Hearing for appeal filed by Merkel

SPOKANE VALLEY – A public hearing is tentatively set for Oct. 24, 2024, following an appeal filed by Spokane Valley Councilmember Al Merkel. The appeal comes after a third-party investigation found him in violation of the Spokane Valley Governance Manual and likely in violation of the Washington State Public Records Act.

At the Sept. 24 City Council meeting, councilmembers unanimously decided that Merkel is not entitled to city-funded legal representation for the case. The hearing is scheduled at Spokane Valley City Hall.

The investigation, which was launched in response to a complaint filed b...