Bloglander

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen of Bloglander, to the first edition of City Hall Eyeball, our weekly round-up of what's happening in government meetings around the region.

I know, I know. B-O-R-I-N-G. But don't fret. With a little bit of love and a crap-ton of sarcasm, government proceedings can be really, super not-boring.

For instance, this evening the Spokane City Council will discuss putting a new tax on vehicle license tabs to help plug the $12 million hole in the city's budget. Councilman Bob Apple, who will propose the fee, as well as sending it straight to the voters this November, will begin the bidding at $20. CanIget$25canIget$25? Going once...

In today's Spokesman, Apple says a little bird told him some of his peers on the council might consider an $85 fee. Sold! 

Expect ever-present council stalwarts Henry Valder and George McGrath to moan at the podium about this tax. And then expect Council President Joe Shogan to finally put the meeting out of its misery at the midnight hour.

And as part of its "consent agenda" — which means they'll vote once on a bunch of items — the council will vote to build trailheads on either end of the Ben Burr Trail, recommend three properties for the Spokane Register of Historic Places and decide whether Rocketman Pyros can fire fuselages off the fourth floor of the Red Lion Inn at the Park at 9:45 pm on August 27.

Busy, busy. 

Any tips on hot tips about proceedings around the region? Write to nickd[at]inlander[dot]com.