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.
☕✂️ Ribbon Cutting Tomorrow!
Join us at 9:00 AM as we celebrate the ribbon cutting for Swag Coffee at 📍 2915 N. 20th Ave., Suite A10!
Let’s show up and support local! Hope to see you there, Pasco! 🙌🔥
Swagg Coffee Bar
Pasco City Council Workshop Takeaways – Monday Night
Monday night started with important training for City Councilmembers, Boards, and Commissions on the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act, led by the Washington State Office of the Attorney General. Transparency and accountability matter. These laws exist to ensure the public has access to meetings and records, and it’s critical that we continue doing things the right way.
From there, we moved into our regularly scheduled workshop session.
Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP)
We discussed our citywide safety goals and our commitment to reducing serious and fatal collisions by 50%. This plan positions Pasco to compete for federal safety funding while prioritizing safer streets, intersections, pedestrian corridors, and school zones. Public safety starts with smart infrastructure.
Regional Lift Stations & Pressurized Sewer Systems
We had a strong discussion about regional lift stations and private pressurized sewer (grinder) systems. I voiced support for regional pressurized grinder systems, particularly in rural and infill areas that are ready for development but currently limited by traditional gravity sewer infrastructure. If done right, this could responsibly open doors for needed housing while maintaining standards.
Land Capacity Analysis & Comprehensive Plan Update
We reviewed our Land Capacity Analysis as part of our Comprehensive Plan update. I support increasing density in the right areas of the city — especially where sewer and water infrastructure already exist and can support growth today.
When we talk about density, we’re talking about:
• Cottage homes
• Townhomes
• Duplexes & triplexes
• Apartments
This is especially important for affordable housing options.
That said, we must protect neighborhood character. Growth needs to be intentional. We should focus higher density in areas that can accommodate it — not disrupt established neighborhoods that aren’t designed for it.
Water Rights & Code Clarifications
We cleaned up portions of our code regarding water rights, including clarifying how we treat preliminary plat applications that were vested prior to 2023. The goal is clarity, fairness, and predictability for property owners and future development.
Emergency Comprehensive Plan Amendments
We ended the evening with two emergency Comprehensive Plan amendments:
1. Updating the Pasco School District Capital Facilities Plan to reflect changes to impact fees — specifically the removal of the single-family impact fee and the creation of a new multifamily impact fee.
2. Updating our zoning code by cleaning up RS-20 language and creating a new R-15 designation. This allows for half-acre lots with septic systems going forward, giving us more flexibility while maintaining appropriate development standards.
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Growth. Safety. Infrastructure. Transparency.
That’s what Monday night was about.
We’re working to position Pasco for smart growth — protecting neighborhoods, expanding housing options, improving safety, and making sure our policies are clear and forward-looking.
As always, I appreciate your engagement and feedback.
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Resumen del Taller del Concejo Municipal de Pasco – Lunes por la Noche
El lunes iniciamos con una capacitación importante para el Concejo Municipal, juntas y comisiones sobre la Ley de Reuniones Públicas Abiertas (Open Public Meetings Act) y la Ley de Registros Públicos (Public Records Act), impartida por la Oficina del Fiscal General del Estado de Washington.
La transparencia y la rendición de cuentas son fundamentales. Estas leyes garantizan que el público tenga acceso a reuniones y documentos, y es nuestra responsabilidad hacer las cosas correctamente.
Después continuamos con nuestro taller programado.
Plan Integral de Acción para la Seguridad (CSAP)
Conversamos sobre nuestra meta de reducir en un 50% las colisiones graves y fatales. Este plan nos posiciona para competir por fondos federales y priorizar calles más seguras, intersecciones mejoradas, corredores peatonales y zonas escolares protegidas. La seguridad pública también depende de una infraestructura bien planificada.
Estaciones Regionales de Bombeo y Sistemas de Alcantarillado Presurizado
Tuvimos una conversación sólida sobre estaciones regionales de bombeo y sistemas privados presurizados (tipo “grinder”). Expresé mi apoyo a los sistemas regionales presurizados, especialmente en áreas rurales y de relleno urbano que están listas para desarrollarse, pero que actualmente tienen limitaciones con el sistema tradicional por gravedad. Si se implementa correctamente, esto puede abrir oportunidades para más vivienda sin comprometer los estándares.
Análisis de Capacidad de Terreno y Actualización del Plan Integral
Revisamos el Análisis de Capacidad de Terreno como parte de la actualización de nuestro Plan Integral. Estoy a favor de aumentar la densidad en las áreas correctas de la ciudad — especialmente donde ya existe infraestructura de agua y alcantarillado disponible.
Cuando hablamos de mayor densidad, nos referimos a:
• Casas tipo cottage
• Casas adosadas (townhomes)
• Dúplex y tríplex
• Apartamentos
Esto es clave para ampliar las opciones de vivienda accesible.
Al mismo tiempo, debemos proteger el carácter de nuestros vecindarios. El crecimiento debe ser intencional. La densidad debe ubicarse en áreas que puedan acomodarla y que tengan la infraestructura adecuada.
Derechos de Agua y Clarificaciones en el Código
También aclaramos partes del código relacionadas con derechos de agua, incluyendo cómo se manejarán las solicitudes preliminares de subdivisión presentadas antes de 2023. El objetivo es brindar claridad, equidad y certeza para propietarios y futuros desarrollos.
Enmiendas de Emergencia al Plan Integral
Finalizamos la noche con dos enmiendas de emergencia:
1. Actualizamos el Plan de Instalaciones de Capital del Distrito Escolar de Pasco para reflejar cambios en las tarifas de impacto — eliminando la tarifa para vivienda unifamiliar y creando una nueva tarifa para vivienda multifamiliar.
2. Ajustamos el lenguaje de la zona RS-20 y creamos una nueva designación R-15, permitiendo el desarrollo de lotes de media acre con sistemas sépticos en el futuro, brindando mayor flexibilidad con estándares apropiados.
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Crecimiento inteligente. Seguridad. Infraestructura. Transparencia.
Ese fue el enfoque del lunes.
Seguimos trabajando para que Pasco crezca de manera estratégica — protegiendo nuestros vecindarios, ampliando opciones de vivienda, mejorando la seguridad y asegurando políticas claras para el futuro.
Como siempre, agradezco sus comentarios y participación.
Let's talk about housing. There was discussion about having more houses per aces a significant increase. Citizens don't want more houses per acre
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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.Something changed in you Pasco City Councilman Leo Perales I feel your more pro for the school district than you were before.
3 new schools opened and were voted yes on…the district isn’t asking for extra, even with 3 new schools. What serious cuts would you recommend? Admin pay cuts are not going to make a difference, so that isn’t the problem.
New math says they need less money per thousand for the same levy dollars?!
Voters need to see some SERIOUS cuts from the district before we vote throw money out for 4 years. The city, schools, and Olympia are jumping into our wallets this year for more taxpayer money. It has to stop.
Honestly kind of sad such a low amount is used for Special Education but they want those kids to progress at a certain rate but with that funding I can see why they are short staffed..!! Staff costs: $30.5 million Athletics: $3.5 million Curriculum materials and supplies: $1.8 million Transportation: $1.7 million Extracurricular activities: $1.4 million Social emotional learning: $850,000 Professional development: $561,000 Facilities and operations: $261,000 Visual and performing arts: $246,000 Special education supplement: $54,000
30 MILLION in unfunded staff!!!
Cut administrative pay.
Again it's a NO vote!!!
🏀🔥 STATE BOUND! 🔥🏀
Congratulations to the Chiawana Boys and Girls Basketball Teams on punching their tickets to the State Tournament!
What an incredible accomplishment. The dedication, discipline, and heart these student-athletes have shown all season long represent the very best of Pasco. Early mornings. Late practices. Teamwork. Sacrifice. Belief.
And now — it’s paying off.
This isn’t just about wins. It’s about:
• Commitment to excellence
• Representing our city with pride
• Inspiring the next generation of Riverhawks
• Showing what Pasco grit looks like
To the players, coaches, families, and supporters — thank you for making our community proud. The entire city is behind you.
Let’s show the state what Pasco is made of. 💙🦅
#PascoProud #Chiawana #Riverhawks #StateBound #OneCityOneTeam
Both teams play at Richland High School this Friday and would love the community support! Girls play at 6 pm and boys play at 8 pm. Thank you!
Proud of you all
Let’s Talk About the School Levy, Clearly and Honestly
There’s been a lot of confusion about this levy, so let’s simplify it.
This is not a new levy stacked on top of another levy stacked on top of another levy.
It is a replacement levy — a continuation of the School Enrichment #1 levy that is already on your property tax bill.
👉 If your assessed home value hasn’t taken a big jump, your Pasco School District (PSD 1) tax portion will likely stay about the same.
In my case, my assessed value has stayed around $445,900 for the last three years.
Under the proposed scenarios, my local school tax payment remains essentially stable. (See infographic.)
This vote is about continuing the funding structure we already have, not adding a new layer of taxation.
Now here’s the part that matters:
Levy dollars, combined with the state match, bring in $50–55 million per year for Pasco schools.
That supports:
• Athletics and extracurriculars
• Music and arts programs
• Counselors and student support services
• School resource officers and safety measures
• Enrichment programs that keep students engaged
If the levy is not renewed, those dollars go away.
This isn’t about adding something new.
It’s about maintaining the programs, staffing, and opportunities our students currently rely on.
Before voting, take a look at your assessed value history.
If your home hasn’t dramatically increased in value, your PSD 1 portion will likely remain very similar — because this is simply continuing the levy already in place.
Let’s make sure the conversation is based on facts, not fear.
📊 See the infographic below for a breakdown using a $445,900 assessed value example.
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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."Likely remain similar" yea we dont believe the goverment anymore
You guys don’t even break down where the money is going, what was it like 60 million was under a general fund?
My property assessment actually decreased quite a bit for this upcoming year. I imagine most people's have.
If the new levy is a replacement levy then target a funding amount that lowers people current taxes. Guaranteed if you show the tax amount goes down people will vote yes.
Mean while every 3 years JUST THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS pocket 1 million combined. 350 to 400 for a superintendent? Start there. Cut each superintendents salary to 200, 250 them work your way down the chain. In a 9 year period a superintendent makes close to 3 million dollars? What a joke.
That funding children’s enrichment, education programs, mental health and wellbeing is even an issue. The “think of the children” crowd is certainly not thinking of the children.
So I went and took a couple samples in the Historical Valuation Info from the Franklin County Assessor's office for a couple properties near me. From 2022 to 2026 properties have risen 100K. Sorry but for many of us THAT IS A HUGE INCREASE of 100K in just FOUR YEARS to be taxed on. Here's the link folks, go put in an address and see for yourself. 2026 $370,100 2025 $370,100 2024 $370,100 2023 $339,900 2022 $272,300 another address: 2026 $396,900 2025 $396,900 2024 $396,900 2023 $375,000 2022 $296,500 terra.co.franklin.wa.us/TaxSifter/Search/Results.aspx
When assessed values goes up so do the taxes paid to the operating levy....so in reality Pasco City Councilman Leo Perales it is a tax increase unless as you say "If your assessed home value hasn't taken a jump".......Furthermore, that Bone Head Ice Protest at McLaughlin did not help the PSD.
And I shouldn’t even be paying taxes on over $500,000 when I bought the house for $265,000. That’s what I should be paying taxes on.. Rip Off
City county state and federal agencies all need to start being devastated just like the taxpayers that are footing their bill.
I don’t need a breakdown I pay over $3500 a year between state and local school taxes $2200 going towards local. That’s too much.
It's your city.
Expect more.
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