[{"_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",6584288,"mediaKeyId","5823286-f861df89da4237cda603a3b43552ffbd","parentId",5823286,"title","Spokane Valley holds first public hearing on 2026 draft budget; finance director projects narrow recurring surplus","audioSeconds",1251,"startMs",2313000,"endMs",3564000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823286-f861df89da4237cda603a3b43552ffbd&start=2313&end=3564","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823286-f861df89da4237cda603a3b43552ffbd/thumbnail_2313000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6584288/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Spokane-Valley-holds-first-public-hearing-on-2026-draft-budget-finance-director-projects-narrow-recurring-surplus","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584288-fad33748f98601140408991cdd8e6de2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770886202&Signature=kLdXxj2fXsTNxr~m6cyxkufkvpjWjw~bTCyae7bXIRBunNoLxSRtiNmxy1gs9vYoK8KrobP6xI4TxTpwuwsMR15ErrhiXiUuaklF02U0ak4r5Wwf1T8tdFW6mBHX69xbAAQAUeKc3wweVmCghFr3No9j6PeMT1si-BMYoGMYSB8pKGvvCMMDyUaACWkHuxSDrhOAOitktnziZK7oyFwg~KaFyri0oG~eS2Kt3yMyuKg7zGTGI9DcjCM738xlQQT2RJsnMV0LrgooN2ADOzCch9I6rsvj7VwVG8cZ8~~HNZ3T3QgbvhtcvrqalTda4yWjhZp4ECkFddt13iptmhmf4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Spokane Valley","date","2025-09-23T00:00:00Z","article","Chelsea Walls, Spokane Valley finance director, presented the city’s first public hearing on the 2026 draft budget, outlining a proposed $134 million in total expenditures across 31 funds and describing updated revenue and expenditure estimates that narrow a previously projected operating deficit.

Walls told the council the city’s 2026 budget proposal totals $134 million in expenditures across all funds, including about $70.3 million in the general fund and $63.4 million in other funds. She said estimated capital expenditures total about $35.4 million, approximately 69% of which would be financed through state and local grants (about $24.5 million).

For the general fund, Walls projected recurring revenues of about $68.6 million and recurring expenditures of about $68.5 million—producing a small recurring surplus of roughly $122,000 compared with a prior gap of about $1.1 million. The presentation attributed most expenditure growth to public safety, which accounts for about 65% of recurring general fund expenditures and is increasing faster than other departments.

Major revenue assumptions Walls identified include a projected 1% increase in general sales tax for 2026 (estimated general sales tax revenue $33.5 million) and property tax estimated at $14.3 million (not including the 1% state-allowed increase or any bank capacity). Walls said the sales-tax estimate was based on seven months of 2025 collections and year-to-date trends.

Walls said two options discussed by the finance committee are built into the draft: (1) a lodging-tax application previously approved by council for $257,000 in operations and maintenance of the cross-country course, and (2) potential permitting-fee adjustments that could yield up to $403,000 depending on council action. She cautioned both items depend on action by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and future council approvals.

The presentation noted the street fund (motor vehicle fuel tax fund) still faces a recurring shortfall of roughly $500,000 and that staff will return with possible solutions. Walls estimated the general fund ending balance at $42.6 million — about 62.3% of general fund expenditures — exceeding the city’s financial objective of maintaining at least 50% of recurring expenditures as an ending balance.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about how the public-safety sales tax and law enforcement contract affect the budget, the timing and details of cross-country course operations, and the city’s use of excess fund balance for nonrecurring capital items. City Manager John Holman summarized that the public safety committee is working on how the new sales tax revenue would be spent and that the earlier deficit incorporated both increased revenues and matching increased law enforcement expenditures.

During public comment on the budget, Mike Dolan urged the council to focus on cuts rather than new revenue, proposed delaying some equipment and capital replacements and asked for transparency about city-held investments. Another commenter asked for projections about litigation costs scheduled for July 2026 and how those costs are being planned for in the 2026 budget; Walls did not provide specific litigation numbers and said grant amounts and other items would be presented as they are finalized.

Walls reminded council that nothing is final until adoption on Dec. 9, and that the council would have additional opportunities — eight total, including three public hearings — to amend or comment on the preliminary and final budgets. The council set the preliminary budget hearing date for Oct. 21 by unanimous vote later in the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Spokane Valley - Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Spokane Valley Finance Director Chelsea Walls presented the city’s 2026 draft budget at the first public hearing, saying staff projects $134 million in total expenditures across 31 funds and a small recurring general-fund surplus if several revenue assumptions hold.","taxTitle","Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington","taxId",2645,"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},6584293,"Innovia Foundation proposes two-sheet ice arena at Sullivan Park; city staff to analyze costs and benefits",1510,4030000,5540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823286-f861df89da4237cda603a3b43552ffbd&start=4030&end=5540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823286-f861df89da4237cda603a3b43552ffbd/thumbnail_4030000.jpg","/articles/6584293/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Innovia-Foundation-proposes-two-sheet-ice-arena-at-Sullivan-Park-city-staff-to-analyze-costs-and-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584293-343e0d1e0cd9df97cb588c5db64c9849/orig.mp4?Expires=1770886202&Signature=dqB1s0Y2brHJI6e4-U8hK7waHTT0vgu2E~iRsRVa6d67LvdZsQF3CMxhp99s-px3IYspXFWO4uh1zDyDqOtRr8qZzlXHPKuGk-62FStfYRYAHtKIbg2wQlfINCEkCMfLKlJ~okr4ITKBWqo9MyR~to-x9kCazC73RUod8rgD2T1jgiilKIzlS~P3wLiK14zQ7HibKEhDrEzEypSHPaSEB-6ex1XQYzvTKINr2rY-q1SrNSdkLx4WdeOTpw3C4gsfAu6T3EhbGMwvmtDlhQ-nGiq-yIKvmVUk1GuuuhiAIWrWB7eqvdhyPvAccjmEWF-nawcTxhGUblHutMreCoqFsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Innovia Foundation presented a proposal to build a two-sheet, 67,000-square-foot ice arena on city-owned property at Sullivan Park and asked the Spokane Valley City Council to consider a favorable ground lease, infrastructure support and backing for future state funding requests. The project team said the facility would host youth and regional hockey, include an elevated, conditioned mezzanine to view both rinks and aim to provide low- and no-cost opportunities for youth sports.

Shelly O'Quinn, vice president at Innovia Foundation, said the foundation and a “generous donor” are offering the project and that Innovia is coordinating community and philanthropic support. “This is an exciting opportunity,” O'Quinn said, adding the donor is present and engaged with the proposal.

Kevin Shaffer of GARCO Construction described a simple, pre-engineered metal building with locker rooms, concessions, offices and an elevated viewing platform. He said the project footprint fits comfortably on the roughly six-acre build parcel of the city's 11-acre site and indicated the developer envisions a supporting hotel and a 4,500-square-foot food and beverage venue adjacent to the rink.

City Manager John Holman told council that staff is preparing a staff-level cost-benefit analysis and a pro forma developed with an outside firm to estimate economic impacts. He proposed that, after next week's presentation of those analyses and public input, council could either give staff consensus to negotiate a lease or decline to proceed.

Council members asked for details about ownership, operations and community access. Merkel asked who would initially own the facility; O'Quinn said the ownership model is to be determined but that Innovia would likely be an initial owner. Merkel asked about a 9.4 million dollar purchase-option listed in the proposal and whether it would bind the city later; Innovia representatives said the purchase option would be negotiable and not an immediate city obligation.

Council members also pressed on assumptions behind the projected 5.6 million dollars in annual visitor spending and on hotel-room-night estimates tied to a proposed 120-room hotel. Shaffer and O'Quinn said more detailed economic and operational assumptions will be included in the materials staff will present next week.

Public commenters at the earlier public comment period included supporters and cautious voices. Ashley Blake, CEO of Spokane Sports, spoke in favor of the project and said Spokane Sports would prepare an event prospectus to show what tournaments and events the facility could host. Ben Lunda and other residents called the project a significant regional opportunity. Mike Dolan urged caution, saying the current proposal lacked “concrete figures” and financial detail and asked council not to “chase the shiny object.”

Innovia's proposal asks the city to consider: a 99-year ground lease for the 11-acre site (with an option to purchase later at a reduced price in the proposal), infrastructure investment and reimbursement for site access and utility improvements at Sullivan Road, support for any state-level funding requests the project team pursues, and ongoing collaboration during environmental, traffic and permitting reviews.

Next steps identified by city staff: (1) staff will complete and present a cost-benefit and pro forma analysis and collect public input at the council meeting next week, (2) if council provides consensus to proceed, staff will negotiate lease and project terms and return to council for formal approval, (3) any state funding requests would be developed in partnership with the city's legislative delegation and require separate approvals.

The proposal team provided letters of support from local hockey organizations and school districts and said they expect additional community endorsements if the council holds a public hearing. No formal lease or funding decision was made at this meeting.","The Innovia Foundation, backed by a private donor, presented a proposal to build a two-sheet ice facility on an 11-acre parcel at Sullivan Park and requested a long-term ground lease, infrastructure support and state advocacy. City staff will analyze costs, benefits and community impacts and return to council for possible negotiation 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},6584279,"Votes at a glance: Spokane Valley council approves agenda, consent items and two policy measures; sets Oct. 21 budget hearing",3533,152000,3685000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823286-f861df89da4237cda603a3b43552ffbd&start=152&end=3685","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823286-f861df89da4237cda603a3b43552ffbd/thumbnail_152000.jpg","/articles/6584279/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-Spokane-Valley-council-approves-agenda-consent-items-and-two-policy-measures-sets-Oct-21-budget-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584279-a1d943d3cef8b70a11840873ce8c3e5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770886202&Signature=nhrmufIYV3BiPqe98meNsZ9XprsgTeiwsBNVUqaUqk3ugASbgMQ8rhgL46UwzGi63GyWCtiYa8QCO6zMTuHoCf1C2QaJV4nzqEjSFqDBzMh7lOlrPgHdeyQ3UX-Jra-pJKZNyNbkHhg79AKCLTtfR6NwvCD3S-2ZSDAfbTvDRs~9jCZRgUVw42GOPnEe5cXtGm7jCxGYlTIpAx45XfFU7a40TUVoLbQkNFEHT2lQFaiWSQdpG9R4bgYuBNomhQs3xJcllMbmMY81ekfky5ctF3UL61fpV5wbHfNnsPFYkkpaqG38WKWrehCJK6N24qGwoklqjDZB7HljcZcl1pXq9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane Valley City Council took a number of procedural and policy votes during its Sept. 3, 2025 meeting, approving the meeting agenda and consent items and adopting two measures after brief discussion.

Key votes and outcomes

- Approval of the meeting agenda: Motion seconded and approved unanimously during roll call; no recorded opposition.

- Consent agenda: Motion to approve the consent agenda was seconded and passed unanimously; no items were removed for separate consideration.

- Ordinance 25-014 (business license out-of-city threshold): The council approved the second reading of Ordinance 25-014, amending Spokane Valley Municipal Code 5.05.0.02 to raise the out-of-city business threshold from $2,000 to $4,000. Mike Basinger, Community and Economic Development Director, said the change aligns the city code with state requirements. Councilmember Merkel asked for clarification; staff confirmed that businesses earning less than $4,000 in the city would be exempt from business-license fees. The motion passed unanimously.

- Resolution 25-016 (flag policy): The council adopted Resolution 25-016 establishing the city’s flag policy, with edits made at council suggestion to limit flag displays to “adopted city council priorities or programs that positively impact the community” and to define the official U.S. flag wording. Tony Beatty and City Attorney Kelly Concrete presented the policy. The motion passed unanimously.

- Motion to set the preliminary 2026 budget hearing date: The council voted unanimously to set the preliminary budget hearing for Oct. 21, 2025, as required by state statute.

- Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.

Votes were recorded by voice; the roll call at the start of the meeting recorded seven council members present. Where the meeting transcript recorded only a voice “aye” on unanimous procedural actions, the tally below records the unanimous outcome and the council counted as seven yes votes for analytic purposes.

Agenda items that will return to council for future action include the 2026 budget adoption (scheduled for Dec. 9), and a potential negotiated lease for the Innovia Foundation ice facility if council gives staff consensus to proceed following staff’s cost-benefit analysis.","At its Sept. 3 meeting the Spokane Valley City Council unanimously approved the agenda, passed the consent agenda, adopted ordinance 25-014 (business license threshold change) and resolution 25-016 (flag policy), and set the preliminary 2026 budget hearing for Oct. 21. All recorded motions passed without recorded dissent.",{"_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},6584284,"City staff clarify public-comment rules and First Amendment limits after recent disruptions",375,315000,690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823286-f861df89da4237cda603a3b43552ffbd&start=315&end=690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823286-f861df89da4237cda603a3b43552ffbd/thumbnail_315000.jpg","/articles/6584284/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/City-staff-clarify-public-comment-rules-and-First-Amendment-limits-after-recent-disruptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584284-bfdcd2bd23ed6ceabf2239de72af3409/orig.mp4?Expires=1770886202&Signature=o6DlbRDI9A-JqynubGvrb8qEoemlASD82OZtdWCt17qAzCKDPUZtGVDwT92j2Z5P8940SkgYzsbCkRmqoSUhP91sdtRpEckNrOl3O-XDse9tAZoXhWsDQu7T29fKwNQ472XfvdkbT5t0IW5V34ddWYn7DpSWWpjJfTxV89Bz2NbEeyK~20ykA509pl2CrLxI7ojqlL84kz643BCn821~8-lQ-JmmvMvYD5-5E4xVRgpUo~ODHJMSv0HedZkc2anl3JwUdix8glsx3Q51Vy6MxKHE90xX8Fhub6J7SKUkSWz3DgSvrFElL7s6Ia67Qlm9AfFHfcVW6aWjJqIxkhBVXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager John Holman and City Attorney Kelly Concrete addressed council and the public before the general public comment period to clarify the city's governance manual and legal limits on restricting speech at council meetings.

Holman said the general public comment period is for matters related to city business and that members of the public may comment once per meeting; he also said the period is not intended for extended dialogue and that staff follow up by phone or email when speakers request responses. Holman emphasized that demonstrations, applause and audience outbursts that disrupt council business are not allowed and that the mayor may end a speaker's time for violation of procedures; persistent violations can result in losing the privilege to speak for 90 days under the governance manual.

Kelly Concrete framed the discussion in constitutional law: Spokane Valley sits in the Ninth Circuit, he said, and the council cannot stop public comment based on viewpoint alone. “The city cannot end or stop a person's public comment during the general public comment period unless their conduct is actually disrupting the meeting,” Concrete said. He defined examples of “actual disruption” to include (1) exceeding allotted time after being asked to stop, (2) audience members shouting from the gallery to interject, and (3) a speaker instructing the audience to stand, clap or demonstrate.

Concrete explained why the governance manual “discourages” personal attacks rather than outright banning them: in many cases derogatory remarks can be tied to city business or policy and therefore are constitutionally protected unless they disrupt the meeting’s orderly process. He said a council member or the mayor can raise a point of order to ask a speaker to explain how remarks relate to city business and that the presiding officer may then rule. Concrete recommended “thick skin” for elected officials and urged consistent application of rules to all speakers.

Holman and Concrete both said the governance manual allows any council member to raise a point of order during public comment, not only the mayor, and that the mayor may call a brief recess or end public comments for the night if disruptions continue.

Council members asked clarifying questions about the word “may” in the governance manual (whether the mayor or council must end an offending speaker's time); Concrete said “may” indicates permission but not a requirement and that the determination depends on whether conduct is actually disruptive. Merkel raised concerns about inconsistent past application, citing an instance in June when a comment was ended for naming council members; Concrete said his review indicated the manual has been applied even-handedly across viewpoints.

Holman warned that the city has seen particularly problematic disruptions in the last 21 months, and stressed that any restrictions must be applied uniformly. The council did not adopt new rules at this meeting; the city attorney's guidance was presented as legal context and direction for consistent enforcement at future meetings.","City Manager John Holman and City Attorney Kelly Concrete outlined rules for public comment at Spokane Valley council meetings, distinguishing protected speech from disruptive conduct that may be curtailed and explaining that personal attacks are discouraged but often protected unless they disrupt the meeting or are unrelated to city business.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Spokane Valley holds first public hearing on 2026 draft budget; finance director projects narrow recurring surplus

Innovia Foundation proposes two-sheet ice arena at Sullivan Park; city staff to analyze costs and benefits

Votes at a glance: Spokane Valley council approves agenda, consent items and two policy measures; sets Oct. 21 budget hearing

City staff clarify public-comment rules and First Amendment limits after recent disruptions