West Richland: Triple the Population, But Not Triple the Revenue

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Story Published: Oct 13, 2009 at 5:41 PM PDT

By Lena Vargas

WEST RICHLAND --- Triple the population, but that doesn't mean triple the revenue for the City of West Richland.

The "growing pains" are not visible on the street. In fact, there are lots of new road improvements done or underway right now.

The problem is more homes and more property taxes can only do so much. The city needs more sales taxes.

The Police Department is especially concerned. Chief Layne Erdman says he's only gotten five more officers since 1990 and back then, the population was only one-third what it is now.

"The city has a shortfall in its budget and that could mean layoffs in any department and that includes the police department,” said Erdman.

Erdman hopes pending commercial development will help. Other city leaders are also banking on it.

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