Yakima City Council to Discuss Trolley and 6th Ave Overhaul

The Yakima City Council is set to meet Tuesday to talk about two important issues: the future of the Yakima Valley Trolley and a major overhaul of 6th Avenue.

THE MEETING STARTS AT 5:30 PM TUESDAY WILL YOU ATTEND?

The upcoming meeting will include a public hearing on a revised project list and a decision about the proposed more than $15 million project that could impact the city's trolley system.

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WITH ALL THE BUDGET CUTS WHERE'S THE MONEY COMING FROM?

Specifically the council will discuss the project to repair and upgrade 6th Avenue. The project aims to replace aging railroad tracks and repair the roadway, with total costs estimated to be upwards of $15 million. However, if the project focuses solely on road repairs without installing new tracks and infrastructure, the cost could be reduced to about half that amount. The city has the money to cover the cost of fixing the road but doesn't have the funding for the entire project.

IMPORTANT VOTES HAPPENING TONIGHT

The Yakima City Council is preparing to vote two key ordinances Tuesday that could reshape how the city funds its transportation projects. The proposals involve replacing the current $20 car tab fee with a new 0.1% sales tax, a move that could boost funding for local projects.

A SALES TAX COULD INCREASE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DOLLARS

Community Development Director Bill Preston says the current $20 car tab fee raises about $1.6 million annually for transportation projects. In comparison, a 0.1% sales tax would bring in about $2.7 million per year — a big increase in revenue that could help support major improvements across the city.

BE THERE LIVE OR WATCH THE MEETING ON ZOOM

The meeting starts at 5:30 at Yakima City Hall. You can also watch the meeting live.