New hope for agreement in talks

COUNCIL 2 OFFICIALS are hoping that the election of two new members to the Spokane County Board of Commissioners will bring resolution to negotiations that have been dragging on for some 16 months.

The negotiations are between Spokane County government and a coalition of unions, primarily Council 2 Locals. The bargaining has been dominated by a dispute over medical benefits that has lasted more than a year.

The new commissioners, Todd Mielke (District 1) and Mark Richard, (District 2) take office in January.

Spokane Staff Representatives Mike Smith and Gordon Smith are involved in the negotiations.