Cashmere to host public forum on rising costs, revenue options

CASHMERE — The Cashmere City Council plans to hold a public forum on May 6 to begin a broader conversation with residents about rising costs and potential revenue options.

Councilmembers discussed the format and timing of the meeting during their April 27 session, describing it as an opportunity to share information and gather feedback ahead of any formal decisions.

The forum is expected to focus on the city’s financial outlook, including increasing costs for services such as law enforcement and the limits of current revenue sources.

“It’s just the beginning of a discussion,” Mayor Jim Fletcher said. “There’s no decisions that are going to be made.”

City officials said the goal is to present basic information in a clear format and allow residents to ask questions and share input. One option discussed was breaking attendees into smaller groups to encourage conversation rather than a traditional presentation-style meeting.

Councilmembers also talked about how to communicate the issue in a way that draws participation without creating unnecessary confusion or frustration.

“People make good decisions when they have good information,” Fletcher said.

The May 6 forum would be followed by additional discussions and, if the council chooses to move forward, formal public hearings later in the process.

Officials noted that timelines for any potential revenue measures are tied to county filing deadlines, making early public engagement important.

Councilmembers said the intent is to better understand what residents are willing to support as the city evaluates how to maintain services in the face of rising costs.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media