The Spokane Valley City Council held a special meeting on March 5, 2025, to discuss the city's budgeting process, particularly the concept of zero-based budgeting. The meeting revealed a divide among council members regarding the effectiveness and implementation of this budgeting approach.

Council member Merkel expressed skepticism about adopting zero-based budgeting, emphasizing that the city has a history of strong fiscal management and that starting from zero would not align with state and county mandates. Merkel argued that the city should maintain its current budgeting practices, which have historically ensured financial stability.

In contrast, Council member Wick supported the idea of re-evaluating the budget from a zero base, suggesting that it would allow the council to prioritize essential services and comply with state requirements. Wick noted concerns about revenue projections and costs, indicating a need for a thorough reassessment of the city's financial strategies.

Council member Wig disagreed with the characterization of the current budgeting process as zero-based. Wig clarified that the city already operates with a detailed line-item budget, allowing for input and feedback on expenditures, which aligns more closely with priority-based budgeting rather than a strict zero-based approach.

The discussions highlighted differing perspectives on how to best manage the city's finances moving forward. As the council continues to navigate these budgeting challenges, the outcome of these debates will likely shape Spokane Valley's fiscal policies in the coming years.