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Yakima Today
By the People, for the People
Yakima Council to Consider Future EMS Levy Terms on Tuesday
City staff will present financial analysis and seek council direction on potential EMS levy ballot measure
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Yakima City Council will discuss the costs of the city's "cruise the ave" event and receive a report from staff on a potential future EMS levy to support emergency services. City staff is looking for direction from the council on whether to move forward with an EMS levy ballot measure, including preferences on a 6 or 10-year term.
Why it matters
Yakima is facing major budget cuts that will impact the police and fire departments, making the potential EMS levy an important issue for the city's emergency services funding. The council's decision on the levy terms could have significant implications for the community's access to critical emergency medical care.
The details
City staff will present the council with a financial analysis showing the costs of the "cruise the ave" event, which requires 9 officers and 1 supervisor at a total cost of $37,727 last year, projected to be $41,500 this year. The council is not expected to make any major decisions on the event at this meeting. However, the main focus will be on the potential EMS levy, with staff seeking direction from the council on whether to move forward with a ballot measure and preferences on a 6 or 10-year term.
- The Yakima City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
The players
Yakima City Council
The governing body of the city of Yakima, Washington, responsible for making decisions on municipal issues, including budgets and public services.
Yakima City Staff
The administrative employees of the city of Yakima, who provide analysis and recommendations to the city council on various issues.
What’s next
If the council provides direction to staff, the next step would be for the staff to prepare the necessary ballot ordinance and coordinate with the Yakima County Elections Office to potentially place the EMS levy on a future ballot.
The takeaway
Yakima's city council is facing tough decisions on how to fund critical emergency services amid budget cuts, with the potential EMS levy being a key issue that could significantly impact the community's access to emergency medical care.
