[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6185805,"mediaKeyId","5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a","parentId",5080400,"title","Council asks staff to study 0.1% public-safety sales tax option authorized by HB 2015","audioSeconds",392,"startMs",3098000,"endMs",3490000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a&start=3098&end=3490","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a/thumbnail_3098000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6185805/Pasco-City/Franklin-County/Washington/Council-asks-staff-to-study-01-public-safety-sales-tax-option-authorized-by-HB-2015","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185805-cefd5836faf5f032208f72893f56b6fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188323&Signature=jYATF5Hu~TuQ4Uu26ksFIWt~wPemL1y1j5NnuIktzKzaZzq7oqP4B~p~aqCN9RrWNnKC0fBGFeAo4Cdz~v5GGH3Og1sRtge9nIZNKM5F9PjIuzPIZexH38t8aGHQSGlQz96-3UPZ4rfcALUrRPW79v6B99rG42uU6dfyDx7QzIB4C4SrV0HpRhUA~W8gJdVx8WwwmBD-J52s7FNX8IaV2QE7r5dmQgbecbBsM8fjd1h2EpKvel-c9xKSBIQBjI59pRSUP2IK61Ysqo30cAQaiNJwgUgb7In-v3vfDafS6rKI9WH6anVcj5YE~OMu2OLw-80kW6OPW0Y5qxA0fi5IbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pasco City, WA","date","2025-06-25T18:59:14Z","article","Councilmember Prowse asked the Pasco City Council on June 23 to direct staff to analyze HB 2015, a state law that allows cities to adopt a 0.1% sales-tax increase dedicated to police, fire, EMS and justice services. Prowse said the measure would be a new local tool to support public-safety and justice services.

He asked for staff to evaluate eligibility for grants tied to the statute, revenue projections and whether a sales-tax option would help fund dedicated traffic units or additional fire staffing. \"HB 2015 passed, and now it allows cities to adopt a point 1% sales tax increase, which would be dedicated to police, safety, fire, EMS, and justice services,\" Prowse said.

Council discussion was mixed: several councilmembers asked only for a staff-level analysis before any policy commitment; Mayor Pro Tem and other members voiced concern about competitiveness with neighboring cities and the regressive nature of sales taxes. Staff indicated they could provide a high-level analysis, possibly for the June 30 budget workshop. No formal motion to pursue a ballot measure or enact a tax was made; the council requested more information to determine viability.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pasco City Council Workshop Meeting June 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Councilmember Prowse asked the Pasco City Council to explore whether to adopt a 0.1% sales tax increase authorized by HB 2015 to fund police, fire, EMS and justice services; council asked staff for analysis and a possible high-level report by the June 30 budget workshop with mixed council reactions.","taxTitle","Pasco City, Franklin County, Washington","taxId",5110,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185810,"Pasco police, fire outline July 4 response; enforcement to target dangerous fireworks and public-safety threats",842,2466000,3308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a&start=2466&end=3308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a/thumbnail_2466000.jpg","/articles/6185810/Pasco-City/Franklin-County/Washington/Pasco-police-fire-outline-July-4-response-enforcement-to-target-dangerous-fireworks-and-public-safety-threats","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185810-1071718cbe8ad6a80e9f22bbf2ebd814/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188323&Signature=V06jsBfSFEY83EYdEOGGFHdPIR1CTrWiwct0SuFAWTuxOXYaHUSQpPEYzJMEvAAdecQRDTEcy0V-vhSoNocT6Qz6Llw1P36LoujkduGXJSvQ346BjDaz7qluo~ygfGLvmxh6adGawzjpF65hmyByusQLwNXs~aQGMAb-rBSWxQKSaKCM2uRksLz-Lc2udPxas4l1ADjHSF62Hy1iduNoedk4TC1GbQLr16f3wM1BxL9Rdc1GhEwJVVGPwuETTA1Ji6gTtm0NBIDRFhGPTU--Wyd5dyNfAG3tVbCatwjoIxM~qPuKcuB0euXC4lxeIWGWZLy8WUUWDynEwmZxSS~vqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pasco police and fire leadership told the council on June 23 they are preparing increased staffing and multi-agency coordination for July 4 weekend and will prioritize responses that pose the greatest danger to life and property.

The police chief said the department will staff for parade and stadium events, riverfront activities and other celebrations, and that enforcement efforts will focus \"on those with the most dangerous'fireworks activity where people or property are in danger.\" The chief said officers will issue citations for observable violations and deploy undercover/unmarked resources as in prior years.

The fire chief said the department will be \"up staffing\" with additional brush resources, split-city supervision by deputy chiefs and regional coordination with neighboring agencies to manage wildland and structure-fire risks. Both chiefs emphasized that resources are finite and that priorities such as suspected impaired driving or violent incidents may require immediate attention over lower-risk fireworks violations.

Councilmember Milley described participating in July 4 ride-alongs in prior years and noted how quickly people disperse after setting off fireworks, which makes citations difficult; the police chief confirmed that undercover resources have been used successfully but that multiple simultaneous public-safety demands can limit enforcement. Councilmember Rice encouraged residents to attend the city's own Gesa Stadium celebration and listed event features and sponsors.","At the June 23 workshop Pasco police and fire chiefs described staffing and coordination plans for July 4 weekend, saying enforcement will focus on dangerous fireworks and incidents that threaten people or property while noting resource limits that affect widespread enforcement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185815,"Pasco accepts dugout bench additions at Gesa Stadium; project finished within budget",331,2271000,2602000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a&start=2271&end=2602","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a/thumbnail_2271000.jpg","/articles/6185815/Pasco-City/Franklin-County/Washington/Pasco-accepts-dugout-bench-additions-at-Gesa-Stadium-project-finished-within-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185815-0f7c5b8b1a7fe3dcbfc11c286461ecbb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188323&Signature=FDFPg4ASpDa8F2Ousk3GQQmTm6c8CfZskEsZsdQFBtDI2oW0-pinMgVipcXOSMPxJ02k0xZanZbMRzubr7Fs4FsH9jyuVmhDNXe08kTwZtTylIjTO1QFXZcICGl-Rs55hGnWnSmYNwOV7KirswGSnVpt3~0G6C1hqH55b1BMsqEX2SNpqB6uZm~HuExSyx3zeR~vzF~i6lT8x63ONihCLF7iw3eC4KwJ8eOuoBUkgdjTAeaNzGD8eMahq5hmOlZJLtXioU6Tsi4tDX7d3MdA-8vTB5c~GYA8KfR1dFLc~trymbYj9Zx-3oUu6SKebNKQ4pthCo2BkVTVbFT2apsPSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Director Sarah presented before-and-after photos on June 23 showing dugout bench additions at Gesa Stadium, describing the work as one phase of stadium improvements completed by CMR General Contractors. The contract amount for this phase was $45,481, and staff reported no change orders.

Sarah said the project was completed \"within that construction cost\" and slightly below the architect's estimate. Council had no questions and no public comments were offered during the allotted public-comment period. The item moved forward as an acceptance of completed work for the stated construction cost.

Staff also provided a brief update on a separate, larger stadium bid that had been rejected previously; staff said they had met with the contractor and plan to re-advertise a revised bid package with alternatives and a bid opening scheduled roughly four weeks after advertisement so construction can proceed within budget and available time constraints.","City staff presented completion photos and a final cost of $45,481 for dugout bench additions at Gesa Stadium; the council accepted the work with no change orders and no public comment recorded.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185821,"Pasco moves to allow online permit payments; council to decide utility fee policy later",1284,1196000,2480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a&start=1196&end=2480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a/thumbnail_1196000.jpg","/articles/6185821/Pasco-City/Franklin-County/Washington/Pasco-moves-to-allow-online-permit-payments-council-to-decide-utility-fee-policy-later","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185821-dbbded874f5accdace0426460d037130/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188323&Signature=EvLqE5tF3xeH0FqOyPqYENfn83GEOGpNqv3HGe0G9u69zHsr7-dGlkVjnwlgayvqltFYmmSYHzU1deoBBbR5OKGyLZjUCp1prhMFLtDVX9D409bI8ZKpvQfh0y9qJECaq8M5yDE6t8rp-CPp6pQyHbxw~~hif5fYNyenJpP2B2RwlSUTL4Mzz8MreHluQRjqWycdfKjtggcTmCneS4--hWCWHFsqBxiUh5xFcCQBcx2GYLJQCSeBSAcvL~PfTDwhcSDzVd4K6fahhxe50bdOftX3xXOEDzn3hD1T-An-kolXnI3t7HposBUzIjhJ4YoPM0lNhjPab-mMyfMd7ZrdIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deputy City Manager Sigdel briefed the City of Pasco City Council on June 23 on payment transaction fees and plans to enable online payments for permit fees within weeks. Sigdel said the city currently spends about $530,000 annually on payment-processing fees (primarily for utilities), and that adding permit transactions would increase that amount.

Sigdel described common municipal approaches: absorb all fees, set transaction limits for card payments, or pass fees to customers. He said the typical cost would be about 2.75% per credit-card transaction and approximately 1.1% for ACH bank withdrawals. \"Overall, at this time, you're looking at about $530,000 annually,\" Sigdel said when summarizing current processing costs, and he estimated absorbing all non-utility fees would cost the city roughly $160,000 annually based on prior transaction volumes.

Councilmembers expressed support for launching online permit payments quickly while delaying any change to utility payment-fee policy until after the city's Paymentus contract ends in November. Several members favored a policy that absorbs ACH fees but passes credit-card fees to payers to incentivize lower-cost payment methods. Councilmember Grimm said he would \"be for absorbing the ACH fees, but passing on the credit card fees,\" and urged waiting until the November contract timing to consider any utility changes.

Council consensus directed staff to prepare a code amendment to allow online payments for permit fees under a non-utility model (staff to bring proposed language and implementation steps). Staff will return in October or November with options for utility-account payment handling and any provider change aligned with the existing contract expiration.","Deputy City Manager Sigdel told the council that the city will roll out online payments for permits in coming weeks and the council gave staff direction to change code to permit online permit payments, while deferring a decision on utility online-fee policy until autumn. Council favored absorbing ACH fees and passing credit-card fees to users.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185826,"Pasco council directs staff to refine outreach plan as city weighs ending water fluoridation",1135,223000,1358000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a&start=223&end=1358","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5080400-98facb10f7209eddbd0e7bdac135f33a/thumbnail_223000.jpg","/articles/6185826/Pasco-City/Franklin-County/Washington/Pasco-council-directs-staff-to-refine-outreach-plan-as-city-weighs-ending-water-fluoridation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185826-69c3400ad0b9fed07d52d3d3d23a4163/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188323&Signature=aCCwS~ush1ivYEqaIhII6DRVqaSeS9vWwSnG04qVdjLHeC5wT9MwMVWSdd7Gz5wkXAWe8kkcOfgWh9iUQ0ApXwrHzFMNUyv8ncGRJiSUSMJQ5pOXh5R5dMp1MqcZ5ajds5ld-Js7vg9ssF32LwwSA~mekwBP8xP7My3VpWvr6RxCeExQp1XHEk9Ni0XmO6OO99IqpVOo0BPP9fhiUn-k6zV2vB0Bql5X5SpKq5zvIO1y4V2uAU3OWr2EfEUBPDr6NJzsUnl7mDd~CCbyqy5rOwg1Rk1H6g6QcUsaTb3IlKMzq1vCtTGCpD0~HSR5LZPPSm2nCw3Z9p3Mvb7khueBfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Interim City Manager Zabel told the City of Pasco City Council on June 23 that a communications plan has been drafted to accompany council's prior direction to consider discontinuing fluoride in the city's drinking water and that a final decision would require 90 days' public notice under WAC 246-290-460.

The communications plan described multiple outreach methods including television, radio, social media, bill insert messages, mailers and recorded phone messages; staff also noted the need to reach residents who do not receive utility bills directly such as tenants in master-metered apartment complexes. \"That decision to'to discontinue'needs to be preceded by 90 days of notice to the public,\" Zabel said, summarizing the regulatory timeline.

Councilmembers debated how to run outreach and whether to hold dedicated public meetings. Councilmember Grimm favored online surveys, social media and two public meetings. Mayor Pro Tem said the staff report should be reviewed for neutral wording and not appear to favor one side, stating, \"I would be more in favor if'the information to be as neutral as possible.\" Councilmember Harpster said the timeline in the staff report could put a decision point in late September or early October and expressed reluctance to create separate meetings unless the item overtook regular business; councilmembers generally supported multiple outreach channels including email and Spanish-language materials.

Councilmember Abel emphasized verifying residency in any online survey to focus input from Pasco constituents: \"we need to make sure that we somehow capture the data of who's a resident, who's not.\" Members noted practical trade-offs among outreach tools: bill insert timing is constrained by billing cycles, recorded phone messages reach all utility account holders simultaneously but are more expensive, and mailers or bill messages may take longer to accomplish uniform notice.

No formal motion or vote was taken. Council consensus included direction for staff to refine the communications plan, include Spanish-language outreach, and incorporate recorded phone messages as a deliverable; staff was instructed to build a schedule working backward from the Council's target decision date and to propose public meeting formats and dates. Zabel said staff would return with timing options once Council clarified when it wanted a decision point.","At a June 23 workshop the Pasco City Council reviewed a communications plan and timeline for a possible discontinuation of fluoride in the city's drinking water, directing staff to incorporate multiple outreach channels and to work backward from a decision date while noting a 90-day public-notice requirement under state rules.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council asks staff to study 0.1% public-safety sales tax option authorized by HB 2015

Pasco police, fire outline July 4 response; enforcement to target dangerous fireworks and public-safety threats

Pasco accepts dugout bench additions at Gesa Stadium; project finished within budget

Pasco moves to allow online permit payments; council to decide utility fee policy later

Pasco council directs staff to refine outreach plan as city weighs ending water fluoridation