County Commissioners Urged to Tackle Homelessness Crisis

During a recent Spokane County Commissioners meeting, public testimony highlighted pressing concerns regarding homelessness and its intersection with the criminal justice system. Becky Dickerhoff, a local advocate, addressed the implications of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows for the criminalization of individuals experiencing homelessness. Dickerhoff emphasized that this ruling could lead to increased incarceration rates among vulnerable populations, including victims of domestic violence and veterans.

Citing research from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Dickerhoff noted that a significant portion of the homeless population has a history of incarceration, which creates a cyclical pattern of homelessness and re-arrest. She urged the county commissioners to consider implementing a 15.90 tax, which would allow for a modest sales tax increase aimed at funding housing initiatives to combat homelessness.

In addition to the public testimony, the commissioners unanimously approved several items on the consent agenda, including the appointment of Wes Anderson to the Spokane County Veterans Advisory Board. Anderson's appointment was recognized as a valuable addition, given his extensive experience in assisting veterans.

The meeting also included discussions on amendments to Spokane County code regarding commercial sewer charges. The proposed changes aim to allow the county to estimate water usage for commercial accounts lacking sufficient data, ensuring fair billing practices.

The session concluded with a scheduled executive session focused on labor negotiations, with no immediate actions expected following the discussion. The commissioners will reconvene next week to continue their work.