Pasco parks director resigns after complaint and investigation
Pasco’s parks and recreation director has resigned following an investigation into a complaint filed with the city.
City staff has declined to release any information about the complaint or the nature of the investigation.
Parks director Jesse Rice has not attended in person a Pasco City Council meeting since December, though he has appeared remotely to present to the council.
City Manager Harold Stewart told the Tri-City Herald this week that Rice has resigned, and that Assistant City Manager Angela Pashon will serve as interim parks and recreation director.
Stewart gave no additional information about the resignation, but the city provided the Tri-City Herald with a copy of Rice’s letter of resignation.
Rice submitted the letter on March 3 asking for the resignation to be effective after using his accrued vacation time.
The city does not appear to have fully honored the request, which would have left him on staff through Sept. 30 in order to complete his 30 years of service with the city for his retirement plan. He offered to remain available to help during the transition process.
“It has been a privilege to serve the City of Pasco, and I am grateful for the opportunities and relationships built over the years. I will truly miss being part of the organization,” Rice wrote.
Working remotely
Pasco Councilman Leo Perales confirmed to the Herald recently that city staff previously told the city council that Rice was under investigation.
Rice did not respond to multiple phone messages and emails in recent weeks.
A Herald review of past city council meetings shows Rice last attended a council session in person on Dec. 1.
Rice last gave a presentation to the council on Feb. 2 to talk about progress on the Pasco Aquatic Center. He gave that report virtually.
Nothing has been said at an open session about why Rice had been working remotely.
Stewart and Pasco Mayor Charles Grimm had previously declined to talk about Rice’s status and the investigation.
Parks and recreation department
Prior to becoming parks and recreation director, Rice worked for the city’s technology department, including as IT director. In April 2023, he was appointed interim administrative and community services director.
In 2024, he started working as director for the parks and recreation department.
Documents obtained by the Herald show that Rice earned a salary within a range of $137,000 to nearly $202,000.
The parks and recreation department oversees Memorial Pool, the Pasco Aquatic Center coming soon, city parks and facilities, community centers, Tri-Cities Animal Services and City View Cemetery.
Department staff organize a series of public events including the Pasco Farmers Market, Cinco de Mayo, Grand Old Fourth of July, the Fiery Foods Festival and Winterfest. The department also oversees the operation of the Pasco Specialty Kitchen.
