​The Pasco City Council is scheduled to consider imposing a new, 0.1% sales and use tax at the May 4, 2026 Regular Meeting. This tax would be imposed within the bounds of the Transportation Benefit District (which encompasses the entire city) and revenue from the tax would be dedicated to Pasco’s Street Fund.
 
The Street Fund pays for people, equipment, and materials needed to maintain City roads. In the past, this fund has relied on utility taxes and fuel taxes.  However, those sources are no longer enough. As one example, it would cost around $8 million per year for pavement preservation work to keep Pasco’s roads in good condition. Right now, the City budget has about $1 million per year to pay for pavement preservation.  
 
Washington State allows for the creation of a Transportation Benefit District, or TBD, to fund transportation investments within a defined area. Funding can come from an annual vehicle licensing fee, starting at $20 per vehicle, or from a sales tax of 0.1%. A higher sales tax may be enacted with voter approval.
 
On February 17, 2026, the Pasco City Council established a Transportation Benefit District that covers the entire city. On April 20, the Council assumed the powers of the district so that they could take action for the TBD as part of regular City business.
 
On May 4, the City Council will consider imposing a 0.1% sales tax on purchases made within the boundaries of the Pasco TBD. If approved, it will likely take at least six months for the tax to be implemented.

Surf Thru Express is showing appreciation for teachers & educators by offering free Graphene car washes to all teachers on May 2 - 3 at participating Washington locations.

Throughout the weekend, teachers can stop by and receive a complimentary Graphene wash, one of Surf Thru Express’ premium wash packages, as a thank-you for the important role they play in supporting and inspiring local communities.
“Teachers dedicate so much time and energy to shaping future generations,” Surf Thru Express shared. “We wanted to take a moment to recognize their hard work and say thank you for everything they do.”

As an added bonus for the weekend, teachers & educator workers who visit the site will have access to an exclusive, limited-time membership offer—just $9.99 for their first month when they sign up on-site during their visit. This special provides an opportunity to continue enjoying a clean, protected vehicle well beyond the appreciation weekend.

To redeem the free wash, teacher & education workers simply need to present a valid work ID upon arrival.

The Graphene wash includes advanced cleaning and premium protection designed to deliver a high-gloss finish while helping protect vehicles from the elements.

Participating Washington Locations
• 4621 Convention Pl. Pasco, WA 99301
• 624 S. Ely St. Kennewick, WA 99336

Surf Thru Express encourages teachers throughout the Washington area to stop by during the appreciation weekend and enjoy a free wash.

Lee Brice will perform on the ICCU Stage as part of the Hayden Homes Summer Concert Series at the Benton Franklin Fair on Thursday, August 27.

With more than 12 billion career streams and nine No. 1 hits, Brice has become one of country music’s most consistent hitmakers. His catalog includes fan favorites such as “One of Them Girls,” “Rumor,” and “I Drive Your Truck.”

Brice, a GRAMMY nominee and CMA and ACM award winner, continues to draw audiences nationwide with a combination of powerful storytelling and chart-topping success.

Tickets for the concert go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday, May 1, and will be available at www.bentonfranklinfair.com.
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Lee Brice joins Skillet as part of Hayden Homes Summer Concert Series, with additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Benton Franklin Fair runs August 25-29. Reserved concert tickets range from $33 to $66. General admission to the concert is free with fair admission.

For more information, visit www.bentonfranklinfair.com.

HAPO Community Credit Union supports veterans through meaningful partnerships, community events, and direct investment in local organizations. HAPO is helping ensure veterans and their families have access to connection and critical resources.

This year, HAPO is proudly supporting the 5th Annual Friends of Disabled Veterans Scramble Golf Fundraiser, an event centered on creating a welcoming space where veterans and their families feel understood, valued, and supported. The organization works year-round to foster connection and provides veterans with a place to gather, relax, and build community.
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HAPO also continues its support of the Frogman Classic, which benefits the Best Defense Foundation. The annual golf tournament and concert on Clover Island bring the community together while raising essential funds to support veterans and their families. Events like this strengthen the network of organizations dedicated to serving those who have served our country.

Expanding its impact even further, HAPO is proud to announce its first-year sponsorship of the Stand With Us Gala, hosted by the Columbia Basin Veterans Center (CBVC) on May 1, 2026, at Michele’s in Richland, WA. CBVC serves as a critical one-stop resource for veterans throughout the Columbia Basin, providing navigation of benefits, housing support, employment assistance, counseling services, and meaningful community connection. Proceeds from the gala directly fund programs that remove barriers and help veterans achieve stability, wellbeing, and long-term success.

“HAPO believes in showing up for our community in ways that create lasting impact,” said Kandy Bowlsby, Director of Community Engagement at HAPO Community Credit Union. “Our veterans have given so much. Supporting organizations that walk alongside them long after their service ends is one way we honor that commitment.”

HAPO’s investment in veteran-focused initiatives reflects its broader community commitment — addressing critical needs, expanding access to essential resources, and strengthening the communities it serves. Together with its partners, HAPO is helping create spaces of dignity, opportunity, and belonging for veterans across the region.

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) will offer free shuttle service to this Saturday’s Cinco de Mayo Festival in Pasco. The celebration begins at 10 a.m. at Volunteer Park with the annual parade, and the festivities continue until 8 p.m. at Peanuts Park and in Downtown Pasco.

Parking will be available at BFT’s 22nd Avenue Transit Center, Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium, and the Pasco School District Booth Building. Shuttles will pick up riders at those three locations and run every 20 minutes from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Ben Franklin Transit has entered vehicles in the parade, and Pasco High School’s Mariachi Reyes de Pasco will entertain paradegoers while riding on the 40’ bus. If you go to the festival, plan to stop by the BFT booth for some Cinco de Mayo swag.

​The City of Pasco will host the Tri-Cities’ largest Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Saturday, May 2. The festival begins with a parade at Volunteer Park at 10:00AM, then moves to Peanuts Park in downtown Pasco for a day filled with live music, food, fashion, boxing, and so much more. Test your taste buds with sweet, savory, and spicy treats from local vendors; feel the excitement of high-energy boxing matches under the Farmers Market pavilion, or bask in the talent of performers on our main stage.
 
This year’s entertainment will include feature performances by:
La Sentencia de Tuzantla
Los Tiranos del Norte
Comedian Chingo Bling
 
This year’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration will also include a car show presented by New Generations Car Club, a fashion show featuring downtown businesses, and a Selena appreciation event for aspiring pop stars, sponsored by Edison Valerio – State Farm.  
 
This cultural celebration is made possible thanks to support from our sponsors and partners:
 
 
Pasco School District #1
Latin Business Association (LBA)
Guru Multimedia
The Pasco Economic Development Project
STCU
Port of Pasco
Gesa Credit Union
Les Schwab Tires
ICCU
Amazon
Irrigation Specialists
Fiesta Foods
Renewal by Andersen
State Farm – Edison Valerio
Columbia Basin College
Atomic Screen Printing
Basin Disposal
Domino’s Pizza of Walla Walla
Meadow Outdoor Advertising
Columbia Basin Ice
Columbia Bank
Coca-Cola Bottling Company

​Benton PUD and Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) have entered into an agreement for Benton PUD to acquire a 10 MHz 900 MHz spectrum license from Anterix, establishing the first private wireless broadband deployment among publicly owned utilities in the Pacific Northwest.
 
Benton PUD’s 900 MHz network will be utility-owned, utility-controlled, and purpose-built for the operational demands of its 927-square-mile service territory – serving more than 59,000 customers across the communities of Kennewick, Prosser, Benton City, and Finley.
 
The network will enable advanced grid automation, field workforce connectivity, enhanced outage detection and restoration, and the resilience required to meet Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act obligations head on.
 
This agreement underscores a broader shift in the utility sector. Public Utility Districts (PUDs), both community-owned and locally accountable, are now joining investor-owned utilities in advancing private wireless adoption. What began as early innovation is quickly becoming standard practice, as utilities across ownership models recognize purpose-built connectivity as a strategic necessity.
 
“Our agreement with Benton PUD reflects the accelerating adoption of private wireless across the utility sector,” said Anterix President & CEO Scott Lang. “PUDs are among the most mission-driven utilities in the country, directly accountable to the communities they serve. When a PUD invests in private wireless, it’s because the case is undeniable.”
 
Benton PUD General Manager Rick Dunn said, “We see private wireless broadband as foundational infrastructure for the next generation of the grid. By deploying a 900 MHz private network, we’re strengthening operations, enhancing safety and service, and building a more resilient system for the communities we serve. Through Anterix and its ecosystem, we’re translating this investment into measurable outcomes across our service territory.”

In celebration of Earth Day, Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) will offer free fixed-route bus service, Dial-A-Ride paratransit, and Via CONNECT on Wednesday, April 22. Fixed route and Dial-A-Ride services operate from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays; CONNECT operates from 5:45 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. to ensure you get to the first bus in the morning and from the last bus at night. You must already be eligible for Dial-A-Ride to use that service free of charge.

Research shows that public transportation reduces air pollution, leads to clearer skies and healthier communities, and improves road congestion and community mobility.
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To plan your free trip on BFT, download the Transit app or the MyRide app and enter your destination.

​The City of Pasco will celebrate National Arbor Day with a ceremonial tree planting at Palamino Park on April 24, 2026.
 
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Pasco as a Tree City USA for nearly 20 years, highlighting our commitment to urban forestry. The Pasco Parks and Recreation Department plants dozens of new trees every year, and has an arborist on staff to ensure they stay healthy and strong! This investment provides cleaner air, water conservation, cooler temperatures, wildlife habitat, and natural beauty.
 
Pasco residents are invited to come celebrate Arbor Day 2026 and learn the best techniques for planting your own trees at home.
 
Event Details:
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 10:00AM
Location: 5801 Chapel Hill Boulevard