Borough assembly approves amendment adding to school district budget

PALMER — In a standing-room-only chambers, an estimated 200 supporters of the Mat-Su Borough School District addressed borough assemblymen at a Wednesday evening in the borough's fourth public hearing on its fiscal year 2018 budget.

After approximately 1 1/2 hours of public comment on the topic, assemblymen included a more than $1.5 million increase for its part in funding district needs.

In doing so, the body approved an overall budget of almost $400 million for the year. Of that, the additional $1.9 million increase raised the total borough education contribution for almost $57.5 million, according to Mat-Su Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan. The MSBSD school board is wrangling with at least an $11 million deficit and that is expected to be more since it had budgeted double the amount approved by the assembly.

MSBSD had officially requested a $3.2 million increase over last year and had figured that amount into its 2017-2018 fiscal budget. The original borough budget called for no increase for the district despite an enrollment increase. When that resolution was put forth, assemblyman Dan Mayfield offered an amendment with the increase. It passed on a 4-3 vote with Mayfield, Jim Sykes, Matt Beck and Barbara Doty in favor. Steve Colligan, George McKee and Randall Kowalke opposed the increase.

MSBSD Superintendent Monica Goyette said the district is grateful for the amendment.

"We are cautiously optimistic but Mayor (Vern) Halter can still veto the budget," Goyette stated. "We were very encouraged by the 200 people showing support at the meeting. We hope this groundswell of advocacy for education continues."

In addition to the education increase, other items included: two Emergency Services Department positions, recruitment program coordinator and administrative assistant for fleet maintenance and an additional deputy animal control officer. Several tourism projects were also earmarked for additional funding. Included were: $100,000 for Phase II of the Jim Creek Trail system, $50,000 for replacement restrooms, $40,000 for repair of Alcantra Field and $30,000 for Point MacKenzie Park.

The budget set the areawide millage rate at 10.332 mills. Halter has until May 16 to veto the entire budget.

"He mentioned that one item has his attention," Sullivan stated in a press release issued after the meeting.

Because of Wednesday evening's adoption, planned May 10 and 11 budget special meetings have been cancelled.