In brief: All laid-off teachers will be recalled

Spokane Public Schools teachers who received layoff notices in May will be recalled by the end of the month, officials said Tuesday.

“It is certainly unfortunate that the law requires us to make notifications by May 15, in advance of so many budget and staffing items being resolved,” said Assistant Superintendent Staci Vesneske. “However, we are very glad that in the end, the recommended budget, along with additional retirements and leaves, created the opportunity for us to bring back everyone by the end of June.”

School officials continue to work out the details of the 2009-’10 budget, which will be presented to the board of directors June 24.

Jody Lawrence-Turner

Avista revises plan for rates in Idaho

Avista Utilities revised its rate proposal and would raise net electric rates by 1.9 percent, effective Aug. 1, for its Idaho customers. Natural gas rates would not increase.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission staff urged Avista to trim earlier proposed increases of 7.8 percent and 3 percent in electric and gas rates, respectively. The commission has not yet acted on the latest proposal.

Avista’s overall electric revenues would rise by 5.7 percent. Natural gas rates would rise by 2.1 percent. However, customers would get credits on their bills over the next 12 months offsetting those costs. The credits are based on decreases in wholesale energy costs since January, when Avista filed for a rate increase.

The proposal includes relicensing costs for Avista’s Spokane River dams. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plans to consider the new license Thursday.

Becky Kramer

Filing reopened for some races

Spokane County is holding a special filing period for offices that didn’t draw any candidates during filing week in early June.

County Elections Manager Mike McLaughlin declared a special filing period today through Friday for offices in cities, towns and other local districts that are scheduled to be on the fall ballot but are currently without candidates. Races with one or more candidates are closed.

The offices without candidates are one council position in Airway Heights and two council seats each in Latah, Spangle and Waverly; two seats in Fire District 12; one commission seat in Spangle and Moran cemetery districts and two in Waverly Cemetery District; one commission seat in Valley of the Horses and Hangman Hills water districts, and three each in Chattaroy Springs West and Vel View water districts; and one position in the Williams Lake Sewer District.

Jim Camden