The Issues That Matter
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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.
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📢 PASCO BUDGET UPDATE: IT’S TIME TO MOVE FROM DISCUSSION TO ACTION!
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend today’s 4:00 p.m. special City Council meeting due to work commitments that had me out of town in Pullman. However, I did provide my fellow Councilmembers and City Administration with my updated 16-point Back-of-the-Napkin Budget Recovery Plan, along with a memorandum outlining the steps I believe we need to take to address our City’s financial challenges.
I’ve attached that plan below for everyone to review.
I want to emphasize something important: These are not simply discussion points. The majority of these recommendations are actions I believe we need to start taking NOW.
We’ve spent considerable time talking about our budget challenges, and I believe we need to move beyond identifying problems and begin implementing solutions. We need to be proactive rather than reactive, get ahead of the curve, and establish a clear path toward financial stability.
After reviewing the budget scenarios presented by City staff, I support Scenario #6 as a starting point, but I don’t believe it goes far enough. While it preserves Memorial Pool and restores some public safety positions compared to the original proposal, it still calls for eliminating 13 Police positions and five Fire positions, closing Fire Station 82, and leaves a projected $1 million deficit.
My position remains unchanged: Public safety is where I draw the line. I want to see a budget scenario that fully funds our existing Police, Fire, and EMS services without eliminating positions or closing fire stations.
My recovery plan addresses expenditure reductions, operational efficiencies, economic development, available financial resources, and potential revenue opportunities. That includes a comprehensive review of the approximately $69 million in Economic Development Funds to determine what can responsibly be used as temporary bridge funding while we work toward long-term financial stability.
I also believe we owe it to our residents to thoroughly examine our existing expenditures and available resources before asking taxpayers to shoulder additional financial burdens.
Some of these recommendations will require further analysis, negotiations, or Council approval. But that shouldn’t stop us from moving forward with the items that can be acted upon immediately.
We cannot continue reacting to financial challenges after they become crises. We need to anticipate them, plan accordingly, and take action.
I encourage everyone to review the attached plan. As always, I welcome your questions, comments, and feedback.
Public Safety First. Taxation With Accountability.
— LP
Pasco Police Officers Association Pasco Firefighters Pasco Police
You may want to explore the fact that things that were built and funded with HUD dollars have limitations on disposition and rules around funds and how those funds do not stay local and there are penalties and limitations on how they can be gotten rid of.
Can you tell me what primarily funds the economic development fund? With an excess of 69 million, can we restructure that to not end up with a cash flow that isnt readily available in times of crisis? Short of eliminating public safety positions, are there areas that can be trimmed for expenditures, even in those departments? Also, in other areas like vehicle expenditures and vehicle maintenance and replacement programs, are those closely followed to see how those are managed? In the past, many municipalities were doing things like replacing good tires every year simply because that was how the program was designed. Can that be moved to a more sensible program where things like that are evaluated during routine maintenance to see if it’s needed? All small gains but they add up.
Leo, I genuinely hope your proposal works because, like you, I don't want to see cuts to city services. As I've said elsewhere, we disagree on plenty of things, but I think we can agree that this budget crisis isn't good for anyone in Pasco, and finding a solution is going to take some cooperation. That said, I do have some concerns about whether these proposals will be enough. Several of the ideas are already being considered by city staff. Others, like commercial development, could help in the long run but won't necessarily address the immediate shortfall. The economic development funds are worth exploring, but we still need to understand how much of that money is actually available. The sales tax and proposed property tax increase could bring in significant revenue, but we're also talking about asking residents to pay more. I think the biggest question is whether all of this adds up to a sustainable solution or simply gets us through another budget cycle. I'd really like to see the estimated savings, revenue, and timelines attached to these ideas so we can better understand how they would work together. At the end of the day, I think we both want Pasco to come through this without losing essential services or any of our civil servants who work hard to protect us. I hope we can find a way to make that happen.
FYI not sure if this post was scheduled for after the meeting had taken place but, been refreshing my email to review your 16-point plan, hasn’t made it yet and the special meeting starts in 50 minutes…
How did Pasco got into this situation?
I’m a big fan of all salaries being frozen for as long as it takes to get the budget balanced and stop using savings and loans to run this city. I think one year with a continuing resolution should be the minimum for that item. Nobody across the board should be getting raises, bonuses or any new staff joining with the current budget crisis. If any staff or emergency services person is about to lose their job, no one should be seeing an increase in pay, period.
How many more police and fire would be saved by removing the pool. The pool serves a few wile the fire and police serve all.
Did anyone ever explain this tremendous risk tapping into the economic fund to save public safety? And can someone please explain how that is a greater risk than public safety itself with even the most recent cut proposals?
#4 is a non starter for me.
The Elephant in the Room: WA billionaires now hold $180.30 billion in untaxed wealth, while 83% of workers make less than $125,000 with no healthcare, childcare, vacation, or retirement funding. Our WA State 13 billionaires and 3,400 with over $100 million pay less than 4.1% in income taxes, while the 20% lowest earners pay 13% while the 1% is allowed to hoard their wealth on the Stock Market. 9-25-2025; Most Of Billionaires’ $7.6 Trillion Has Never Been Taxed americansfortaxfairness.org/billionaires-7-trillion/ Washington State tax system unconstitutionally favors the wealthy. Relative to income and population growth, Washington’s budget has actually declined by 60% overall depriving us of vital services. From 1995 to 2025, total income for the top 1% of households in Washington nearly quadrupled – growing to 3.9 times 1995 levels – while income for the middle and bottom 20% grew 2.7. Washington State budget has doubled over the last 10 years, climbing from roughly $38 billion to $80 billion. While Washington State GDP or Gross Domestic Product has also doubled form $467,591B in 2015 to $894.99 billion in 2025 billihttps://opportunityinstitute.org/blog/post/washington-wealth-state-budget-millionaires-tax/ Already in the State of Washington the poorest pay 13.8% on their incomes while the wealthiest 13 billionaires and 3,400 with over $100 million pay 4.1% on their annual income, while hoarding their wealth on the stock market that isn’t taxed. See Who Pays itep.org/washington-who-pays-7th-edition/ Tax competitiveness ranking reveals WA’s high taxes in nearly every category! Overall, Personal Income, Capital Gains, Estate, Corporate, Sales, Property, Unemployment Insurance. September 2026 “Partnership for a Competitive Puget Sound,” 1272277.us22.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Challenge-Seattle-PCPS-report-online2-091... Two-thirds of us were in the middle class when Reagan came into office, and could get there with a single paycheck thanks to FDR‘s and LBJ‘s “socialist” New Deal and Great Syouociety policies. Today it’s only roughly 45% of us, and requires two paychecks. All because of 45 years of Reaganomics. The choice in front of us is simple. We can keep pretending that letting billionaires write the political and economic rules and own the media is “freedom,” or we can remember that a fair game is what freedom actually looks like. hartmannreport.com/p/the-nfl-is-socialist-on-purpose-and-c98
Oh freaking shocked face, you all want more money to squander. Go back to the drawing table and find a way that doesn’t force citizens to make up for the cities failure.
Why are you not present at this meeting? It seems like you don't show up during budget discussions, regular meetings or otherwise.
💰 $69 MILLION IN CITY FUNDS — SO WHAT CAN WE ACTUALLY USE?
At Monday night’s Pasco City Council meeting, I asked a question about the approximately $69 million in Economic Development funds and whether those dollars were restricted or available for the City Council to use.
The answer we received Monday night was that these funds are unrestricted and can be used at the Council’s discretion.
Now, here’s where things get interesting.
🎥 Watch the video below from our June 1, 2026, City Council meeting.
I asked essentially the SAME question just four months ago, and the answer was different. At that meeting, I was told that certain funds were restricted and that only some of the money could be used for other purposes.
So naturally, my question is: What changed between June 1 and Monday night?
I want to be clear. I’m not bringing this up to point fingers. I’m bringing it up because the information we receive as Councilmembers directly influences the decisions we make on behalf of our residents.
As a Councilmember, I do my best to ask questions, understand the information presented, and make informed decisions. But the reality is that we can only make decisions based on the information we’re given and what we’re able to uncover through our questions.
And one thing I’ve learned through experience is that sometimes you have to keep asking, dig deeper, and ask more pointed questions. Sometimes that may even mean seeking independent financial or legal guidance to fully understand what options are available to us.
Here’s why this matters so much right now.
Pasco is facing significant budget deficits, and we’re having difficult conversations about potential reductions to City services, including public safety, while also discussing additional taxes and fees on our residents.
If we have access to $69 million in funds, I believe we owe it to our residents to understand exactly how those dollars can legally be used.
I’m not suggesting we spend all $69 million. I’m suggesting we understand our options.
Could some of these dollars serve as temporary bridge funding to maintain essential services while we address our structural budget problems?
Could they help us avoid or reduce some of the immediate tax burden on residents?
Could they provide flexibility for infrastructure, road improvements, or other pressing City needs?
For example, we’ve previously made budget amendments to move money around to address needs such as traffic improvements on Court Street. That’s just one example, but it illustrates why understanding what money is available matters.
At Monday’s meeting, I requested a full accounting of the City’s available funds and fund balances, including which dollars are restricted, which are unrestricted, and what legal limitations apply to their use.
I want us to have a clear picture of how much money the City has, where it’s held, and what the Council can actually do with it.
Because before we ask residents to pay more, or consider reducing essential services, shouldn’t we first understand every financial resource available to us?
I also recognize that experience matters. I don’t have every answer, and I certainly don’t pretend to. But every meeting teaches me something about what questions need to be asked and what information deserves further scrutiny.
What concerns me is that when essentially the same question is asked four months apart, we appear to receive two very different answers. That deserves clarification.
My priority remains the same: Protect public safety, maintain essential services, address our structural deficits, and be responsible with taxpayer dollars.
If these funds are available, we need to understand how to use them responsibly. Bridge funding can buy us time, but it cannot replace the long-term financial reforms our City needs.
Our residents deserve accurate information, transparency, and a City Council that has the full financial picture before making decisions.
Taxation with Accountability. Public Safety First.
— Leo Perales
Pasco City Councilmember, District 3
Let's have clarity on the $69 million in Economic Development funds. Do they exist and are they available to help cover some of the budget shortfall? What is lost if we use them for this purpose?
My question is if we use those funds, what are we giving up? Robbing Peter to pay Paul isn't a good idea, and taking from economic development will slow growth and hurt the future. I am not against using these funds per se, but we need to make sure we're not just kicking the can down the road or robbing from tomorrow to avoid hard choices today.
That’s not what the Lady said Monday night?
What if our local businesses donated maintenance to road work? Could they get a tax right off?
You know what it could be used for fix the downtown sidewalks for wheelchairs
I've lived in Pasco pretty much my whole life and I don't remember hearing that we were in this big of financial trouble before. (Maybe I'm wrong) What's changed? Where can we go to find out where all the funding goes?
How much has diesel and gas increases effected police and fire budgets? With inflation continuing to increase, how do budget for skyrocketing expenses?
Exactly! I hear a whole lot of....keep away, Leo. What is going on there? It seems like they know about the money, but have "already tapped into it" and don't want to say what it goes to. Restricted???? That is ridiculous. Call them out in it. Who it's getting personal gain from hiding funds? Dig, Leo. I will buy it a big shovel. You are looking after the people. They, obviously are not. This is so concerning. Don't accept, "they are restricted funds." I know all about what restricted and unrestricted funds are. Who to the money? And is our city just going to roll over and play stupid? You've gone some really sketchy people behind all of this. Catch them. They need to be caught. We stand beside youk, even if those that are corrupt, and probably committing fraud and have much personal gain they are hiding from the public. Some are sounding a bit nervous. That is happens when they know they are about to get exposed. Keep your eyes and ears open for those that are reacting strange. When you hear lies, changed stories or information. You will find the money the city needs. It's right in front of you. Look around. Not you, but, you see it, and they are really nervous. Light, truth, will always expose the darkness and lies. Go gettem!
Thank you for your efforts
Leo, thanks for sharing and keeping the City of Pasco residents informed.
Thank you Leo. Do Not close Memorial pool!
What's on your chin
What also would be most important is who all knew about these hidden funds $69 million dollars and this just now surfaces, major red flags
Thanks!
If you could get to the point in your diatribe and get to a point, that would be great.
Restricted for what purpose? No transparency whatsoever. $69 million is a pretty big chunk of change for the city of Pasco. With that amount I can't why they are reducing the size of the police force and such. Makes no sense. With excess money there is no need to reduce city employees. They need to quit putting in stop lights where they won't be needed for years. Pasco residents should not be paying more.
Ask them where they live nice homes aye
This is beyond ridiculous. Prior proper planning. Why was so much money spent on the cover for the pool, knowing that the budget was going to be short?! Forensic audit needed, accountability, and some replacements of certain positions.
Zoning biting us in the ass again
🚨 SPECIAL PASCO CITY COUNCIL MEETING – BUDGET DISCUSSION 🚨
📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026
🕓 4:00 PM
📍 Pasco City Hall
525 N. 3rd Avenue, Pasco, WA
Pasco residents, your voice matters!
The Pasco City Council will be holding a special meeting this Thursday at 4:00 PM to continue discussions surrounding our city’s budget challenges and the proposed 2027–2028 biennial budget.
We have some difficult decisions ahead of us, and this meeting will focus on the city’s financial outlook, projected revenues and expenditures, potential budget reductions, staffing levels, and funding priorities for essential city services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services.
As we work through these challenges, I believe it’s important that we explore every available option, evaluate alternative funding sources, ask the tough questions, and make sure we’re doing everything possible to protect essential services while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Transparency, accountability, and finding solutions need to remain our priorities.
I encourage residents to attend, stay informed, and be part of the conversation. These decisions affect all of us, and community engagement is important.
📢 PLEASE SHARE so more Pasco residents know about this important meeting!
🇺🇸 Leo Perales
Pasco City Councilmember
#PascoWA #PascoCityCouncil #PascoBudget #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement
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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.As an administrator in Pasco, I value the relationship we have with all first responders. Be it a football game, fire alarm or medical emergency, they are always a partner to make sure our students and families are safe. Our SROs provide an invaluable service. Pasco Fire has arrived quickly for medical emergencies. We are blessed to have these quality services in our communities. Worth every dollar I pay here in taxes.
There was no shooting at a school.
Yes but not at the school.
This is part of why I just took my kid out of school and and why i refuse to put my son in school. Too many of these, look at bend not worth the risk of loosing my child like that.
It's your city.
Expect more.
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