The Spokane Valley City Council held a special meeting on March 5, 2025, via Zoom, to address significant budgetary concerns and updates regarding public safety funding. The meeting began with a discussion on the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) license fees, revealing a substantial decrease in expected revenue due to a statewide glitch in vehicle counting. Originally estimated at 140,676 vehicles, the count was revised to 90,895, resulting in a projected revenue shortfall of approximately $986,000 for 2025. This shortfall raises concerns about maintaining essential street maintenance services, such as pothole filling and snow removal, as expenditures are expected to exceed revenues by $738,000.

Council Member Mercall expressed surprise at the state’s miscalculations and suggested reconsidering the tax that funds the TBD, questioning its effectiveness. The discussion highlighted the importance of the TBD funds in supporting the street maintenance budget, which is crucial for community services.

The meeting then transitioned to an update on law enforcement collective bargaining agreements. The council discussed the financial implications of recent negotiations, which resulted in an estimated increase of $2.3 million for 2025, with further increases projected in subsequent years. The total estimated increase over three years could reach nearly $9.9 million. Council members acknowledged the necessity of competitive salaries to attract and retain officers, while also emphasizing the need to scrutinize indirect costs associated with law enforcement contracts.

Concerns were raised about the growing indirect rates charged by the county, which have increased significantly in recent years. The council is working with an outside accounting firm to review these costs and improve the budgeting process for public safety services. Council Member Patton stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility, suggesting that any savings from cost containment should be reinvested into direct public safety needs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the budgetary impacts of public safety contracts and to seek efficiencies in the budgeting process. The council plans to provide further updates as they navigate these financial challenges in the upcoming budget cycles.