Pasco council funds temporary code‑enforcement staff; expands scope to general compliance

PASCO — The Pasco City Council unanimously approved a budget amendment Tuesday to fund temporary code‑enforcement staffing to address unpermitted street vendors and other code violations.

Director Haley Mattson presented two scenarios: a six‑month, single‑officer option intended to cover core hours and one that would add two officers for seven‑day coverage at an estimated higher cost. "If council desires, we can hire a third party, person or two people to assist us with this effort," Mattson said, explaining the options and timelines.

Council members debated the scope and scale of the effort. Supporters of the larger approach argued the city needs broader coverage to reduce an 800‑case backlog in code cases and to address evenings and weekends when vendors and other violations surface. After discussion, the council amended the budget item to adopt scenario 2 (two temporary officers for six months with expanded seven‑day coverage) and to change the ordinance recital from vendor‑only enforcement to general code compliance.

City Attorney confirmed the change was procedurally allowable: the recital and section describing the purpose can be updated in the motion and finalized in the ordinance language when published.

The motion to approve Ordinance 48‑42 with the broader language passed unanimously. Staff said the temporary hires could be flexed by hours and priority as needed and that the city will return with recommendations during the next budget cycle for potential full‑time positions.

Councilmembers urged a strategic approach that balances vendor enforcement (popular in evenings and weekends) with backlog reduction across general code matters; staff said they will prioritize based on the council’s direction.