Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting - September 22, 2026

The Spokane Valley City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, consent agenda items, action items, administrative reports, a presentation from the Spokane County Prosecutor, and advance agenda discussions. Key decisions included approval of a 30-year easement for Flora Park, adoption of lodging tax goals and priorities for 2027, and approval of a Justice Assistance Grant for a police motorcycle purchase. The council also heard detailed updates on property taxes, police department operations, and the county prosecutor's office challenges.

Consent Calendar

• Approved claim vouchers for April 28, 2026 totaling $5,971,437.61.
• Approved payroll for the pay period ending September 15, 2026 in the amount of $781,676.82.
• Set a public hearing date for the 2027 Budget (date to be determined).
• Item c (TPA Opportunity Fund Application) was removed for separate discussion and subsequently approved (see Discussion Items).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Glenn Stockwell (Ritzville, WA) urged the council to write a bipartisan letter of support to U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Mike Baumgartner, Governor Bob Ferguson, and President Trump for a large economic development project in Washington state. He expressed frustration with perceived inaction by political leaders.
• Keith and Shelley Clark reported on volunteer service projects organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including spreading 30 yards of bark at Terrace View Park (84 volunteers in 40 minutes), clearing debris at Chester Cemetery (134 volunteers), and cleaning headstones at Micah Cemetery (167 volunteers). They also highlighted interfaith Habitat for Humanity builds and a Long Table meeting with local nonprofits.
• Debbie Schrock (Spokane Valley) thanked the council for their continued work and noted visible growth in the community after a summer absence.

Discussion Items

Proclamations

• Good Neighbor Day: Proclaimed September 28, 2026 as National Good Neighbor Day in Spokane Valley. The proclamation was presented by Councilmember Jessica Yeager. A representative from a local church spoke about expanding community outreach efforts.
• Valleyfest: Proclaimed September 25–27, 2026 as Valleyfest weekend. Councilmember Mike Kelly read the proclamation noting over 35,000 attendees, 10,000 parade-goers, and 74 parade entries. Executive Director Peggy Dewar invited the community to the festival.

TPA Opportunity Fund Application (Consent Agenda Item Removed)

• Councilmember Wick requested separate discussion. The application from Spokane Sports requests $134,000 from the $170,000 Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Opportunity Fund for transportation and parking improvements for the cross-country course at Flora Park, including a shuttle service and site preparation for the 2026 season (12–13 events, including two Nike events).
• Councilmember Merkel expressed concerns about the application’s cost assessment, procurement process, and language suggesting events might be canceled without funding. City Manager Homan clarified that the TPA Commission approved the application; council could only veto by majority. He noted the fund is intended for new event support and that lessons learned would inform future use.
• Councilmember Wick said the language in the application was “unfortunate” and not consistent with expectations. Councilmember Haley supported the application, emphasizing the economic benefit of bringing 10,000+ visitors. The motion to approve passed (vote not recorded numerically but approved).

Motion: State Parks 30-Year Easement for Flora Park

• John Bottelli (Parks Director) presented a 30-year easement agreement with Washington State Parks for 16 acres adjacent to Flora Park. The easement would allow forest health work, wildfire reduction, and a pedestrian trail with river viewpoints. Estimated annual maintenance costs are $20,000–$30,000.
• Councilmember Merkel opposed, citing that the $600,000 state grant for improvements is not yet secured, leaving the city with potential maintenance obligations. Councilmember Wick supported, noting the easement locks in state approval and provides future flexibility. The motion passed (vote: ayes and nays not counted, but passed).

Motion: LTAC Approval of Goals & Priorities for 2027 Lodging Tax Revenues

• Sarah Farr (Finance) presented the goals and priorities recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC). The document includes a preference for “legacy organizations” that have consistently delivered tourism benefits.
• Councilmember Merkel opposed the legacy preference, arguing it discourages new applicants. Councilmember Yeager supported continuing with established partners. Councilmember Wick expressed concern that reduced available funds ($250,000) could hurt local fairs, festivals, and museums. Councilmember Haley emphasized that lodging tax must be used for tourism promotion and marketing as per state law. The motion passed 5–2.

Motion: Justice Assistance Grant Approval

• Erik Lamb (Deputy City Manager) and Chief Dave Ellis presented a request to apply for $31,000 in JAG funds, supplemented by $12,500 from the police department’s DUI restitution fund, to purchase a motorcycle ($43,470 total). The motorcycle was identified as a high-priority need for traffic enforcement.
• Councilmember Merkel supported the purchase, noting the motorcycle’s utility for nimble patrols. The motion passed unanimously.

Admin Report: Proposed Ordinance Adopting 2027 Property Taxes

• Chelsie Walls (Finance Director) outlined the property tax levy process. The city is proposing to collect approximately $14.5 million in 2027, with a levy rate of about $0.79 per $1,000 assessed value (based on preliminary assessment of $18.4 billion). The city has not taken the 1% increase allowed by state law since 2011, resulting in an estimated $11 million in forgone revenue over that period.
• Councilmember Merkel proposed a 10% reduction in the levy (approx. $1.4 million) to ease taxpayer burden. Councilmember Yeager and Deputy Mayor Hattenberg opposed, noting the city’s long history of not increasing taxes and the need to fund public safety and infrastructure. Councilmember Kelly said it was premature to consider cuts before the budget is finalized. No consensus was reached; the item will return for first reading on October 6.

Special Guest: Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam

• Prosecutor McCollam provided an extensive update on the county prosecutor’s office, highlighting staffing shortages (47.5 criminal prosecutors for a county of 500,000+), increasing caseloads, and unfunded state mandates. Key statistics:
  • 2025: 4,600 district court filings; 2026 on track to exceed that.
  • 3,200+ felony filings in 2025 handled by 26 felony attorneys.
  • Spokane Valley Police Department contributed 24% of district court cases and 25% of criminal traffic cases.
  • Proposed budget cuts could eliminate 9 attorney positions, leading to 800–1,000 unprocessed felony cases annually.
• He discussed the impact of new state Supreme Court rules (14-day arraignment reduced to 3 days), the reduction in domestic violence prosecutions (declination rate of 13% vs. 40% in King County), and the need for more judges. He urged the council to engage with state legislators on criminal justice funding.

Admin Report: Spokane Valley Police Department Update

• Chief Dave Ellis reported on crime trends and community engagement. Highlights:
  • 2025 Group A offenses decreased 4.9% from 2024 (8,945 to 8,505).
  • Year-to-date 2026: continued decreases in vehicle prowls, burglaries, and theft; slight increases in robbery and aggravated assault but below five-year averages.
  • Retail theft emphasis (Aug. 6, 2026) resulted in 6 arrests, 3 warrants cleared, 23 grams of methamphetamine seized, and 3 stolen credit cards recovered.
  • Community feedback via Axon’s My90 survey: 82% of respondents rated interactions positive/very positive; 94% felt treated with respect; top community priority is drug use (48% requested increased patrol visibility).
  • Operation Stampede (partnership with U.S. Marshals): 293 fugitives arrested, 336 warrants cleared, 55 firearms seized, 455 pounds of narcotics seized.
  • Community events: Coffee with a Cop, Cops & Kids Car Show (5,000 attendees, 300+ cars), Shop with a Cop (3 events).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved (except TPA item discussed separately).
• TPA Opportunity Fund Application approved (motion to approve carried after discussion; veto motion failed).
• 30-year Easement for Flora Park approved.
• LTAC Goals & Priorities for 2027 approved (5–2 vote).
• Justice Assistance Grant approved (unanimous).
• Property Tax Ordinance will be presented for first reading on October 6, 2026; second reading on October 20, 2026. No consensus on proposed 10% reduction.
• Advanced Agenda Items: Councilmember Merkel’s proposal for a five-year moratorium on data centers was not supported (failed). His proposal to invite Life Services for a presentation was debated; no consensus reached. The meeting adjourned on a motion (passed with show of hands, 4–3).