Pasco City Council approves five-year economic development strategy and discusses fluoride discontinuation

In the heart of Pasco City Hall, council members gathered on June 23, 2025, to discuss pressing community issues, with the spotlight on a contentious topic: the potential discontinuation of fluoride in the city’s drinking water. The meeting, marked by a blend of concern and curiosity, set the stage for a comprehensive communications plan aimed at informing residents about the council's deliberations.

Interim City Manager Zabel presented a detailed strategy to ensure that the public is adequately informed about the proposed changes. The plan includes various outreach methods such as social media, mailers, and even messages on utility bills, recognizing that not all residents receive direct billing. The council emphasized the importance of transparency, noting that any decision to discontinue fluoridation would require a 90-day notice to the public.

Council members engaged in a lively discussion, weighing the effectiveness of different communication methods. Councilman Grimm expressed skepticism about recorded phone messages, suggesting that fewer people listen to them nowadays. Instead, he advocated for leveraging social media and email to reach constituents more effectively. The idea of conducting public hearings was also floated, with several council members agreeing that the community should have ample opportunity to voice their opinions on such a significant health matter.

However, the council was cautious about the potential for the topic to dominate future meetings, recalling past experiences with other contentious issues. Councilman Harpster suggested that while public input is crucial, it should not overshadow other city business. He proposed the possibility of hosting separate community engagement meetings to focus solely on the fluoride discussion, allowing for a more organized and thorough exchange of views.

As the conversation unfolded, the need for neutrality in the information presented to the public became a recurring theme. Councilman Pro raised concerns about the tone of the communications, urging that both sides of the fluoride debate be represented fairly to avoid any perception of bias.

The council ultimately agreed on a timeline that would lead to a decision by late September or early October, ensuring that the community remains engaged throughout the process. With the council's commitment to transparency and public involvement, Pasco residents can expect to have their voices heard as this important issue unfolds. The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency and responsibility, as council members recognized the impact of their decisions on the health and well-being of the community.