[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6126496,"mediaKeyId","2668065-22a5f134ad381eb3d09325e855e589ea","parentId",2668065,"title","Citizens commission recommends 3% raises for Spokane County commissioners; board to consider resolution tomorrow","audioSeconds",125,"startMs",11670000,"endMs",11795000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2668065-22a5f134ad381eb3d09325e855e589ea&start=11670&end=11795","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2668065-22a5f134ad381eb3d09325e855e589ea/thumbnail_11670000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6126496/Spokane-County/Washington/Citizens-commission-recommends-3-raises-for-Spokane-County-commissioners-board-to-consider-resolution-tomorrow","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126496-584f3f43e2f43ec1ee3c486f29c6a356/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439986&Signature=LTKR4f4wlvVYBubuqRwL-73NLYRMqTJm-PqBqaFnzRWGN7iuADR~CQJohoGCVTNd8BDVJnw-Cbpf0KBcKvQ6~3KLCP~lPaMoqC4iYb~kSQ4G6LnNdbDd5FhSk1ac3Lne9PMPyA11qGaQPJKzKTDNtw1cIz9AwBy-c84VXFS0~QKW6se-JD9xAlzv5ulK4wbkPJ7nM4Jc7Amh7aOlz6DXHDXo28PZ2~6gQNw4b3rldKUd-lnG~GEbJI7VtL5rVvDrW8knLO6fTfy1gO~mU5cTATKShiFxbOeJv7-02BNDCt8Dk53vAXyJFhAdr0glliIRrxUa~Jgs3fSGMhho6Pc~pQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Spokane County, WA","date","2025-03-18T07:30:15Z","article","The Citizens Commission on Salaries recommended on March 17 that Spokane County commissioners receive a 3% base pay increase for 2025 and an additional 3% increase for 2026. The panel also recommended raising the salaries of four elected officials — the assessor, auditor, clerk and treasurer — from 97.5% to 98% of the BOCC salary.

Ashley (presentation staff) told the board the commission concluded its review and submitted the recommendations; staff prepared a resolution that is on the consent agenda for the board’s next regular meeting so the new rates can take effect at the start of the next pay period. Ashley said that the recommended BOCC salary would move from $128,940.43 to $132,808.64 and that the four other positions would move from $125,716.92 to approximately $130,001.52 under the proposed percentage change.

Why it matters: compensation for elected officials is periodically reviewed by an independent citizens commission. The board sets these salaries; staff placed the commission’s recommended changes on the consent agenda so the board may approve them ahead of the next payroll cycle if it chooses.

The recommendation was presented as a routine personnel and compensation matter; no debate or motion took place at the meeting beyond the staff notification that the resolution is on tomorrow’s consent agenda. Commissioners may remove the item from consent or amend it during the scheduled action.

Ending: the resolution will be on the board’s consent agenda on March 18; if approved, the increases would take effect at the beginning of the next pay period.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025.03.17 Strategic Planning Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A county advisory panel recommended a 3% increase to Board of County Commissioners salaries in 2025 and another 3% in 2026, plus raising four elected‑official salaries from 97.5% to 98% of the BOCC salary; staff placed a resolution on the consent agenda for consideration at the next meeting.","taxTitle","Spokane County, Washington","taxId",2643,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126501,"Study: Spokane County Fairgrounds drives millions in local spending; staff recommends renewing ticketing contract",1589,9623000,11212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2668065-22a5f134ad381eb3d09325e855e589ea&start=9623&end=11212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2668065-22a5f134ad381eb3d09325e855e589ea/thumbnail_9623000.jpg","/articles/6126501/Spokane-County/Washington/Study-Spokane-County-Fairgrounds-drives-millions-in-local-spending-staff-recommends-renewing-ticketing-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126501-9a36725d8d46f0640fd493ec161033ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439986&Signature=XzyVFJ253NQ35YrL8fQUb2lMhNsL7urPayrUhCIbBiN1wveB19pnJ2lI9CAxCEXbNoiXuI1fyWH7~Mdn5qpebNOT05YkPG0MSw0zmG0VzES0pukW7HPbPf2rdAIbYnCqmeOm5Ryx9AWzYSkRiQ6yxcRZ4YQuuCWvfLeLP4H17MO1MockZkHkoDcv7XeDVTL8Cph2x9eae-s019B7lT5ZGiyExmoNHkmEmS7icHMvwEKQ-HGPauNb2maaVQAgGJTMVc-IqR9elskjFadx3~Y0~kb9APalfTmw532tNbC645LWBsoV0zgjv-3jOYibR1Ni4P5fVuiSpyXIAFQROtK3ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A March 17 presentation by Johnson Consulting and Spokane County fair staff framed the county fairgrounds as a significant local economic engine and asked the board to approve a new admissions and ticketing contract.

Consultant Charlie Johnson said the fairgrounds operate year‑round and that the non‑fair events generate the bulk of economic activity. “When you roll it up to the next slide, you're a $70,000,000 a year operation,” Johnson said, summarizing tourism‑style economic modeling that counted attendee spending, out‑of‑town visitors and hotel room nights. The study estimated millions in local spending, supported jobs and roughly $5.4 million in combined tax revenues across jurisdictions (state, local and other taxing authorities) from fair and non‑fair events.

Why it matters: the county manages a busy, urban fairgrounds that draws out‑of‑market visitors and weekend events; the consultant said the facility’s year‑round use stabilizes operations and increases regional tax receipts. Staff and the consultant urged a capital plan and place‑making improvements to maximize future returns and better serve urban visitors.

Following the study, fair manager Erin (presenter) told the board the county issued an RFP for admission/ticketing services and received three proposals (eTix, SapphireTix and Pac/West/TicketsWest). Erin recommended awarding the contract to Pac/West/TicketsWest based on their on‑site staffing capacity, product features and a lower proposed price. The proposed contract term would be annual renewals with a possible extension up to seven years; staff asked the board to place the contract on next week’s agenda for approval so work can proceed ahead of the fair season.

The consultant’s methodology used event attendance, survey and market assumptions to estimate out‑of‑market visitation, spending categories (lodging, food, retail) and job multipliers. Johnson said the fair program is in the upper quartile for fairs of its size and that non‑fair bookings (trade shows, sporting events and other rentals) are a critical revenue source.

Staff noted the fair also operates with a modest county ask for operations but faces deferred maintenance and capital needs; the consultant recommended a prioritized capital plan to catch up on maintenance and to improve placemaking around the grounds to boost visitation and hotel stays.

What the board will decide: fair staff requested a formal contract award on next week’s agenda and asked for continuing capital‑planning work; no vote occurred at this meeting. Staff also said they will deliver the finalized economic impact report and related materials to commissioners and the municipal consortium.

Ending: commissioners were supportive of pursuing a contract with TicketsWest and asked staff to bring the contract forward on the next regular agenda.","A consultant presented an economic impact study finding the fairgrounds generate roughly $25M–$70M in annual economic activity (fair + year‑round events). Fair staff recommended awarding admissions and ticketing services to TicketsWest (parent Pac/West) and placing a contract on next week's agenda for board approval.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126506,"County finance officials warn of multi-year shortfall; propose hiring freeze and other savings",5186,4387000,9573000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2668065-22a5f134ad381eb3d09325e855e589ea&start=4387&end=9573","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2668065-22a5f134ad381eb3d09325e855e589ea/thumbnail_4387000.jpg","/articles/6126506/Spokane-County/Washington/County-finance-officials-warn-of-multi-year-shortfall-propose-hiring-freeze-and-other-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126506-31b56323fb816f78c60283e8debdec28/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439986&Signature=edq3o0bf7eCsJ8uJF3BoRw3Lo0LLcOZ9pFBMubs3gE7CUPoQHbyD3rGU-fBONSjhxFtkmODO~2t2-cwWVkKO~CNlDstIYiEIa2c1F0Bvp8Q6t9BVgmsdJhczGF-C7J0IyohUAg-cDrtENrUfJC4RLVT~o320-vybsdKE35c~j79dnviXYsX9x2WpxPW0AvL7xWNO9P7D1FCmTSkb2t0xmDRpMmVLl7i07-Pv0DQgr3mNzgL03o3eiW8Z2k8pCV3iIAFKJCA2zxffecXH8SNwMzA0XOpdQG1RqXeYzu7Y3jHCA~XxByPri3C0U8Y-EtamUoDWR5UMKB1r~1WzQvflpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Spokane County finance officials told the Board of County Commissioners on March 17 that a five‑year forecast shows an operating gap of about $20 million in 2026 under current assumptions, and that the county must act this year to avoid drawing down fund balance to unsustainable levels.

Jeff McMorris, senior director of finance and administration, and other finance staff presented revenue and expenditure assumptions, a sales‑tax update and a menu of operational options. They said sales tax collections for December (remitted in February) came in stronger than budgeted, but longer‑term indicators — rising consumer delinquencies and slowing economic signals — warranted a conservative forecast and immediate cost control measures.

Why it matters: under the forecast presented, county revenues cannot sustain baseline spending growth in wages, benefits and capital plans without either new ongoing revenue, repeated use of fund balance, or permanent savings. Staff outlined near‑term actions (hiring freeze, attrition, centralize support services, monthly salary recovery and stricter indirect cost recovery on grants) and longer‑term options (levy lid lift, if the board chooses, or structural program changes) to reduce the deficit.

McMorris and staff said the county is largely salary‑driven (about 69% of general fund expenditures) and estimated average fully‑loaded FTE cost in the $110,000–$130,000 range. Their model showed that a one‑time $10 million ongoing reduction this year compounds to roughly $14 million in five years; conversely, failing to act would exhaust primary available fund balance within roughly 18–24 months at current spending patterns. The presentation included capital needs (boiler replacements, courthouse roof and assessor/treasurer IT systems) and showed a shaded sensitivity band around central forecasts.

Staff recommended immediate administrative steps the board can authorize now: implement a hiring‑freeze policy for departments that report to the BOCC with exceptions for critical posts (for example corrections officers), better centralization of payroll and similar support functions, monthly salary/benefit recovery to discourage year‑end baseline growth from unspent positions, and stricter recovery of grant‑related indirect costs. Finance also proposed scaling back travel/training and professional‑services spending as near‑term savings targets.

On revenue levers, staff noted two primary options: a road‑shift of property tax (one‑time and limited banked capacity) and a voter‑approved levy lid lift. Staff said Spokane County’s existing banked property‑tax capacity is smaller than many expect and that a levy lift is politically unlikely in the near term. They quantified that each penny of property tax equals roughly $950,000 under current assessments and observed that public‑safety and criminal‑justice spending constitutes a large share of the general fund.

The county’s finance team proposed a monthly reporting cadence: staff will return monthly on sales tax receipts and the status of implemented savings, and will prepare a formal budget‑letter (for department guidance) in April or May. Commissioners generally supported starting with low‑impact steps (attrition, centralization) and being transparent with outside contractors and agencies about potential funding changes early enough that those partners can adopt their own budgets accordingly.

Jeff McMorris summarized: “We are heading into a big contrast right now,” and staff emphasized the forecast is a planning tool — not a final budget decision — intended to give the board time to decide whether to pursue tax changes, deeper program reductions or preserve services with fund balance.

Ending: staff will return with a draft budget letter and monthly updates; no board vote was taken at the meeting.","Finance staff presented a five‑year general fund forecast showing a structural gap of roughly $20 million in 2026 under baseline assumptions and outlined options including attrition, hiring freezes, centralizing services and winding down discretionary projects to close the gap.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126510,"Spokane County officials discuss jail capacity, costly repairs at Geiger and options to expand downtown",3539,840000,4379000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2668065-22a5f134ad381eb3d09325e855e589ea&start=840&end=4379","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2668065-22a5f134ad381eb3d09325e855e589ea/thumbnail_840000.jpg","/articles/6126510/Spokane-County/Washington/Spokane-County-officials-discuss-jail-capacity-costly-repairs-at-Geiger-and-options-to-expand-downtown","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126510-dbfde5c6a7d25e9912e482c4b0339d06/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439986&Signature=HsoiLjZtPplWNRGihD7UkEuzXGaRdyniV~Cwt1xEGifjzsaMfbWfsmWqaUKrzyeeLTiQ-242r-2HlvXkUGB0h6lRZC7PdIkAFaMphyOeMC4XhVL6r3G5yV1rMMRfYsnDzpMsfcDD7-3udrspd8gr2hPuIJMns3ihz~xV5RwWtfVMPwxD2IDWUJcHuiOpTPR~wSnhT6UU9ZDv6KE7gSPQq090T2Z6YCtmJiKyMa0hc3PUr4Ew9oQxLa46P~0T5X17rpB6U0DGGadYBHjMZyj08i8HyQJ2xSDq6F~YwgoAhwm7ggKvI15TgjmrP38fNhtqsLnXnmZ16fVhxWk6v9G1Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Spokane County detention officials told commissioners on March 17 that downtown jail population is near recent peaks, the average stay has risen to about 20 days, and aging outlying housing at Geiger would need millions in repairs to remain usable.

The presentation, led by Mike Sparber (detention services presenter), laid out current population counts, classification constraints for moving people to Geiger, and a range of potential capital and operational options — including renovating the annex, adding bunks, reopening wings at Geiger and pursuing a longer-term new jail. Sparberand county staff urged the board to direct further engineering study and continued dialogue with regional partners before committing large sums.

Why it matters: the county is operating two facilities (downtown and Geiger) and faces duplication of services and staffing pressure. Officials said the Geiger site, built in 1952 as an army barracks, is functionally obsolete and would require major work — including an environmental retrofit, boilers and kitchen reconstruction — to be safe and usable for more than a short term. Commissioners and the sheriff raised questions about who would pay, whether private partners could help and how many additional staff would be required to open more capacity.

Sparber said the county’s average length of stay “is 20 days,” up from a more typical 17½–18 days, and attributed the rise to more serious charges and longer dispositions. He described current downtown population peaks and a cluster of felony and B-level charges that limit how many people can be moved to Geiger. He also reviewed past capacity changes (annex beds added historically and later doubling of some cells) and said internal changes had pushed the jail’s theoretical capacity to roughly 790 before applying a 10% classification factor that reduces usable capacity.

On Geiger, staff cited wide-ranging needs and large price estimates. Sparber and others said minimal short-term work to keep Geiger usable for roughly five years might cost on the order of “a few million dollars” (discussed examples in the presentation included $3,000,000 as a possible five-year remediation figure), while more extensive environmental and structural repairs could be tens of millions; an environmental retrofit figure was discussed in the presentation in the tens of millions range. County staff said any investment in Geiger would be limited because the site’s lease and condition constrain long-term use.

Commissioners and staff discussed these near-term choices: 1) invest modestly in Geiger to extend its life for a few years while planning a new facility; 2) prioritize expanding capacity in the downtown footprint (including reusing the annex or renovating other county buildings); or 3) seek temporary off-site solutions such as contract beds or alternative city-run felony beds. Several commissioners said a single, consolidated facility would reduce duplication of medical, kitchen and transport services and ease staffing. Staff cautioned that opening additional Geiger wings would still require recruiting and funding significantly more correctional staff.

County staff also flagged medical and withdrawal-care concerns for people held at remote facilities. Remote supervision and lower on-site medical staffing at Geiger make the county wary of moving people there during the initial post-arrest medical period; staff said most people spend the first four days downtown before transfer.

What county staff recommended: continue work with the A&E firm to get hard numbers on feasible downtown and annex improvements; open a broader dialogue with the Spokane Regional Law & Justice Council (SRLJC) and the county’s municipal consortium about capacity and regional impacts; and return to the board within weeks with more concrete cost and staffing estimates. Sparber said staff would work with the sheriff and other partners if the board wanted to pursue more immediate evaluations or pilot arrangements with municipalities.

The presentation included multiple operational clarifications: the U.S. Marshals and Department of Corrections populations are flexible contract groups the county can reduce or shift to free capacity; work crews and work-release populations have declined and currently supply only a small fraction of the county’s outside crews; and the downtown facility’s design and cell types (dorms, single/double cells) limit how people can be reallocated.

Commissioners asked about alternatives the city might pursue and about possible sites (including a former waste-energy plant parcel) that could reduce commute times compared with Medical Lake/Geiger. Staff said those ideas are being explored but would require separate feasibility work with FAA and other regulators.

County staff stressed that no final capital commitment was requested at the meeting; rather, they sought authorization to continue engineering study and regional conversations so the board would have precise cost, staffing and schedule options before choosing a path.

Looking ahead: staff will return with an updated assessment from the A&E firm, a clearer five‑year remediation cost estimate for Geiger if the board wants only a short-term fix, and a recommended timeline for downtown improvements that could absorb some or all contract populations if Geiger becomes unusable.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to continue developing options and to brief relevant regional partners; no formal action or vote took place at this meeting.","County detention staff reported rising downtown jail population and longer stays, outlined costly repairs at the Geiger facility and recommended further study of annex and downtown expansions, while flagging staffing limits and medical risks for remote housing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Citizens commission recommends 3% raises for Spokane County commissioners; board to consider resolution tomorrow

Study: Spokane County Fairgrounds drives millions in local spending; staff recommends renewing ticketing contract

County finance officials warn of multi-year shortfall; propose hiring freeze and other savings

Spokane County officials discuss jail capacity, costly repairs at Geiger and options to expand downtown