Yakima Heading Towards Strong Mayor Government?
Yakima City Hall
Yakima leaders are thinking about eliminating the city manager's position.
That would allow the mayor to pick up those responsibilities.
The city council will discuss the option next week.
With long-time city manager Dick Zais retiring next year, council members want to see if another form of government will work for Yakima.
But they say it's too early to tell if a change in leadership will save the city money.
"As far as cost savings, what there might be in a change in a form of government, it's difficult to say at this point, it really depends on how the council structures it," says asst. city manager Dave Zabell.
This is the closest council members have come towards changing Yakima's city government in more than 20 years.
In 1987 Yakima voters rejected a move towards the "strong mayor" form of government.
Ultimately voters would have to approve any switch in leadership.