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Commission adopts rule change adding limited preference points for bilingual proficiency and AmeriCorps experience
Summary
The commission adopted two measures to add preference points to open competitive exams: a 5% score increase for verified language proficiency and a 5% increase for two or more years of AmeriCorps experience, with caps and a verification process to be implemented by civil service.
The Spokane Civil Service Commission approved two rule changes April 15 to permit limited preference points on competitive open entry exams for verified bilingual or multilingual proficiency and for AmeriCorps experience.
Under Resolution 2025-05 the commission amended the rules to allow an additional preference to the passing score for candidates who demonstrate "full professional proficiency" or native-level fluency in any language other than English. Resolution 2025-06 establishes the administrative process: civil service will apply a 5% increase to a candidate's examination score for verified fluency and a separate 5% for two or more years of AmeriCorps experience; total extra preference may not exceed 10% of the candidate's examination score or the mandatory amount required by state law, whichever is higher.
City Administrator Alex Scott, representing management, said the change responds to 2025 state legislation on public‑safety bilingual preference and that the local approach expands the preference to all job types; Scott emphasized the commission and management view this as a pilot to be analyzed over time. Labor representatives supported the rule change as a tool to diversify candidate pools; a union speaker noted existing specialty pay for languages in some bargaining units and urged that pay conversations continue in collective bargaining.
Commissioners asked about verification methods and were told civil service will develop a verification process and likely contract with an external vendor to assess fluency. Staff said the preference applies to open-entry competitive exams and only until a candidate's first appointment; civil service will add administrative details before applying the rule.
Both resolutions were moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote.
