SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – The Spokane Valley City Council is set to review a settlement offer from Councilman Al Merkel, who is being sued by the city for allegedly violating state public records laws.
The lawsuit, which accuses Merkel of using the app Nextdoor for official communication, has been in preparation since the council voted to sue in February.
If the council approves the settlement, the lawsuit will be dismissed and the city will cover Merkel’s attorney fees. A third party will also determine if posts on the Nextdoor app are considered public record.
The case is set for a Spokane County courtroom on July 18 if the settlement is not approved. Merkel’s proposal will be discussed at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
