At a glance: Spokane Valley council approves indigent-defense standards, awards Center Place catering contract and accepts opioid settlement funds

The Spokane Valley City Council handled three action items on April 21 by unanimous voice vote.

Indigent defense standards: The council adopted Resolution 26J005 to align the city's public-defense standards with recent Washington Supreme Court and Bar Association changes, including a phased reduction in misdemeanor public-defender caseloads to 120 case credits over 10 years. Tony Beatty, senior deputy city attorney, told council the changes were promulgated by state authorities and mirrored Spokane County practice; councilors discussed potential budget impacts and agreed to monitor next year's budget.

Center Place catering contract: Staff recommended awarding the Center Place food-and-beverage contract to Inland Northwest Catering after an RFP and tasting process that narrowed candidates to three. The contract offers integrated reservation and billing systems and a tiered commission structure (about 21% to 23.5%). Council asked staff to provide a written clarification on revenue-recognition timing (whether commissions associate with the event date); Finance will "true up" revenue to the event period.

Opioid remnant settlement: The council authorized the city manager to accept participation forms for a national remnant settlement related to opioid litigation. Staff said the $97 million nationwide settlement yields Spokane Valley about $1,500; those funds have been earmarked for the Spokane County Regional Stabilization Center expansion and operation.

All three motions were approved by unanimous voice vote during the meeting.