Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Spokane Valley City Council met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for a regular meeting that included an invocation by Pastor Justin Hill, a Pledge of Allegiance led by Girl Scout Troop 5120, approval of the consent agenda, a mayor’s statement regarding a council member’s conduct, action on a union contract MOU, a public hearing on the 2027 preliminary budget, and administrative reports on the 2027 federal legislative agenda, wildfire preparedness, and a lodging tax application for Flora Park. The meeting concluded with councilmember reports and a city manager update on the opening of the Pines Road grade separation project.
Mayor Patton delivered a statement addressing a council member who claimed the council was violating his First Amendment rights. The mayor stated that the council member had been found by a Washington Superior Court to have violated the Public Records Act by creating and failing to preserve public records on personal social media. The court ordered the member to provide copies of such content to the city, but he has not complied, increasing taxpayer costs. The mayor emphasized that council actions are lawful exercises of authority to protect the city from PRA violations and to maintain orderly, respectful meetings under Robert’s Rules.
Union Contract MOU (Action): John Whitehead, HR Director, presented a Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME Local 270 V. The MOU provides a 4% general wage increase and a 2% increase in grade ranges for merit, effective January 1, 2027. This follows a prior agreement where employees forwent raises in the first two years of the contract to fund law enforcement positions. Council questions focused on the cumulative 6% grade impact; staff clarified it allows employees at the top of grade to receive both the general increase and merit. The MOU was approved unanimously.
2027 Preliminary Budget Public Hearing: Chelsie Walls presented the budget: total $164 million, general fund $73 million. Recurring revenues are $71.9 million (+2.2%), recurring expenditures $71.7 million (+5.16%). Property tax estimate $14.6 million (excluding the 1% allowed increase). Recurring revenues exceed expenditures by $159,000, but total expenditures exceed revenues by $1.4 million due to planned reserve use. Ending fund balance $43.2 million (60.32%). Challenges include potential law enforcement cost increases and a $1 million street fund deficit covered by REET. The public hearing was closed; the budget will return for first reading on October 27.
2027 Federal Legislative Agenda (Admin Report): Virginia Clough and Mike Piper (lobbyist via Zoom) reviewed 2026 successes: $5M secured for Pines Road grade separation, $20.8M BUILD grant for Sullivan-Trent, and over $61M in major federal awards over eight years. The 2027 draft agenda focuses on Argonne I-90 Bridge, Sullivan-Trent, and Barker I-90 projects, plus policy priorities including surface transportation reauthorization, wildfire prevention, and value of hydropower. Council suggested adding support for veterans, expanding energy statement to include natural gas and nuclear, and backing local farmers. Final adoption will occur at a future meeting.
Wildfire Preparedness (Admin Report): Jenny Nickerson and Virginia Clough presented on current regulations and resources. The city adopted IFC appendices B, C, D in 2022 for fire access and hydrant requirements. DNR wildland-urban interface maps show Spokane Valley mostly low risk, with moderate risk in Dishman Hills, Ponderosa, and other areas. No high-hazard area triggers enhanced state codes, but the city can adopt additional landscaping and access standards. Council discussed creating fire breaks and updating building codes (e.g., metal roofs, gutter covers). Staff will coordinate with fire districts and bring forward recommendations.
City LTAC Application (Admin Report): John Bottelli (Parks Director) recommended submitting a $125,000 request to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) for 2027 operation and maintenance of the Flora Park cross-country course. This is reduced from $260,000 in 2026 due to limited LTAC funds (approximately $250k available after ice rink commitment). The course hosted 14 events in 2026, generating tourism. Council discussed cost per room night and broader economic impact. Consensus to proceed with the application (6-1).
Thank you. It's loud. We got you. Woke me up. The Spokane Valley City Council regular meeting formal A format of Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 is now called to order. We have the invocation from Pastor Justin Hill of Foothills Community Church. Thank you, Mayor Patton. Would you pray with me? Heavenly Father, we just come before you and give you thanks for the privilege of gathering tonight in service to our community. Lord, your word reminds us to pray for those in leadership so that our community may live in peace. Lord, we ask for wisdom for Mayor Patton and wisdom for each council member seated here. Give them discerning minds to see the best path forward and unified hearts to serve Spokane Valley with integrity. Lord, we pray for diligent administration across all city departments and for wise, prudent fiscal responsibility. Help these leaders to manage the city's resources with care, foresight, and honesty, God. Above all, deepen their compassion for the people of Spokane Valley. May every decision made in this chamber reflect a deep care for our citizens and foster a safe, thriving environment for every individual and every family. Lord, we commit this meeting to you and to your hands, knowing that living rightly and caring for our neighbors is good and pleasing in your sight. In Jesus' name, amen. Amen. Thank you so much. And we are so happy and lucky to have the girls from Girl Scout Troop 5120 to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. And if you'd like to say a few words. Thank you, Mayor Patton. Thank you, Council. Liberty, come on up, girls, come on stand up here with me. The whole reason we're here is on Sunday was the day of the girl. It was proclaimed 13 years ago on October of 2011 by the United Nations. And girls, we're here for you. We want to publicly recognize that we want to hear your voice, that your voice matters, and that your voice makes the world a better place. So in total, we'll travel to about city um 15 city councils across our great eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. In Spokane Valley, you're the second one that were have allowed us to come visit you. So I just want to celebrate you all. I travel all over Eastern Washington. I was just talking to the pastor here a second ago, and you always need hope. And Spokane Valley gives us state hope. Thank you for all that you do for your leadership. I know it's hard to be a public servant. I celebrate you. Thank you, Marcy, for all that you do for us out there. And I just want to close by just saying we need Girl Scouts more than ever. Last year, 45,000 boxes of cookies were donated. You know this every year.