Public Periscope

Don’t pop the champagne

Compared with last year’s budget process, getting the 1997 Spokane spending plan approved by the City Council last week seemed almost effortless … There were no programs or service cuts, no major wranglings over increased taxes and fees, no panicky pleas from staff about trying to shoehorn size 10 expenses into size two revenues … But don’t dim the lights and start up the band just yet … Seven of eight city unions still are negotiating their 1997 contracts … Acting City Manager Bill Pupo said the city pegged salary bumps at just under 3 percent. “What we’ve done is figure what we think (cost-of-living adjustments) will be,” he said. He added that if the contracts come in higher, “We’ll have to squeeze dollars out of the budget.”

New spots

Sens. Slade Gorton and Patty Murray each were named to new committee positions last week. Republican Gorton got a spot on the Energy and Resources Committee, where he promises to protect the region’s energy interests. Murray was named to the Labor and Human Resources Committee, where she plans to focus on children and family issues.

It’s not a lot, but it’s a start

Federal money for low-income housing projects is up for grabs starting today in the city. Some $250,000 is being made available in low-interest loans and grants at the city’s Community Development Department. Non-profit housing organizations, social service agencies, developers and building owners who build or rehabilitate rental homes for low-income people in the city can apply through Feb. 4.

Getting involved

Spokane County Commissioners are looking to fill spots on several key boards: the Regional Health District Board has three openings; the Community Services Mental Health Advisory Board and the Planning Commission each have 2 openings; the Community Services Substance Abuse Board and the Board of Equalization, one each. Information is available from Demeris Skaggs at 456-2265; applications are due by Christmas Eve.

, DataTimes MEMO: Public Periscope, published Mondays, is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports. If you’ve got a question about local government, growth or development, we’d like to help you find an answer. You can write us c/o The Spokesman-Review, Box 2160, Spokane, Wash., 99210. Or e-mail to jimc@spokesman.com. Or fax to (509) 459-5482. Or call Cityline at 458-8800 on a Touch-Tone telephone, then press 9120 to leave a message.

This sidebar appeared with the story: HOT TOPICS Saturday: There’s a second chance to comment on the Kalispel Tribe’s plan for a casino in Airway Heights. The state Gambling Commission is compiling the comments, to be sent to Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, who must determine if the plan is in the best interests of the tribe and won’t hurt the surrounding community. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ramada Inn, Spokane International Airport.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports