The TLDR on a night full of surprises. Spokane City Council passed a $2.5 billion budget, extended the nonprofit C.O.P.S. contract, chose their rules and committee assignments and decided what they will push Olympia for.
Second or third or tenth times the charm? A flurry of amendments submitted this morning could change the council rules again. And, keep meetings on Mondays.
Popular board member Kim Girard was a strong voice against book bans and for library autonomy during prominent controversies. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Cargill said ‘we need new blood’ on the board, which already had two vacant seats.
A new set of council rules would move the longstanding Monday meetings to Tuesdays, require three sponsors on legislation and allow public comment at committee meetings. But some changes could come at the expense of constituents represented by the conservative council members in the 5-2 minority.
+ More public defenders, property crime punishment proposals, Spokane School performance metrics and money for fighting a homeless discrimination lawsuit
Community policing nonprofit Spokane C.O.P.S. (not the police) could lose their longstanding funding. A closer look at the organization uncovered communication breakdowns with the city, a volunteer with extremist ties and the employment of a Brady-List officer.
