When the Assembly meets tonight (7-12-16), they’ll discuss a draft ballot proposition to increase property taxes in Sitka.
Here is the Assembly Agenda for 07/12/16
Raising the mill rate would require a vote from the public. If the Assembly approves the ballot proposition at a future meeting, the city would hold a special election on December 6th.
City Administrator Mark Gorman said that tonight’s conversation continues an ongoing debate in Sitka, at a time when next year’s budget deficit may be as large as $3.5 million dollars. Gorman said, “We have a long history in this community of not passing property tax initiatives. I’m more optimistic that through the good work of the Citizens’ Task Force that the more people in this community understand the finances and the mechanics of how City Hall operates, [they’ll] understand that we are challenged right now. There’s not a lot of fat on the budget that we can go after.”
In new business, the Assembly will reevaluate the city’s permanent fund, specifically how much money is transferred into the fund every year and how equity assets are mixed. The Assembly will also review a marijuana business application. Aaron Bean is seeking a standard marijuana cultivation facility license for his business, Green Leaf, Inc.
Maegan Bosak, Planning and Community Development Director, will update the Assembly on the Sitka Comprehensive Plan, which is undergoing a rewrite of the land use section. The Assembly will also consider appointing Hugh Bevan to an unexpired term on the Gary Paxton Industrial Park Board.
And in unfinished business, the Assembly will approve – on second and final reading – a rewrite to the city’s credit and debt collection policy. You can view the new rules here: Ord 2016-06S.
The Sitka Assembly meets at 6 p.m. tonight in Room 229 at UAS. Raven Radio will join the meeting live in progress after Alaska News Nightly.
