Pasco Officials Debated Potential Police and Fire Cuts
Residents expressed concerns as the city considers slashing public safety roles to address a $14.4 million budget deficit.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Saving
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The Pasco City Council reviewed four budget reduction scenarios this week, including plans that could eliminate up to 37 public safety positions. These proposals aim to close a $14.4 million general fund shortfall that has strained the city's financial planning.
Why it matters
The proposed cuts follow a period of historical reliance on reserves and insufficient revenue growth to cover the cost of staff expansions made in 2023. These shifts represent a significant change in how Pasco manages its core public services.
The city faces a $14.4 million budget gap and currently spends $6 million annually from reserves, following a 2023 expansion that added 53.4 general fund positions. Proposed scenarios range from cutting 11 to 22 police positions and 15 fire positions.
The players
Harold Stewart
As the Pasco City Manager, he is responsible for requesting department heads identify 20% budget reductions.
Pasco City Council
The local governing body currently reviewing options to close a $14.4 million general fund shortfall.
The details
City Manager Harold Stewart has tasked department heads with identifying 20% budget reductions to navigate the current fiscal shortfall. The council is weighing four specific scenarios, including potential fire station closures, to mitigate a projected $2.7 million deficit in 2028. These measures build upon the decision to freeze 26 full-time positions during the 2025-2026 budget cycle.
Timeline
The city held a workshop meeting regarding budget cuts on October 13, 2026.
Public hearings for the budget are scheduled for November 2 and November 16, 2026.
The city expects to adopt the final 2027-2028 budget in December 2026.
Money Landscape
The current debate reflects a major pivot from the 2023 city general fund expansion that added 53.4 positions. The proposed cuts mark a direct departure from that period of growth to address a structural deficit.
Local residents should monitor how these service reductions may affect municipal taxes or fire protection costs in their specific neighborhoods. Households concerned about the impact on services should plan to attend the upcoming public hearings.
The takeaway
The city is currently working to align its expenditures with its revenue after years of relying on reserve funds. Residents can track updated budget estimates online this week and should prepare to voice their priorities at the upcoming public hearings in November.
Further reading
For more on managing municipal fiscal impacts, explore our Saving section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri-City Herald.
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Should your local government prioritize maintaining police and fire staffing over reducing budget deficits?
