Pullman Announces Staffing Changes and Cutbacks

City to reduce hours for some employees and summer positions to balance budget

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Pullman is planning to cut back hours for some of its 'casual, seasonal, and part-time staff' as well as reducing the number of summer positions in order to balance the city's budget. The city will also be making changes to services, programming, and purchasing, including impacts to parks, recreation, and the Neill Public Library.

Why it matters

Like many municipalities, Pullman has faced financial challenges over the past 18 months and is now taking steps to rein in costs and maintain a balanced budget. These staffing and service reductions could impact residents' access to certain city programs and amenities.

The details

According to a press release, the city will be reducing hours for some 'casual, seasonal, and part-time staff' as well as cutting the number of summer positions. The release also states that the city will be making changes to services, programming, and purchasing, with specific impacts to parks, recreation, and the Neill Public Library. Vacant and vacated staff positions will only be filled on a case-by-case basis after evaluation for organizational and operational need.

  • The city has been implementing cost-cutting measures across all departments for the past 18 months.

The players

Sean Wells

Pullman City Administrator, who released a statement saying the mayor and he are committed to reducing costs and balancing the city's budget while minimizing long-term impacts.

Mayor Benjamin

The mayor of Pullman, who is working with the city administrator on the budget reduction efforts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Mayor Benjamin and I are committed to reducing costs and balancing the city's budget while doing everything we can to minimize long-term impacts and preserve both our staff and the core services we provide to the residents of Pullman.”

— Sean Wells, Pullman City Administrator (koze.com)

What’s next

The city has not yet finalized the specific details on which positions will be decreased or cut.

The takeaway

Pullman is the latest city forced to make difficult staffing and service reductions to balance its budget, highlighting the ongoing financial challenges many municipalities continue to face in the wake of the pandemic.