(The Center Square) – The Spokane City Council on Monday shuffled the deck on a trio of proposed ballot measures tentatively scheduled for a Feb. 13 special election.
Two of the topics were not controversial.
Council members voted unanimously to keep a three-year levy renewal on the February ballot to fund ongoing city library operations. If approved by voters, the measure would collect 7 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation in years 2025-2027, raising approximately $2.5 million to $2.55 million annually – about 20% of the library’s operational budget. For the owner of a home valued at $330,000, the levy would collect about $23 a year in extra property taxes.
Additionally, the council approved appointments of individuals who would write election statements for and against the levy proposal. Jim Kershner and Jens Larson were selected to support the measure; Donn Durgan was named to write the opposition statement.
The council also unanimously agreed to reschedule a proposed vote on a 20-year levy measure for park improvements from the Feb. 13 election to an Aug. 6 special election date. City council members are supportive of the measure but agreed to reset the election at the request of city parks staff.
As proposed, the parks levy calls for a collection of 29 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation beginning in 2025, generating approximately $10.3 million annually and costing about $96 a year for the owner of a $330,000 home. The collected revenue would represent about 29% of the park system’s budget and fund numerous improvements, including playgrounds, restrooms, sports courts, and trailheads. It would also develop new parks in neighborhoods that lack them, add an all-weather sports field and add park rangers and maintenance personnel.
Appointees for writing the pro/con ballot statements are Mike Ormsby and Mary Cole supporting the measure and Durgan, again, in opposition.
Monday’s contentious discussion involved a ballot proposal tentatively scheduled for February regarding redistricting of city council positions. There has been community involvement in the plan for several months, but city councilman Zack Zappone on Monday asked council members to rescind the measure and postpone the vote until next November.
In the interim, Zappone said he wanted the council to convene a “city charter review committee” with council members, city administrators, and community stakeholders and incorporate the redistricting plan into that process.
Council president Betsy Wilkerson and newly elected councilman Paul Dillon supported Zappone’s proposal, which was opposed by several citizens during a public hearing.
The delay was also opposed by councilmen Michael Cathcart and Jonathan Bingle, while Karen Stratton – who is moving off the council later this month due to term limits – sought a compromise to continue discussions.
To be placed on the February ballot, the redistricting proposal must be delivered to the Spokane County Auditor by Dec. 15. The council has rescheduled its normal weekly Monday meeting from Dec. 11 to next Thursday, Dec. 14. The issue was tabled until then for further discussions.
