Sunnyside hires Debbie Zabell as deputy city manager/finance director | News

Zabell previously worked as finance director at the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (YVCOG) and served as city manager and administrative services director in Toppenish.

She comes to the city’s finance department after the firing of former finance director Jamison Horner who was dismissed from her position on Aug. 26. The city is currently facing a $4 million deficit, recently discovered by new City Manager Mike Gonzalez and detailed during a budget retreat on Aug. 24. Finance Supervisor Faviola Gil assumed the role of director on an interim basis.

Zabell is excited about her new role, saying, “I will give the City of Sunnyside my best effort during this time of transition, and I look forward to working with the City Manager, staff, and the City Council to make positive changes that we can all be proud of.”

The Sunnyside City Council held a budget retreat on Saturday, Aug. 24 to discuss the deficit and potential strategies to stabilize the city’s finances. The sale of the Munson property and questionable ARPA spending on permanent positions had a big impact on the city’s budget, as well as a $950,000 payment to the Port of Sunnyside for the Midvale Road project.

During the meeting, Gonzalez also said the city is facing the effects of inflation, high healthcare costs and increasing prices for supplies. “For us [the city] to operate is really, really, really expensive. Sales tax revenue hasn’t been as robust as we know.” He added that various factors, such as housing prices and interest rates, also indirectly impact the city.

Gonzalez said the council and residents will be informed about every step moving forward. “I have promised transparency, and that’s what you will see from this administration,” Gonzalez said.

The city hired GMP Consultants to help with the 2025 budget and to perform a detailed audit of the 2024 books. The project will be led by former City of Pasco and Yakima city manager Dave Zabell. According to Wednesday’s announcement, the city began the financial audit on Sept. 4, and Gonzalez is shocked at the findings. “The attention to detail simply wasn’t there. I know that Debbie Zabell will bring a level of professionalism that is desperately needed,” Gonzalez said.

The addition of Debbie Zabell to the city of Sunnyside staff came with the help of Greg Prothman at GMP Recruiting. She will begin her role as a contract employee with a monthly salary of $12,059. Gonzalez explained that the goal is to transition her to a full-time position.

Hiring Zabell as a contract worker was the quickest and most efficient solution due to the financial crisis and a $4 million deficit, Gonzalez said. “I have broad authority in emergency situations, and I would certainly say a 4-million-dollar deficit is definitely one.”