Jackson Deese, Legislative Aid, 509.625.6718 & Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Friday, November 21, 2025 at 4:34 p.m.
“We have heard loud and clear from our constituents. Libraries are a vital resource in our community. In addition to incredible digital and book collection, libraries provide safe and free programming for families enjoying story time, seniors participating in a sewing club, low-income residents accessing internet, children and adults to learn about heathy cooking, and everyone to enjoy free arts and literary programming. Voters have repeatedly approved additional funding of the libraries. But revenue shortfalls due to forces outside our control are threatening service hours and programing. Our budget proposal provides gap funding to continue to meet community priorities and bridge libraries into the next biennium,” said Council Member Zappone.
“Our constituents have asked us to lead in fiscal responsibility while focusing funds on direct community benefits. By finding efficiencies in our council office and sharing resources with the mayor we can fund the library’s necessary request, and we can fulfill our constituents’ priorities and meet state standards on public safety. The economic outlook for everyone is dire at the moment, and the City is no different. City Council needs to be a leader in lean operations, just like community members are dealing with at home so that we can move forward and focus on creating a well run, well maintained city that cultivates economic development” Council Member Klitzke said.
The Klitzke and Zappone amendment would increase library funding by $800k, add an additional public defender position, add funding for a regional fire authority study, restore a City Channel 5 position, and decrease funding for the City Council Office.
“Budget cuts of any kind are always difficult. We also must balance community needs and priorities. By making cuts to the Council Office, we can match our budgeting to the priorities that residents are asking for and reimagine our operations to provide quality services,” Council Member Zappone said.
“We also want to continue investments in public safety by funding another public defender position, which ensures that we can continue enforcing the Safe and Accessible Spaces Ordinance. It also funds the feasibility of a regional fire authority, which could provide more quality services more efficiently. These investments prevent us from having to contract out at greater expense to taxpayers,” said Council Member Klitzke.
In Spokane
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