SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane City Councilmembers Zack Zappone and Kitty Klitzke have proposed an amendment to the city’s budget that would better fund libraries and public safety.
This new amendment would increase library funding by $800,000, add another public defender position, add funding for a regional fire authority study, restore a City Channel 5 position and decrease funding for the City Council office.
“Budget cuts of any kind are always difficult. We also must balance community needs and priorities. By making cuts to the Council Office, we can match our budgeting to the priorities that residents are asking for and reimagine our operations to provide quality services,” Council Member Zappone said.
“Our constituents have asked us to lead in fiscal responsibility while focusing funds on direct community benefits. By finding efficiencies in our council office and sharing resources with the mayor we can fund the library’s necessary request, and we can fulfill our constituents’ priorities and meet state standards on public safety. The economic outlook for everyone is dire at the moment, and the City is no different. City Council needs to be a leader in lean operations, just like community members are dealing with at home so that we can move forward and focus on creating a well run, well maintained city that cultivates economic development” Council Member Klitzke said.
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