. The money is needed after the city budget saw a $9 million cut in police and fire budgets as well as Yakima Parks and Recreation. City officials have talked about closing Station 92 unless a ongoing funding source is identified. In 2025 the Yakima Fire Department budget was cut by $1.75 million. The station remains open with funding coming from the city reserve fund.

WOULD YOU SUPPORT AN EMS LEVY?

The levy proposal would raise $3 million to pay for station operations as well as fill vacant positions fund a new emergency aid unit and pay for station maintenance. But before that happens the council must decide whether to ask voters to support the levy on a future ballot.
The meeting starts at 5:30 pm at Yakima City Hall.

WATCH IT IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM

4:30 p.m. Executive Session | 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting | 6:00 p.m. Public Hearings --- This meeting will be conducted in person, live streamed at www.yakimawa.gov/council/agendas-and-minutes/ and telecast live on YPAC, Spectrum Cable Channel 194. You may also participate via Zoom: or call in by dialing 1 (253) 215-8782 | Webinar ID: 920 9035 1108 | Passcode: 156554
"Those who wish to provide public comment remotely may submit a Public Comment Request Form online no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting. If you wish to provide public comment in-person, fill out a "Request for Appearance" form and hand it to the City Clerk before you address City Council.