Borough, City of Wasilla tax issues to be discussed this week

WASILLA —Valley residents wanting to give input on or learn more about two proposed sales tax issues that may make it to the October borough elections ballot will have their chance in the coming days. The City of Wasilla is looking at a 2-cent increase while the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is considering 3 cents.

Wasilla’s city council will meet Monday evening at 6 p.m. On the agenda is a chance for public input on its question. The 1-cent levy would remain in effect for two years or until it generates $13 million to cover the costs of a new public safety facility. After that, .5 cents of the total will disappear.

The Mat-Su Borough School District (MSBSD) has requested the assembly to approve a 2-percent tax to help cover a more than $13 million shortfall from the upcoming school year budget. The assembly upped that to 3 cents on the dollar. The topic is scheduled for a first public hearing at the assembly’s next regular meeting, slated for Aug. 1.

Those interested in learning more about the perceived benefits and drawbacks of the proposed borough tax will have a chance this Tuesday at the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce weekly luncheon. Mat-Su Borough Manager John Moosey, MSBSD Superintendent Monica Goyette and Wasilla City Mayor Bert Cottle will be the keynote speakers.

According to the chamber’s website, Cottle and Goyette “…will provide some vital information respectively concerning both the negative and positive impacts of this tax” while Moosey “…will be available to address borough implementation and questions”.

The chamber meetings are open to the public and held at The Grill Restaurant and Lounge in the Grandview Inn and Suites. Grandview is located at 2900 East Parks Highway in Wasilla. For more information on the luncheon, contact the Chamber at 907-376-1299 or email contact@wasillachamber.org.

At this point, both proposals include monies that haven’t been allocated. As noted, the borough tacked on an additional penny beyond what the MSBSD is requesting. Goyette is on record stating that each additional penny on the borough proposal is expected to generate about $9 million in additional revenues. Expected revenues on the proposed Wasilla city tax have yet to be discussed.

Both proposals must be approved by their respective bodies before they can be placed before the voters who will have the final decision at polls.

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com