Council approves mid-biennial budget amendments to accept state grants, citing charter emergency rule

Spokane City Council adopted multiple mid-biennial budget ordinances in a package of emergency amendments to accept state grant funding and add positions. Measures included Ordinance C-36871 (Washington State Department of Health grant for traffic control equipment), C-36872 (office assistance for the hearing examiner's office), C-36873 (state/local cybersecurity grant), C-36874 (Department of Commerce grant to update the comprehensive plan), C-36876 (police academy funding), and C-36878 (authorize an additional attorney position to support city utilities). All of these measures passed on voice vote; most passed 7-0 in the recorded voice tallies.

Resident Larry Andrews testified in support of the traffic-control equipment amendment (C-36871), urging more traffic-control officers and rotated enforcement at problem locations such as Wellesley and Rogers. Andrews also raised concern about the frequent use of the 'emergency' designation across several ordinances; he questioned whether the items were true emergencies or a process convenience.

Council member Spong responded that the charter and state law require the emergency designation when an item is not in the original biennial budget, and another council member (a recently seated member) agreed that clearer written explanation — an asterisk or note — would help public understanding. Council adopted the package of amendments and directed staff to proceed with implementing the grants and staffing changes through their respective departments.