Council debate over expanded governance manual exposes sharp divisions; changes would add fines, social‑media rules and limit some verbal dissents

The Spokane Valley City Council held heated debate May 13 over a proposed repeal and replacement of the governance manual that would add new enforcement provisions, tighten decorum rules and create a mechanism to end non‑action item discussion.

City Manager John Holman introduced the draft resolution and said the governance manual is the council’s document and that the proposed changes grew from committee work and repeated issues in council meetings. Among the most contested changes are: fines tied to certain social‑media posts about city business if the posts are not preserved as public records; a clarified definition of defamation; restrictions on council members’ use of electronic devices during meetings; a reduced five‑minute response time (from 15 minutes) for council members subject to disciplinary process; and…