Development News for Pasco, Washington

Pasco Council Debates Zoning for Essential Public Facilities and Less Restrictive Housing

The Pasco City Council held a public hearing and began discussing proposed ordinance changes related to essential public facilities (EPFs), secure community transition facilities (SCTFs), and less restrictive alternative (LRA) housing. State law requires municipalities to plan for and allow EPFs, which are difficult to site and cannot be prohibited outright. LRAs, including SCTFs and community housing, are considered EPFs. The council is developing zoning and sighting criteria, including buffer requirements, to regulate where these facilities can be located, without prohibiting them entirely. Current proposals include a 700-foot buffer around risk potential activities, though some council members are advocating for a 1,000-foot buffer. The process involves multiple public hearings, study sessions, and feedback from the Department of Commerce. Community sentiment appears divided, with significant concerns about safety and proximity to schools, parks, and other public gathering places.

Pasco City Council Approves 0.1% Sales Tax Increase for Transportation Improvements

The Pasco City Council voted 5-2 to adopt Ordinance Number 4843, imposing an additional one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) sales and use tax within the city boundaries. This tax is intended to fund transportation improvements through the Pasco Transportation Benefit District (TBD). The revenue generated is projected to be approximately $2.3 million annually and can only be used for transportation-related projects such as pavement preservation, pothole filling, and traffic calming. The earliest this tax can be implemented is January 2027. Council members expressed various views, with some highlighting the critical need for road maintenance and the long-term cost savings of addressing issues now, while others voiced concerns about the tax's impact on lower-income households and the timing given current economic pressures. The council also discussed alternative funding sources and the city's significant annual road maintenance deficit.

Pasco City Council Censure Council Member Leo Parales for Unbecoming Conduct

Council member Leo Parales was censured by the Pasco City Council for a pattern of conduct unbecoming of a council member, including disclosing sensitive and confidential information from internal investigations, repeatedly addressing city staff in a demeaning or accusatory tone, and violating council rules and state law. This censure was not taken lightly and reflects the council's commitment to upholding standards of conduct and professionalism. Council member Parales chose not to participate in the executive session where the censure was discussed. While acknowledging his past contributions, the council emphasized that no one is above the law and that such conduct compromises the city's legal position and staff morale. Further violations could lead to additional sanctions, up to and including removal from committee assignments. The council expressed hope for rebuilding a culture of respect and cooperation.

Pasco Council Approves Segregation of Assessments for Local Improvement District 152

The council approved Resolution Number 4751, which segregates assessments for Local Improvement District (LID) Number 152. LID 152 was initially approved in March 2022 for sewer infrastructure improvements in developing neighborhoods. As these areas have been subdivided, state law requires the LID assessments to be divided (segregated) to allocate costs to individual property owners. This resolution divides two large parcels into 122 and 64 individual assessments, respectively, for specific developments: Raven's Place phases one and two, and Madison Park North phase one. This is a formal action required by state law (RCW 35.44.410) to allocate the costs accurately.