Sunnyside residents concerned about potential budget cuts

The Sunnyside City Council is considering significant cuts for its 2025 budget. The city aims to address a projected $1.5 million deficit. But some say these cuts will impact crucial community services.

Over the past few weeks, the City Council has discussed alternatives to keep the city’s budget afloat next year. Suggestions have included closing the city pool, senior center and museum.

“We have the budget for the pool and community center along with other cuts. Obviously, none of these options are ideal,” City Manager Mike Gonzalez said during a council study session on Nov. 18.

During the City Council’s meeting on Nov. 25, Brezzi Campos, a Sunnyside resident and business owner, said shutting down the pool would be a mistake.

“This pool is not just a place to swim. It’s a pillar of the community, a source of pride and a place where lives are transformed,” Campos said.

Ruby Medina also lives in Sunnyside, and is worried about the potential closures.

“Looking at the budget cuts, the closing the pool, the community center, the senior center, all of that entails social service. And there’s a ripple effect when you cut those back,”she said.

Dean Broersma is the mayor of Sunnyside. He said the budget is still under discussion.

“No one on the council wants to see parts of our city closed,” Broersma said.

He said council members are looking for ways to avoid shutting down services.

“We’re going to be looking at options when we bring things up as a budget discussion. This is the point where we start our discussion. That doesn’t mean that a suggestion is something that is hard and fast,” Broersma said.

Community members have already started a change.org campaign hoping to keep the pool open to the public.