County counsel outlines Liberty Lake TIF extension and placeholder county contribution
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Summary
Legal counsel told commissioners the board will consider extending Liberty Lake's TIF through 2034, raising the improvement cap and including permanent affordable housing; documents show a county placeholder contribution of $200,000 with other jurisdictions pledging larger shares.
Legal counsel briefed Spokane County commissioners on Nov. 17 about a planned afternoon decision on extending the Liberty Lake tax‑increment financing (TIF) district. The presentation summarized four choices the board would consider: extending the TIF nine years (to 07/01/2034); increasing the total public‑improvement cost ceiling from $20 million to $30 million; adding "permanent affordable housing" to the definition of eligible public improvements; and setting a placeholder county contribution to the TIF tax allocation revenue.
Counsel said Liberty Lake has pledged $500,000 annually and the local fire protection district $300,000 annually for the extended period; the county’s placeholder contribution proposed for 2026 is $200,000 annually, adjustable each year by board notice to the treasurer. Counsel said those commitments align the TIF timeframe with the state's 'lift' program to secure up to $1 million in matching state funds.
Concerned commissioners asked about current contribution levels and the draft language; counsel said the documents include a clause allowing future adjustments and to capture any legislative changes to the definition of public improvements. The board is scheduled to take a decision on the matter at its 2:00 p.m. session.
Next steps: commissioners will hear the public‑hearing and decision item at 2:00 p.m. and the board may adopt extension, funding commitments and related resolutions at that time.