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December 22, 2024
City Manager Message:
“Opening the pool, restoring our recreation staff, and fixing our aging water infrastructure is going to take millions of dollars and community support," says Sunnyside City Manager Mike Gonzalez.
This year has been particularly challenging for the City of Sunnyside. When I was hired on July 28th, I could not have imagined the fiscal challenges we would face. I began work the very next day with hope, optimism, and an unwavering hunger to make Sunnyside the most incredible city in the Pacific Northwest. That fire to transform our city persists to this day.
In this City Manager Message, I want to focus on three critical areas of our city and the solutions we are exploring:
1. Sunnyside Public Pool
The pool has received the most attention during this budget cycle. Dozens of people have spoken at public meetings, and hundreds have signed petitions asking us to open it this summer. I understand the importance of the pool as a gathering place for kids to create memories and participate in team sports. However, running the pool is expensive. It costs nearly $400,000 to operate for just three months, while generating only about $75,000 in revenue from entrance fees, rentals, and concessions.
Here are the potential funding options we’re considering:
- Raise entrance fees: Doubling or tripling the $2 fee would still leave a significant deficit and place additional financial strain on families.
- Increase the City Utility Tax: Our current utility tax on water, sewer, and garbage is 29%. Raising it by 2.5% would generate the approximately $400,000 needed to open the pool this year. We are studying the impact on residents’ monthly bills.
- Create a Public Facilities District (PFD): This could support pools, parks, and new facilities through a voter-approved 0.2% sales tax within city boundaries, among other taxes and fees.
- Levy Lid Lift: Voters could approve an increase in the property tax levy rate, with funds designated for pools, recreation programs, and parks.
- Grants: While operational grants are rare, we have explored options such as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), but they are not viable for this purpose.
- Community Donations: A 501(c)(3) organization or community campaign could raise funds to support the pool. I encourage residents to partner with the Sharks Swim Team to spearhead this effort.
- Cut hours and staff: Reducing operating hours and staffing levels is another option under review.
2. Recreation Programs and Community Center
The budget crisis forced us to make the painful decision to cut recreation staff. At three full-time employees, the combined salary and benefits cost of $270,000 was unsustainable. Despite this, the community center remains available for rental and activities such as weddings, parties, and sports like pickleball, soccer, and basketball. We are developing a rental process, but for now, please email me at mgonzalez@sunnyside-wa.gov with questions. I appreciate your patience as we navigate these challenges and explore sustainable solutions for recreation programs.
3. Aging Water Infrastructure
Our aging water infrastructure is in urgent need of repair. Addressing this issue is critical for our community’s health and economic future. Civil engineer Rob Scott’s updated Water System Plan outlines nearly $20 million in necessary upgrades. These repairs have been delayed to minimize costs for residents, but we can’t wait any longer. System failures during hot summer months would be catastrophic, putting us in a position similar to Mabton, and that’s not something anyone wants. I suggest you watch the City Council meeting where Rob Scott presented the Water System Plan. You can find the link on YouTube by clicking here: Meeting presentation begins at 1:01:15.
Here are our top priorities:
- Replace wells 6 and 7, which are unsuitable for continuous use.
- Drill a new well to meet growing demand.
- Construct a new emergency reservoir.
Ongoing priorities include:
- Addressing older, leaking water mains.
- Looping water mains for system reliability.
- Replacing small-diameter pipes.
- Upsizing mains to accommodate future growth.
Rate increases will likely be necessary to fund these critical upgrades. I dislike this as much as anyone, but I have committed to being transparent and honest with our residents.
Conclusion
I am working day and night to find solutions to Sunnyside’s economic challenges. The time for blame has passed; now is the time for action. Thank you for taking the time to read this message. I am honored to serve the residents of Sunnyside and Yakima County. God bless you this holiday season.
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