Gothmann to leave Spokane Valley council

Bill Gothmann’s term on the Spokane Valley City Council ends in June, and he’s not interested in an extension.

“I think it’s time for me to return to retirement,” Gothmann said.

Gothmann is serving as councilman pro tem for Bill Bates, who was elected in 2013 but has been on extended sick leave since Nov. 17, 2014.

Bates remains on the city’s payroll and has received a little more than $12,000 in pay and $24,975 in benefits from Spokane Valley since November 2014.

When Bates had been absent for nearly six months, the council went through a selection procedure and picked Gothmann out of a group of 18 applicants. He was appointed to serve for a year or until Bates returns, whichever comes first.

City Attorney Cary Driskell said Gothmann elected not to receive dental and health insurance benefits and has been paid $6,750 in wages and $1,170 in benefits to date.

Council members are paid $750 a month.

Gothmann said he is not running for office or applying for an empty seat again.

“Even if the council decided to extend my time, I’d say no thank you,” Gothmann said.

Spokane Valley public information officer Carolbelle Branch said the City Council has a couple of options if Bates does not resign by the end of Gothmann’s appointment: It may continue to excuse Bates, in which case the council may or may not appoint a new pro tem, or the council could give Bates three unexcused absences, which would permanently vacate his seat and allow the council to select a permanent replacement for the remainder of Bates’ term.