Spokane Valley to Take Legal Action Against Councilmember Albert Merkel

During the Spokane Valley City Council meeting on February 4, 2025, Councilmembers voted unanimously (6-0) to initiate legal action against Councilmember Albert Merkel for failing to comply with the Washington State Public Records Act. Merkel was excluded from the discussion due to a conflict of interest. Over the past year, the city has received more than 60 public records requests concerning Merkel's social media usage, which he has not adequately addressed. Legal evaluations from three attorneys, including the city attorney, concluded that much of Merkel's social media content is subject to public records law. City Manager John Hohman expressed deep concerns about the potential legal and financial risks Merkel's actions pose to the city and its taxpayers.

He emphasized that transparency and compliance with state laws are vital to maintaining public trust. The Washington State Public Records Act requires that all city-related records be retained and accessible upon request, with violations resulting in significant liability. This legal action reflects the city's commitment to uphold accountability and protect its residents from unnecessary financial exposure.