Spokane to commission $65k council staff analysis, one official says expect layoffs

(The Center Square) – Despite declining to cut staff to help balance a $13 million deficit, the Spokane City Council is commissioning a $65,000 office efficiency study. Recent budget amendments only fully funded its office through the end of June — the only remaining conservative now says, “expect to be laid off.”​

The city of Spokane published a bid opportunity online last month, “seeking a Firm to complete a City Council Organizational Analysis.” The officials want to evaluate the office’s staffing structure, as well as how the council’s “duties, responsibilities, and expectations manifest in practice,” the listing states.

While the elected office is considered a part-time job, some have advocated for higher pay and must work...