Valley adds funds for social services, development

The Spokane Valley City Council decided Tuesday to give $20,000 more than last year to non-city agencies that promote economic development and provide social services.

The draft 2006 budget now includes $30,000 for Project Access, a health care agency; $7,000 for the Spokane Valley Community Center; $65,000 for the Spokane Area Economic Development Council; and $16,000 for the International Trade Alliance.

The council decided to allocate $2,000 for youth activities, to be spent based on recommendations made by the city’s Student Advisory Council. Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Chase Youth Commission are the two youth-oriented organizations that applied for money.

All together, outside agencies had requested about $186,000 for 2006, of which $120,000 was provided. Last year, agencies requested $267,000 and the council provided $100,000.

Deputy Mayor Rich Munson proposed reducing the development council’s cut by $9,000 and giving that money to the International Trade Alliance.

While Munson had no complaints about the development council, “I think that the ITA is also doing a great job,” he said.

That motion, and another to increase the total budget amount to accommodate an increase to ITA, were voted down.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, council members delayed major discussion on adjusting the city’s property tax rate until more assessment information is available from the county.

A final public hearing on the city’s $63 million budget for 2006 will take place at the Oct. 11 meeting.