Councilmember Merkel advocates for removal of COVID mask fines on local businesses

The Spokane Valley Council meeting on August 12, 2025, focused on two significant issues: ongoing fines related to COVID-19 mask mandates and compliance with federal initiatives to address homelessness.

Councilmember Merkel raised concerns about local businesses facing what he termed "political persecution" due to fines imposed for mask violations during the pandemic. He proposed adding an item to the advanced agenda to advocate for the state to remove these fines and consider refunding affected businesses. Merkel emphasized the need for detailed information on the circumstances surrounding these fines, including which businesses are involved and their legal situations. The council agreed to gather more facts before taking any action, suggesting that further discussion could occur during the legislative agenda report.

In a separate discussion, House member Yeager highlighted the importance of complying with a federal executive order aimed at addressing crime and homelessness. Yeager urged the council to ensure that local efforts align with federal guidelines to access potential grants and resources for tackling homelessness. The council expressed support for investigating compliance with the executive order and its implications for future initiatives.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing local business concerns and exploring federal resources to combat homelessness, with plans for further investigation and discussion in upcoming sessions.