The Issues That Matter
Housing & Affordability
Ending Street Homelessness
Reform of the Tri-City Animal Shelter
It’s Your City.
Expect More.
Pasco City Councilman Leo Perales
Leo Perales is your District 3 Councilman for the great city of Pasco.
Its Your City. Expect More.
Opinions are my own and don’t represent my employer or the city of Pasco.
Going on now! Get to city hall!
Make Spay&Neutering free and a lot of these problems would go away
Start a GoFundMe for vet services that is open ended. For funds going to a spay and neuter clinic that is a non profit? Could that be a thing? Not up on how non profit works.
Wish I could.
🏛️ PASCO CITY COUNCIL RECAP | OCTOBER 5, 2026
Monday night’s City Council meeting covered a lot of ground, including transportation improvements, future capital projects, downtown properties, community events, and our upcoming budget challenges. Here is a rundown of what we discussed, what was approved, and where I stand on several of these issues.
📋 CONSENT AGENDA — APPROVED
Council approved the consent agenda as submitted. This included $5,119,041.21 in City claims, approval of the September 8 and September 14 meeting minutes, and the appointments of Eleanor Neff, Destinee Rea, and Aubrieann Johnson to the Arts & Culture Commission.
We also approved Ordinance No. 4860, changing the development agreement approval process so City Council conducts the required public hearing. Resolution No. 4787 supported proposed Urban Growth Area boundary expansion applications, and Resolution No. 4788 authorized an agreement with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission for temporary use of the Pasco Police Department headquarters as an incident command post for the regional academy.
🤝 BIG BRO JOE DAY
Mayor Charles Grimm read a proclamation recognizing October 6, 2026, as Big Bro Joe Day and presented the proclamation to Joe Thornton, founder and executive director of the Big Bro Joe Foundation. It was a great opportunity to recognize the work being done in our community and the impact Big Bro Joe continues to have.
🏘️ SOTO ANNEXATION
Council approved Resolution No. 4789, setting October 19 as the date to consider the Soto Annexation. The property is located at 1117 Road 52, generally between West Court Street and West Sylvester Street. This action does not approve the annexation itself; it establishes the next step in the annexation process.
🏢 SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY — $1.4 MILLION
Council approved Resolution No. 4790, authorizing the sale of City-owned property at the corner of North 20th Avenue and West Argent Road. The transaction is expected to generate approximately $1.4 million for the City.
🏗️ CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN — 2027–2032
We reviewed the proposed six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which outlines future infrastructure and facility projects throughout Pasco. The plan includes transportation improvements, parks, public facilities, utilities, and other capital investments. We still have additional public hearings and discussions before final adoption.
One thing I specifically pushed for was a pump track. I don’t want this to remain something we occasionally discuss without any meaningful commitment. I want to see a pump track formally included as a project in our Capital Improvement Plan, with a clear path toward actually making it happen.
🚧 TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT — FUNDING ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
We continued discussing implementation of the Transportation Benefit District (TBD). The discussion focused on when the new transportation sales tax will take effect and how the City should finance upcoming transportation improvements. Staff presented several financing approaches, including options involving different borrowing periods.
The majority of Council appeared to favor Option 3, involving a five-year bonding approach. The idea is to make funding available sooner so we can complete more road improvements within a shorter period rather than spreading everything out over many years. There are still details to finalize before implementation.
🥕 FARMERS MARKET & PASCO SPECIALTY KITCHEN
We received the results of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for operating the Pasco Farmers Market and Pasco Specialty Kitchen. The review committee did not bring forward a recommendation to select an operator. Staff is recommending that the process be deferred until Council completes the upcoming budget discussions and determines program funding priorities. psk.pdf
During our discussion, I raised concerns about the history of operational and financial problems involving these facilities, particularly the Pasco Specialty Kitchen and its previous relationship with the Downtown Pasco Development Authority (DPDA). The DPDA has been the subject of documented financial accountability concerns, and I believe that history needs to be part of our discussion about the future of these properties.
I suggested that Council seriously consider selling the Pasco Specialty Kitchen building, including its equipment, to a private operator. That would be a different approach from continuing to have the City own the facility while searching for someone else to manage it. I also believe the Farmers Market deserves separate consideration, and there may be an opportunity to find an organization capable of operating it without continuing the same arrangements. No final decision was made, and we are holding off while we work through the upcoming budget discussions.
🎉 CITY EVENTS — WHO SHOULD OPERATE THEM?
We also reviewed proposals concerning the operation and management of community events. The discussion centered on which events should remain City-operated, which should be supported through community partnerships, and which could be managed independently.
I expressed some confusion because my understanding was that we were exploring these changes primarily to reduce City expenses. If we continue operating and subsidizing many of the same events, we need to understand how much money we’re actually saving. We will continue working through those details before making final decisions.
💰 2027 PROPERTY TAX & 2027–2028 CITY BUDGET
This was one of the most important discussions of the evening. We reviewed preliminary General Fund revenues for the upcoming two-year budget, and the reality is that our projected expenses are exceeding our anticipated revenues. These financial challenges did not develop overnight.
One option presented was the legally permitted 1% increase in the City’s regular property tax levy. That additional 1% would generate approximately $152,503 annually in additional revenue, separate from revenue associated with new construction and other adjustments. A public hearing and decision are scheduled for October 19. ad valorem.pdf
I stated that I would support the 1% increase. I also acknowledged that other strategically considered revenue adjustments may be necessary as we work toward balancing the budget. However, raising taxes cannot be our only solution. My goal is to get the City back into the black and establish a financially sustainable government that can reliably provide essential services.
That means taking a serious look at how we spend money. I believe we need to establish structural spending controls that prevent recurring expenses from growing beyond what our recurring revenues can support. We cannot continue expanding programs, services, and staffing without making sure we have sustainable funding.
These budget challenges go back years, and I believe everyone involved in City leadership, past and present, should recognize the importance of stronger financial oversight. We have an opportunity to correct course, but it will require difficult discussions about both revenues and expenditures. My priority is to protect essential City services, establish long-term financial stability, and prevent these same budget problems from continuing into future years.
🏛️ WHAT’S NEXT?
The upcoming weeks will involve additional discussions about our Capital Improvement Plan, transportation funding, property taxes, and the proposed 2027–2028 City budget. There are still significant decisions ahead, and I intend to keep residents informed as those discussions continue.
I appreciate everyone who follows these meetings, asks questions, and takes an interest in how their local government operates. Accountability, transparency, and responsible financial management will remain central to my approach as we work through these challenges.
Thank you for working so hard for our city. I love our town. As a senior citizen on Social Security, a property tax increase would be hard on my budget, but I understand important things are very necessary. 
Appreciate the recap. Have a question about the sale of the property on 20th and the corner of argent. Specific details identifying the exact buyer and the intended future use of the parcel at North 20th Avenue and West Argent Road were not broadly detailed in the initial public council authorizations. It doesn't tell us how much land what the potential use of it with the zoning is or who the purchaser developer is. I have a vested interest in this because I live nearby.
My recap of the meeting www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dd5VveVH4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Thank you.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.I ran on fiscal responsibility as well. If you and the rest of the community are okay with getting rid of 20 Officers and 15 Fire fighters than I don’t want to hear any complaining. But I will out forward what I believe we need to do given that the deficit has gotten worse in two years. And yes, taxes are back on the table.
I'm a Richland native. Now I live in Pasco and feel the most safest all thanks to our first responders. Taking away any of them will make the city go backwards. Safety should be priority #1
Odd how they want to cut safety... they talk about cutting police & fire, but I haven't heard anything about City staff, maybe we should start with some cuts there.
So tell us how we are supposed to fund at 100% when there is a shortage of funds???. You ran on no more taxes.
🏮 END OF AN ERA: AN ICONIC PIECE OF PASCO HISTORY IS GONE 🏮
After more than 60 years as one of Pasco’s most recognizable landmarks, the former Chinese Gardens restaurant building on North Fourth Avenue has officially been demolished.
For generations of Pasco residents, Chinese Gardens was more than just a restaurant. It was a familiar part of our community, a place where families gathered, birthdays were celebrated, and countless memories were made.
Chinese Gardens first opened in 1965, founded by Gim Tuen “Jack” Lee, who moved to Pasco in 1964. For decades, it was one of the city’s longest-running restaurants and became a cornerstone of the local dining scene.
But what really made Chinese Gardens stand out was the building itself. Its unique combination of midcentury architecture, Chinese-inspired rooflines, colorful dragons, and unmistakable signage made it one of the most recognizable buildings along North Fourth Avenue. It was the kind of place you could drive by and immediately know exactly where you were.
Over the years, the building maintained much of its original character, something that became increasingly rare as Pasco continued to develop and modernize. It was a reminder of an earlier chapter in our city’s history.
Following the closure of Chinese Gardens, the building became home to Javi’s Chicken and Churros, another great local restaurant that brought new life to the familiar location.
Now, that iconic building stands no more.
It’s always a little bittersweet watching our community change, especially when we lose buildings that have been part of Pasco’s identity for generations. As our city continues to grow, it’s important to remember the places that helped shape its history.
For more than six decades, this building was a recognizable part of Pasco’s landscape. While the building is gone, the memories associated with it will live on.
A piece of Pasco history is gone, but certainly not forgotten. 🏮
Isn’t the Tri cities community health already in newer buildings?
Such a well written article, almond chicken is still unbeatable
What's going on in the location?
Wow! Is Tri Cities Community Health building something there? Parking
I worked for Jack, so did my mom. They were great friends. Almond chicken and sweet and sour spareribs were the best. Sad day.
The original Chinese gardens was on 5th street. And that building had great architecture
Here’s to hoping the lot becomes something that isn’t a car wash, gas station, or storage unit.
We have the lantern lights that used to hang all over the building. Won't let me attach pictures
I grew up in Pasco and ate there about a thousand times. After I grew up and moved away, whenever I would come home for a visit I ALWAYS stopped in for a meal. My parents would take us there when I was a little kid in the early 1960s, and I remember always looking at this big, framed photo of Jack Lee shaking hands with heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis. My older brother worked there when he was in high school. As an adult, I have gone to MANY Chinese restaurants throughout my life and NONE of them were as good as Jack Lee's Chinese Gardens. During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 I decided to take up Asian cooking as a hobby - solely because I was tired of never finding a restaurant that was as good as the 'ol Chinese Gardens. I LOVED their Almond Fried Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Broccoli Beef, Fried Rice, etc, and while I never could make it exactly like the Chinese Gardens made it, it was still pretty good. (grin) I read that they closed down some months ago, and I'll be honest - it made me kind of sad. It was a part of my youth and I was bummed to learn it shut down. Now seeing photos of the building demolished and it now being an empty lot - well it kind of finalized the end of an era for me. It was part of "old" Pasco and it represented home for me. Farewell old Chinese Gardens - you will be missed. 💯
There almond chicken was my moms favorite. That’s crazy. I haven’t been back home to the train cities for a few years now.
Best food ever, pork fried rice will never be good for me again.JACK LEE Linda Lee Zilar not to mention oyester sauce beef. Chinese BBQ pork. It was the best ever. I do long haul and always looking for Chinese food that compares to what Jack offered. No where in this country I will find what he gave us
Loved this place. I went as a baby, teen and adult. I took my kids. Just so iconic. Good memories there.
It was the place we went to dinner with our dates before the Homecoming dance !
Sad situation miss that place
My mom's favorite. I also would go there with my friend Monica S. to visit our friend who worked there for years! 🏆
Sorry when they closed. Enjoyed their restaurant and bar for 35 years.
Yes, some good times there. So sad. Loved the food.
My mom's favorite food ever... Anytime there was a trip over to the airport, their food was on the list!
😭😭😭😭
Kekee Mackey
I worked for Ted and Amy off and in for 10 years. So sad to see it go, but my question is, where will the cockroaches go? Lol
Victoria Meaders, Veronnica Meaders
Jose Chavez 😢
UGH! Was so sad when Chinese Gardens closed-went there with my folks my entire life-one of the last places my dad and I ate before his stroke. Definitely a landmark for Tri Cities as well as Pasco.
You tore it down for a parking lot.
It's your city.
Expect more.
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