Council rejects utility rate drop

A proposed rate reduction for trash, sewer and water services in Spokane was rejected Monday night by City Council members.

Former Mayor Dennis Hession had introduced the 2 percent rate reduction in his proposed 2008 city spending plan, but it would have required City Council approval. That provision was rejected on a 5-1 vote.

But much of Hession’s proposed $605 million budget remained intact, including extra money for 12 additional police officers, as council members debated late into the night.

Council members also added $200,000 for a police ombudsman.

Mayor Mary Verner has said she would stick by most of Hession’s spending suggestions but had requested the council remove the proposed rate reduction.

Councilman Brad Stark, the lone dissenter, argued the rate cuts should be approved for garbage and sewer customers. Other council members, however, argued that it would be irresponsible to reduce rates before the city completes a planned rate study next year.

“Let’s not make adjustments until we know we can support them,” said Councilman Al French.

But Stark said it’s highly unlikely any city rate study would recommend lower rates.

“It’s sustainable and we can do it,” Stark said. “We should give relief to the taxpayers.”

Council President Joe Shogan said he was determined to get the budget passed Monday night, a task that sparked long and occasionally contentious debates.

Some of the other ideas being debated:

•Hiring a part-time assistants for each City Council member at a cost of $110,000.

•Reinstating Crime Check, the 24-hour crime reporting system, for $870,000.

•Hiring six people to work on street maintenance for $600,000.

•Budgeting $500,000 for outside legal assistance in response to a recent court decision involving the city’s municipal court.