North Greenacres Neighborhood

Spokane Valley Time for Decision

Oct 20, 2008

Spokane Valley may be at the point where rethinking out local government structure must be addressed. Sprague Appleway Revitalization comes with a huge price tag. It would seem the changes are made for a future that writes many of the current business owners out of that same future. Out current government structure is a City Manager form of government. This means an unelected person is appointed to manage the city as a Mayor would. Our City Council is the legislative branch but real decision making is made by our City Manager. This person is not accountable to the voters. We cannot unelect an appointed manager. The Council can fire the manager but it unlikely. This is a weak Council form of government, and the mayor is merely a figure head that runs the meetings and is the public face at functions and is elected among the other Council members. The people do not vote for mayor.

The Strong Mayor form of government is more accountable since the mayor is elected, as well as the City Council. Many cities have an adminstrative assistance that assists the Mayor with the more detailed expertise of City Management. It is a more accountable form of government.

Many still believe tax money was better spent and utilized under the County umbrella. We have the highest fees as a city, long waits for businesses to get through the City's process. Many worry about the enormous taxpayer expense of creating a Spokane Valley image with building a City Hall, Sprague Appleway Revitalization and the impending impact to many businesses. A healthy discussion needs to ensue and serious consideration with the national financial crisis, of how we can save tax dollars while achieving the best representation and services such as roads and police protection without sacrificing public safety.

Spokane VAlley City Manager claims that 195% of all 2009 property tax will be needed to pay for the cost of Police protection, including the court and jail portion we must pay. This is not a typo - He stated 195%. The ancillary services that we receive from County Sheriff office more than outweighs any discussion of change in the level of police protection we not enjoy. The council is looking at the Sheriff's Contract and changes. This is of grave concern to many citizens.

The other area, Road Maintenance has been at a shortfall of funds. The Council recently set a 6% sales tax on all phone use, cell phones, etc. In addition, it was noted in the Spokesman Review, the Council is considering a $100 car license tab fee to be added to the fee we already pay. This would have to go on the ballot but they could change $25 more without a vote.

The promises of lower taxes and that we were the County cash cow apparently were exaggerated. In our five years as a city we are looking at tax increases for the most basic of essential services.

Presently, we are not even paying the full cost of services we utilize through contractual agreements with Spokane County. WE should seriously consider the cost of another layer of government. There are not free rides. If we are not County, we must pay the full cost of services and if there is a shortfall, our City will charge more taxes. It's already beginning to happen.

Some believe, Spokane VAlley needs an identity. City Hall, etc. I believe a community cannot be manufactured. The culture is not a Public Relations Campaign but exists in each neighborhood and in the friendships and business relationships we enjoy in our daily lives. We don't need props but we do need a government that is accessible and predictable. A fancy City Hall will not be the tie that binds this community. The willingness to serve one another.

Many believe dissolving the City and being under Spokane County would be a better solution. Representation is difficult with 3 County Commissioners that cannot talk to each other without forming a quorum. It may be time to consider a vote of 5 County Commissioners and eliminating 6.5 million dollars that we pay in staff salaries, etc to have the identity of Spokane Valley.

Be involved in the discussion and let's consider all our options. Visit Friends of Spokane Valley. org and check out their website. There is always two sides to every issue. You decide.