Review Commission delays framework work, aims for draft by July 31 and schedules public hearing

Commissioners at the Spokane Review Commission meeting on June 26 focused a lengthy discussion on next steps for developing a framework (methodology and criteria) versus drafting specific compensation proposals.

Lee Taylor and other commissioners urged waiting until more members could participate before finalizing a framework. Taylor described a framework as the commission’s approach to methodology — for example whether to rely on CPI, comparable cities, COLA, bargaining agreements, or performance measures — while a proposal would set concrete salary figures.

Commissioners agreed on scheduling: the commission’s next regular meeting is July 17, and a public hearing is scheduled for July 31 with the goal of having a draft available by that date to inform the hearing. Staff said the consultant Matrix has not yet issued its final draft; staff expected the consultant’s finalization "maybe another week or so." The chair said he will send a poll to commissioners to find a time for an additional meeting so more members can attend and to invite city council members to provide comments in person, by phone or in writing. The commission also discussed inviting Amber Walder, referenced in the meeting as a county commissioner with prior city council experience, to speak about differences between those roles.

Commissioners discussed public-engagement logistics (evening versus daytime hearings), the possibility of multiple sessions to avoid oversubscription, and allowing written testimony from council members. Staff will circulate proposed dates via poll and will publish meeting notices for the July sessions.

What happens next: staff will circulate a scheduling poll to commissioners, follow up when Matrix issues its final report, and aim to publish a draft for the July 31 public hearing so the commission can take public comment before finalizing any proposals.