The Moses Lake City Council approved reallocating $150,000 from the general fund to public safety projects during its Tuesday meeting, marking a significant budget adjustment to address community safety needs. This follows the city's updated public safety mission statement emphasizing 'community cooperation and professionalism,' which was published alongside a revised set of core values for the Moses Lake Police Department.
Two ongoing hit-and-run investigations remain active: the July 13 collision on I-82 south of Union Gap involving Luis Vazquez Del Angel, which left him with serious injuries, and the early Thursday morning incident involving a county road worker that led to the arrest of Trino Mendez, 36. Authorities continue to seek witnesses for both cases.
The city also approved revised plans for Riverside Park, including new playground equipment and walking paths, and opened grant applications for human services and recreation center operations through August 17. Meanwhile, air quality advisories persist due to wildfire smoke from the B and O and Ryegrass Coulee fires, prompting health warnings for residents to limit outdoor activity.
Fire District 7 has invited residents to join pro/con committees for an upcoming EMS levy measure on the November 3 ballot. The Grant County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriffs’ Association held a vote of no confidence in June, though results remain undisclosed.
What to watch next: The August 17 deadline for grant applications, the November 3 EMS levy vote, and continued air quality impacts from regional wildfires. The city's public safety budget reallocation and park redesign signal a focus on community infrastructure and safety improvements.