Millwood contemplates cityhood
A new city could be in the making, as the Town of Millwood considers becoming just Millwood, Wash.
Millwood Mayor Dan Mork presented a side-by-side comparison Tuesday between the current town and proposed city government powers during the regular Town Council meeting.
Mork referred to studies from the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington outlining fifteen distinct differences between the powers of a noncharter code city government and a town government.
The primary change is the flexibility in which the governments operate. The town form of government is more limiting. City government has the ability to accomplish broader goals
“This process is set up such that you can carry forward your current form of government, with your elected mayor, and your elected council members,” said Millwood attorney Brian Werst. “It just gives you more flexibility as a town.”
According to Mork, more than 80 percent of communities in the state are registered as cities. Spangle, Sprague and George are examples of townships that recently underwent the transition process of becoming a city.
“It doesn’t change the (town’s) character,” Councilman Richard Shoen said. “Nothing has to change but people have to recognize we are in a metropolitan area.”
Before proceeding with the adoption of the ordinance, Werst recommended the town gain public input by holding one or two special meetings. Mayor Mork concurred and suggested bringing a representative from MRSC in to field questions.
“The flexibility to operate is definitely a positive,” Werst said. “As long as you’re able to maintain the character of Millwood, I think from a legal standpoint it’s not a bad thing to consider.”
The Council also discussed an upcoming October vote on the inclusion of Millwood in the boundaries for the Library Capitol Facility Area for Spokane County Library District’s new Spokane Valley facility. The boundaries determine the tax base area in which the $32 million project is funded. According to information from the district, Millwood’s portion is 2.7 percent of the estimated assessed valuation.
Along with the new 58,600-square-foot Spokane Valley facility, the district plans to expand the size of the Argonne branch by 25 percent and build a new Greenacres branch.
In other town news, the Council unanimously approved the revised code enforcement ordinance containing the provision for a hearing examiner to ensure proper appeal rights. The town is currently searching for potential candidates to fill the position.