The Sunnyside City Council spent much of its meeting on Nov. 25 reviewing a proposed 2026 preliminary budget and hearing public comment before giving staff nonbinding guidance to pursue a staffing‑reduction approach.

Finance Director Monica Hoffseader summarized three budget scenarios and explained bond maturities and cash-flow options before answering council questions. She said the city’s bond portfolio had changed since 2022 and recommended placing a March bond maturity into the general fund to avoid a deficit, noting multiple investments had been redeployed: “Since then, about 5,000,000 has been removed in bonds,” she said.

During public comment, residents urged caution and transparency. Sharon Dolan pressed for further oversight and a forensic audit, asking directly, “Where did the $5,000,000 in investment money go? Is this criminal?” (public comment). Pool advocate Janet DeGarry suggested restoring swim lessons and more reliable hours to build attendance, warning that unpredictable closures discourage families.

Council discussion focused on three recurring pressures: unresolved accounting and bond reconciliations dating to 2023–24; high dispatch and jail costs (staff noted prior dispatch spending exceeded $1,000,000 in 2024); and the community value of the senior center and swimming pool. Deputy Mayor Galvan and staff described preliminary outsourcing estimates for dispatch of approximately $250,000 but said contracts and final numbers were not yet available.

No final budget was adopted. Instead the council directed staff to refine and return with: an itemized list of proposed staffing reductions and other cuts; clearer allocations showing which funds would pay for events and programs; reconciliation of 2023–24 investment and bond accounting; and firm contract terms or estimates for dispatch and jail transport alternatives. Multiple council members said they preferred the middle option (Option B) because it preserves the senior‑center program while trimming nonessential positions and exploring revenue options.

What happens next: staff will produce a refreshed budget book showing the specific line‑item cuts and anticipated impacts and will bring that material back for council review in December and early 2026 for any amendments.

Sources: Finance Director Monica Hoffseader’s staff presentation and handouts; public testimony from Sharon Dolan, Janet DeGarry and others; council discussion and direction at the Nov. 25 meeting.