Council votes for annexation

Spokane’s city limits will expand – unless Spokane County can stop it.

The Spokane City Council on Monday voted 6-to-0 to approve the annexation of commercial property along the west side of Division between Francis Avenue and Cascade Way, including the Costco store and Holy Cross Cemetery.

The vote would normally mean borders would expand after 30 days. But because Spokane County appealed the Boundary Review Board’s April decision allowing the annexation, the expansion will be on hold.

Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession, who has led the effort to annex, has argued that urban areas are supposed to be in cities. County leaders have accused the city of trying to steal tax-rich property without providing land owners any better service.