Residents to decide council’s size

POST FALLS – Voters will decide Tuesday whether to spend about $40,000 a year to add two seats to the City Council, enlarging it to six members.

The council has considered expanding for several years, but this is the first time it has sent the issue to the public. In the past, the cost of adding members has been a deterrent, city officials said.

But with Post Falls’ continuing population growth, the council agreed to put the question on the ballot at a May 22 special election. The issue needs a simple majority to pass.

“It’s probably time, with the growth in the city and where it is and where it’s going. … I don’t think you can have too much representation,” Councilman Dick Harris said. “Of course, if the community says ‘no,’ then so be it.”

In the next six years, city officials predict, Post Falls will swell from 2005’s population of 23,162 to 30,000.

Council members say they’ve heard from constituents that they want more representation.

“For the last two to three years, from time to time, citizens say: ‘We’re growing. Why don’t you expand your council?’ ” Mayor Clay Larkin said. “We thought, this year maybe there’s enough interest out there.”

An expanded council would better represent the community and provide more experience to direct the city and make tough decisions, city leaders say.

“Each of us brings a certain amount of talent, knowledge or expertise to the council … and I think we can broaden that,” Councilman Scott Grant said.

With four council members plus the mayor, a member’s absence can put the council in a tough spot, city leaders say. Some council members also have excused themselves from votes because of a conflict of interest.

That leaves a smaller group to decide critical issues, council members say.

“For those situations when someone is ill, someone is gone, someone has a conflict of interest, we can still make decisions,” Grant said of having a larger council.

City leaders say they understand residents may balk at spending more money on elected officials. Annual salaries and benefits for two more members would cost $35,172, and travel and other expenses would add $2,500 a year, according to the city.

Councilman Ron Jacobson says he is a reluctant supporter.

“Cost is a big issue; it still concerns me,” he said. “We’ve operated very well, and I guess my thought is: ‘If it’s not broken, it doesn’t need to be fixed.’ “

Still, when a seat opened on the City Council earlier this year, 15 people applied, which shows significant interest, Jacobson said.

“If others feel we need more representation, I’m OK with that,” he said.

Jacobson says he also is concerned about low voter participation in the special election being held solely to decide this issue. Last week, city staff said only a handful of people had cast absentee ballots by the end of the week.

“I’ll be surprised if we see any kind of number on voter turnout, but you get what you get,” Jacobson said.

The election will come down to what voters want in their council, city leaders say.

“Let us know what you want,” Grant said. “Is this something that is important to you? … Get out and let us know what you think through your vote, and we’ll make it happen.”