Jonathan Brunt

Most of Spokane’s water rates would increase by nearly 8 percent and the base rate paid by each customer would go up nearly 20 percent under a plan the City Council will consider Monday. City administrators say the big increase is needed largely because officials have declined to raise rates in previous years, including last year.

Fagan publishes false endorsement

When Spokane ballots arrive in the mail this week, the largest chunk of paper will be filled with a series of questions that have received little attention. In May, the Spokane City Council voted to place 11 amendments to the City Charter before voters.

If Spokane opts to pursue a new trolley system downtown, it likely won’t include track. The Spokane City Council on Monday voted 6-1 to adopt recommendations to label an electric trolley system its “preferred alternative.”

To the cynical voter, the crowded field of candidates running to represent northeast Spokane on the City Council could be seen as a list of rejects. Each of the six has run for public office and lost – some multiple times and by wide margins.

Spokane City Council candidates debate marijuana law

Spokane City Council candidates debate streetcar plan

Can Mary Verner break the curse of the one-term mayors? For a big clue, residents can look to the upcoming primary election. No Spokane mayor has won re-election in four decades, but Verner is intent on doing so. The mayoral primary – ballots go out this week – promises few surprises. At this point, only Verner and David Condon seem to have the support and campaign funds to win, although they face three long-shot challengers. But, assuming they take the top two spots, who finishes on top and the distance between them will give voters their first clue as to what November may hold.

Spokane City Council candidates debate global warming

Spokane City Council candidates debate tax breaks for businesses

Spokane City Council candidates debate union rules

Spokane City Council candidates debate sewer fees

Compare the candidates

Spokane council finalizes massive annexation

Spokane’s sewer rate would spike nearly $6 a month next year under a proposal under consideration by the City Council. The plan, which amounts to a 13.5 percent increase, is not a surprise. City leaders have warned for years that state- and federally required projects to improve sewage treatment and stop the dumping of raw sewage into the Spokane River by the end of 2017 would force the city to greatly increase rates and borrow millions of dollars.

Barbara Lampert gives her positions on taxes, libraries, streets and other issues facing the city in The Spokesman-Review's Spokane City Council candidate questionnaire. Lampert faces Michael Noder, Robert Kroboth, Mary Verner and David Condon in the race for a seat representing South Spokane.

Ben Stuckart gives his positions on taxes, libraries, streets and other issues facing the city in The Spokesman-Review's Spokane City Council candidate questionnaire. Stuckart faces Dennis Hession, Steve Corker and Victor Noder in the race for a seat representing South Spokane.

David Condon gives his positions on taxes, libraries, streets and other issues facing the city in The Spokesman-Review's Spokane City Council candidate questionnaire. Condon faces Michael Noder, Robert Kroboth, Mary Verner and Barbara Lampert in the race for a seat representing South Spokane.

Dennis Hession gives his positions on taxes, libraries, streets and other issues facing the city in The Spokesman-Review's Spokane City Council candidate questionnaire. Hession faces Ben Stuckart, Steve Corker and Victor Noder in the race for a seat representing South Spokane.

Donna McKereghan gives her positions on taxes, libraries, streets and other issues facing the city in The Spokesman-Review's Spokane City Council candidate questionnaire. McKereghan faces Gary Pollard, Mike Fagan, Luke Tolley, Chris Bowen and John Waite in the race for a seat representing Northwest Spokane.