In a significant development for the Spokane Valley community, city officials have concluded a series of settlements related to construction defects at the city hall building. The latest agreement, worth $11.75 million with Meridian Construction, marks the fourth and final resolution in this prolonged legal saga. This settlement brings closure to a challenging period that began shortly after the completion of the city hall in 2017. Significant issues were identified soon after the building was occupied, leading to multiple investigations and ultimately, legal action against the contractors involved. The city has now secured a total of nearly $14 million from various parties, ensuring that taxpayers' funds are recouped and necessary repairs can be addressed.

The journey to this resolution started when the newly constructed Spokane Valley City Hall was found to have numerous defects following its completion in September 2017. Upon moving into the facility, city officials noticed critical flaws that required immediate attention. To assess the extent of these problems, the city enlisted several consultants who confirmed the presence of serious structural issues. In response, the city took legal action in April 2020, filing a lawsuit against four companies involved in the project. The aim was to establish responsibility for the defects and secure compensation for the incurred damages.

The litigation process spanned several years, during which the city negotiated settlements with different parties. In May 2023, Architects West, the architectural firm responsible for the design, agreed to a settlement of $1.85 million. Later, in November 2024, two project management firms—Allwest Testing & Engineering and Eight 31—also reached agreements totaling $335,000. These settlements allowed the city to begin addressing the most urgent repair needs. In January 2023, Garco Construction was awarded a $4 million contract to undertake remediation work on the building's foundation, which was completed by August 2024.

With the final settlement now in place, Mayor Pam Haley expressed gratitude for the resolution. She emphasized that the recovery of taxpayer dollars and the completion of essential repairs represent a major milestone for the city. Looking ahead, the administration is focused on evaluating any remaining work needed to ensure the city hall is fully functional and safe. This settlement not only addresses past challenges but also sets the stage for the city's priorities in 2025 and beyond. The successful resolution of this matter allows Spokane Valley to move forward with renewed confidence and focus on future initiatives.