City HallSaturday, November 7
Kennewick's proposed budget freezes vacant jobs to close an $11.4 million gap
The Good Day Richland team
If you live in Kennewick, here's how the city plans to cover 2027 and 2028. Staff's proposed budget leans on frozen vacancies, contracting out prosecution services and moving sales tax money from capital projects to public safety.
Kennewick's budget has to cover a gap
- $568 million
- proposed budget for 2027 and 2028
- $11.4 million
- gap between base General and Street fund costs and revenue
- $4 million
- in sales tax money moved to public safety
Source: NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima
City Manager Erin Erdman says the city had few options: "in the inflationary environment we're in, we didn't really have a choice." Staff also recommends a property tax levy increase that uses banked capacity.
- Public hearing: Tue., Nov. 17, with possible adoption
- Police: four of about six vacancies frozen
- Raises: capped at 1% for non-contract workers in both years
- Prosecution: services would be contracted out
3.02%recommended 2027 city property tax levy increase
For a home valued at $430,000, that would be about $1.37 more per month than no increase.
Source: NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima