Council drama marks budget approval

SPOKANE VALLEY – The city council’s approval of its 2025 budget last Tuesday was overshadowed by sharp exchanges and ongoing tensions between councilman Al Merkel and his colleagues. The budget, which totals $149.6 million across 31 funds, passed with a 6-1 vote, with Merkel casting the lone dissent.

The meeting marked the third and final public hearing on the 2025 budget. Finance Director Chelsie Walls highlighted key points, including a General Fund expenditure of $67.7 million, a planned reduction of two full-time employees, and expenditures exceeding revenues by approximately $1.1 million....