SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane City Council Members Kitty Klitzke and Zack Zappone proposed a budget amendment on Friday to boost library funding and enhance public safety.
The proposed amendment aims to allocate an additional $800,000 to libraries, add a public defender position, and fund a regional fire authority study, according to city officials. It also plans to restore a City Channel 5 position while reducing funding for the City Council Office.
“We have heard loud and clear from our constituents. Libraries are a vital resource in our community,” Council Member Zappone said.
He added that libraries offer a range of services, including safe programming for families, internet access for low-income residents and free arts and literary events.
Council Member Klitzke highlighted the need for fiscal responsibility.
“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,” Klitzke said.
Zappone explained that budget cuts to the city council will help match funding to the priorities of Spokane residents.
“We also want to continue investments in public safety by funding another public defender position, which ensures that we can continue enforcing the Safe and Accessible Spaces Ordinance,” Klitzke stated.
The amendment also includes funding for a regional fire authority study, which Klitzke said could provide more efficient services, preventing the need for more costly taxpayer contracts.
