This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following meeting agenda.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Padden presented proclamations for Good Neighbor Day to members of the Spokane Valley United Methodist Church and for Valleyfest to Peggy Doering.
SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTATION
Preston McCollam, Spokane County Prosecutor, addressed the Council regarding the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office to review data and discuss challenges.
General Public Comments
Each week, community members have an opportunity to address Councilmembers for up to three minutes during the General Public Comment period, either at the beginning or end of each meeting, either in person or via Zoom.
ACTION ITEMS
#1 – Consent Agenda
The Council approved a motion to consider the 2026 Opportunity Fund Application separately. A motion to approve the Spokane Sports Opportunity Fund grant application (TPAOF 2026-001) was passed with 6 votes in favor and 1 against.
A motion to approve the remaining items of the consent agenda, including vouchers for paying city expenses, payroll and setting a public hearing date for the 2027 budget, passed unanimously.
#2 – 30-Year Easement from State Parks for Flora Road
This item was presented to the Council as an administrative report at the Sept. 8, 2026, meeting. In 2020, the City purchased 46 acres of undeveloped land located on the north bank of the Spokane River at Flora Road from the Washington State Department of Transportation for park and recreation purposes. The City developed the property into The Course Spokane Valley cross country racing facility, completed in 2025. The city-owned parcels are adjacent to a 16-acre parcel owned by State Parks. Part of the development plans for the new park facility included a commitment from State Parks to partner with the City to incorporate the shoreline property into the park, improving public access to the Spokane River and expanding recreational uses for the community.
City staff and State Parks staff collaborated on a plan for the “River View Trail”, which sits on both City and State Parks properties. Staff outlined terms of a proposed 30-year easement agreement between the two entities. The terms of the agreement require the City to pay State Parks a one-time lump sum of $58,194 for the 30-year easement. On July 9, 2026, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved the easement as well as land classification updates and development of the pedestrian trail with various amenities.
A motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a 30-year Easement Agreement with Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission in substantially the same form as shown in the attached document passed with 6 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
#3 – 2027 Council Goals and Priorities for Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
The Council previously discussed this topic at the Sept. 15, 2026, meeting. Per SVMC 3.20.010, the City collects a 3.3% tax on lodging (hotel/motel room rentals) within Spokane Valley. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) evaluates applications from organizations for this grant funding and develops recommendations for the Council. The Council is responsible for setting goals and priorities for the LTAC to consider when evaluating the applications.
A motion to approve Council goals and priorities for the use of lodging tax revenues as written passed with 5 votes in favor and 2 votes against.
#4 – 2026 Justice Assistance Grant
This topic was discussed as the Sept. 15, 2026, Council meeting. The Department of Justice annually awards JAG grants to local jurisdictions nationwide for various criminal justice purposes. This year, the City will receive $30,978 in JAG funds. The Spokane Valley Police Chief has recommended utilizing the grant allocation towards the purchase of a new motorcycle. The total cost for a motorcycle is $43,470. The approximate $12,500 cost difference will be covered by the SVPD Traffic Designated Unreserved Fund from DUI restitution. By using JAG and SVPD monies, the City will not need to fund the purchase of a motorcycle in 2028.
A motion to have the City Manager, or designee, apply for and use Justice Assistance Grant funds for a motorcycle purchased passed unanimously.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
#5 – Proposed Property Tax Ordinance
The Council has discussed this 2027 property tax levy multiple times during the 2027 budget development process. State law requires the passage of an ordinance establishing a property tax levy. The proposed 2027 property tax levy does not include the 1% increase allowed by State law. The levy will include property taxes on new construction.
Staff shared an overview of Washington State property taxes and the different taxing jurisdictions reflected on tax statements sent to property owners by the Spokane County Assessor. As an example, the following is the distribution of property taxes in the city’s largest property tax district (TCA 144):
• 37% Central Valley School District
• 24% Spokane Valley Fire District No. 01
• 21% State schools
• 8% City of Spokane Valley
• 7% Spokane County
• 3% Spokane County Library District
The group discussed the estimated rate per $1,000 of assessed value, the Senior and Disabled Property Tax Exemption Program, banked capacity, and estimated property tax revenues. This item will return before the Council at the Oct. 6, 2026, and Oct. 20, 2026, meetings, at which time the Council will consider first and second readings of the 2027 Property Tax Ordinance.
#6 – Spokane Valley Police Department (SVPD) Update
SVPD Chief Dave Ellis provided an overview of current police department activities. He spoke about:
Crime trends: 2025 results and 2026 year-to-date activity
• Retail theft emphasis: Participating businesses and enforcement results
• My90 community feedback: Public perceptions and safety priorities
• Operation Stampede: U.S. Marshals Service partnership and operation results
• Community engagement efforts: Coffee with a Cop and Cops and Kids Car Show
• Shop with a Cop: Back-to-School events with local children
INFORMATION ONLY (no presentations or discussion)
Monthly Department Reports
• City of Spokane Valley: Community Development Report – August 2026
• Spokane Valley Fire Department: Monthly report – August 2026
About Spokane Valley City Council
City Council meetings occur most Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Spokane Valley City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, and online via Zoom. Meeting agendas and minutes are available at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Agendas. Community members are invited to attend Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in-person or online. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14. Email the Council at CityCouncil@SpokaneValleyWA.gov or learn more at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/CityCouncil.
Stay Connected
Spokane Valley City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information is available online at SpokaneValleyWA.gov. Sign up to receive email updates about the topics that matter to you most at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/SignUp or follow the city on social media.