Eltopia
Eltopia, WA · Municipal
The Center Square
Fire union head warns proposed Pasco cuts could put public safety at risk
(The Center Square) - Pasco public safety services are facing large cuts as the city considers eliminating 37 positions in the city's police and fire departments. The city’s preliminary 2027-2028 budget calls for nearly $14.6 million in reductions to the General Fund, including 22 police department positions and 15 fire department positions, as officials work to address an ongoing budget deficit. “We cannot put our Pasco citizens at risk for numbers on a spreadsheet,” said Jeremy Garrett, president of Pasco Firefighters Local 1433. Despite Pasco’s growth and a busy fire season, proposed fire department reductions include closing a fire station, removing an engine and a medic unit from service and eliminating the department’s HAZMAT team and chaplaincy services. The Pasco City Council is scheduled to discuss the budget Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. at Pasco City Hall. The meeting is a workshop, and no formal action is expected. Garrett told The Center Square that the potential reductions would leave fewer resources available when residents need emergency assistance. The proposal would reduce the city’s five fire stations to four, Garrett said. “That means less emergency resources available,” he said. Garrett also expressed concern about wildfire response and Pasco firefighters’ role
elkhornmediagroup.com
nbcrightnow.com
Animal control authority reports higher 2026 intake across Tri-Cities
PASCO, Wash. — The Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority gave the Pasco City Council a closer look at its new control numbers for Kennewick, Pasco and Richland Thursday night. Responses include nuisance complaints, cruelty and neglect reports, help for law enforcement and around-the-clock calls for sick, injured and aggressive animals.
ncwlife.com
Fire union head warns proposed Pasco cuts could put public safety at risk
(The Center Square) - Pasco public safety services are facing large cuts as the city considers eliminating 37 positions in the city's police and fire departments. The city’s preliminary 2027-2028 budget calls for nearly $14.6 million in reductions to the General Fund, including 22 police department positions and 15 fire department positions, as officials work to address an ongoing budget deficit.
nbcrightnow.com
Early bird registration ending soon for Tri-Cities turkey trot
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Early registration ends on Thursday for the 2026 American Red Cross Run for the Red Turkey Trot in Columbia Park. This family-friendly event will take place on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, and participants can choose between a one-mile course or a 5K route. Options will be available for runners, walkers, families with strollers, and adaptive mobility participants.