The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
SPOKANE, Wash. — For months, Spokane County officials have refused to release firefighter rescue team equipment to the city of Spokane, first claiming it was because Spokane was a sanctuary city, then arguing the city needed to re-enter an agreement and make payments to the county, and only recently conceding the city simply needs to confirm it meets federal emergency preparedness standards.
Though the issue may soon be resolved, the dispute over a relatively small amount of funding — albeit for equipment Spokane Fire Chief Julie O’Berg says is vital for rescue operations — comes amid rising tensions between the city and county and as the county agency that withheld funds from the city is facing a devastating loss of federal funding…