Sunnyside City Council approved a package of routine and policy items Sept. 8, including proclamations, a staffing change in finance, a budget amendment and an amendment to the council code of conduct. Most items were passed without extended debate.

Key votes and outcomes

- Proclamation: National IT Professionals Day (Sept. 16, 2025). Council adopted a resolution proclaiming Sept. 16, 2025 as National IT Professionals Day in Sunnyside and recognized IT staff Japhet Silva, Leo Ramirez and Michael Sack for city IT work. Motion moved and seconded; roll call: unanimous yes. The mayor presented a mayoral coin to IT Manager Japhet Silva.

- Proclamation: Sunshine Days (September 2025). Council adopted a resolution proclaiming September 2025 as Sunshine Days in Sunnyside. Motion passed by roll call: unanimous yes.

- Ordinance: Classification and compensation schedule amendment (Finance staffing). Council adopted an ordinance to adjust finance department staffing for 2025, temporarily reducing the finance supervisor headcount and adding a front‑desk cashier position to improve customer service and cross‑training. Motion by Councilor Hancock, second by Councilor Ripley; roll call recorded majority yes (Councilor Hart voted no). The ordinance authorizes hiring adjustments and requires cross‑training to cover front‑office coverage.

- Ordinance: 2025 Budget Amendment No. 1. Council adopted an ordinance amending the 2025 budget (ordinance 2024‑17) to reflect the staffing change, a net annual cost of about $7,800 (adjusted pro rata for remaining months). Motion by Councilor Hancock, second by Councilor Ripley; roll call recorded majority yes. Council members noted additional budget amendments are likely as accounting reconciliations continue.

- Resolution: City council code of conduct amendment (subject to legal review). Council approved an amendment to the council code of conduct and added a condition that the final document be reviewed by legal counsel before formal adoption. Motion carried by majority vote.

- Consent agenda. The council approved payroll vouchers (numbers 11544–11922 and wire transfers totaling $627,609.33) and claim vouchers (numbers 11803–12058 and wire transfers totaling $732,312.98) for periods ending Aug. 30 and Sept. 3, 2025, respectively, along with the August balance sheet. A councilor asked for clarification about a Standard Paint charge (invoice listed as "statement"); staff explained the purchases were for well site maintenance and donated curb paint.

Councilors noted administrative follow‑ups: city staff are continuing reconciliation of 2024 and 2025 financial records; Finance Director Monica Hofstadter reported tax penalties and fines of $27,075.21 due to late payments; and the council directed staff to provide clearer invoice descriptors on future consent items.

Other non‑binding items

- Temporary vendor code cleanup. Council discussed a draft code enforcement approach to vendors without proper city business licenses and clarified that enforcement will prioritize business licenses; health permits remain under the Yakima Health District's authority.

- Event and anniversary planning. Council discussed participating in the national "America 250" (2026) commemoration and asked staff to place the topic on a future study session agenda to explore arts and youth engagement opportunities.

What happens next

Staff will present the detailed ordinance language and any legal review comments on the code of conduct amendment and finalize budget reconciliation work for additional budget amendments. The next council meeting is scheduled Sept. 22, 2025; items noted for that agenda include the Fairview Heights plat public hearing, an amendment to the interim city manager agreement, fee schedule updates, LGIP allocations and signature event security.