Pasco Officials Weighed Budget Reduction Scenarios
The city council evaluated potential police and fire department cuts amid a $14.4 million general fund shortfall.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Saving
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Should your local government prioritize maintaining police and fire staffing over reducing budget deficits?
Pasco City Council members held a workshop meeting to review proposed budget reductions for police and fire departments. The city is currently facing a $14.4 million general fund shortfall driven by insufficient revenue growth and rising costs.
Why it matters
The proposed cuts stem from years of reliance on reserves and the addition of 53.4 general fund positions in 2023. These adjustments are necessary to address long-term fiscal instability that could lead to a $2.7 million deficit by 2028.
The city currently projects a $2.7 million general fund shortfall for 2028 under the most corrective proposal. In 2023, the city added 53.4 positions, while 26 full-time equivalents were frozen in the 2025-2026 budget cycle.
The players
Harold Stewart
He serves as the City Manager of Pasco and directed department heads to identify potential budget reductions.
Pasco City Council
This local governing body is responsible for approving the city budget and evaluating potential service cuts.
The details
City Manager Harold Stewart has asked department heads to identify 20% budget reductions to close the funding gap. Proposals under consideration include eliminating between 11 and 22 police positions and 15 fire positions.
Timeline
Revenue exceeded costs for the general fund from 2015 to 2022.
The city added 53.4 general fund positions during 2023.
The city allocated $6 million annually from reserves for 2025-2026.
The council held a budget workshop meeting on October 13, 2026.
Public budget hearings are set for November 2 and November 16, 2026.
Market Dynamics
This budget review follows the historical reliance on reserve funds for recurring general fund expenditures, a practice that has become unsustainable for local governments. The proposal marks a departure from recent spending patterns established during the 2015-2022 period of surplus.
Residents should anticipate potential changes to local service levels as the city shifts to balance its ledger. The ultimate decision on staffing levels will impact how the city manages its $2.7 million projected deficit for 2028.
The takeaway
Maintaining a balanced budget requires aligning recurring expenses with actual revenue growth rather than dipping into finite reserve pools. Residents should stay informed by reviewing updated budget estimates on the city website later this week.
What happens next
Public hearings regarding the proposed budget are scheduled for November 2 and November 16, with final adoption expected in December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local fiscal management on our Saving page.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize maintaining police and fire staffing over reducing budget deficits?
