After months of contention, debate and investigations, the Spokane Valley City Council agreed to sue Councilmember Al Merkel on Tuesday to force him to comply with state law. The decision follows more than 60 public records requests related to Merkel,

The city of Spokane Valley is set to sue City Councilman Al Merkel over ongoing public record complaints stemming from his use of the social media platform Nextdoor.

City manager John Hohman says this marks the first time a Spokane Valley city councilmember will have legal action taken against them by the city.

The Spokane Valley City Council voted unanimously to take legal action against Councilmember Al Merkel for failing to comply with the Washington State Public Records Act.

The city of Spokane Valley reminded Councilmember Al Merkel on Tuesday what state law expects of him after the municipality spent over $235,000 last year addressing his actions and alleged misconduct.