Budget preparations, air show among items discussed at Wasilla City Council meeting

WASILLA — The Wasilla City Council began their budget preparations for the year, which will continue in the following weeks. Finance Director Troy Tankersly presented the 2020 budget to the council. The council will receive $28,477,448 in funds and use only $21,828,230. Public safety accounts for nearly half of Wasilla’s expenditures, accounting for 44.15 percent. Wasilla draws the majority of its revenue from sales tax, accounting for 72.83 percent of city revenues.

Matanuska Electric Association Director Julie Estey and Director of Power Delivery Edward Jenkin presented to the council about the projects MEA will be working on in the near future. Jenkin noted that MEA with both buy and sell power to Anchorage and Fairbanks depending on what the lowest cost of producing a megawatt is. Specifically, the Theodore substation on Knik-Goose Bay Road will see an upgrade this year. Herning substation, Wasilla’s main substation behind Mat-Su Central School, will also be upgraded this year.

Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle issued two proclamations to begin the meeting.

“Public Safety Dispatchers of the MatCom have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients and the public safety system simply would not work without them,” Cottle read from the proclamation.

Cottle presented the proclamation to Lt. Watchus and Joel Butcher.

Burchell has a new student representative. Junior Ezekial Sarten will represent Burchell for the remainder of this school year and next year as well.

Cottle also presented a proclamation recognizing April as child abuse awareness and prevention month.

“Child abuse prevention will only succeed with a shared commitment from individuals, social service agencies, schools, faith organizations, law enforcement, public agencies, and the business community; and, WHEREAS, Alaskans can “Go Blue” during the month of April to show their commitment to fighting child abuse and creating healthy environments for all children,” Cottle read from the proclamation.

Councilman Stu Graham questioned Deputy Administrator Lyn Carden about SB52, which is moving through the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee.

“The first portion of bill, the education and law enforcement pieces are really great, local control is not what the Senator carrying the bill is interested in hearing,” Carden said.

Cottle mentioned that the bill could have a disproportionate effect on Wasilla’s 47 restaurants.

“We think that’s highly unfair. We’ve done so well in economic development now we’re being penalized,” Cottle said.

The council passed all of their measures presented for public hearing unanimously. The Council passed Resolution 19-06, allowing for Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Wasilla Police Department Employees Association for a three-year contract. The Council passed Ordinance 19-05 for public hearing, appropriating $26,380 for the Library parking lot, and $10,000 in a perceived one-time donation to the Wasilla Air Show, which will recycle the name of the old air show and be called ‘Wings over Wasilla.’

Contact Frontiersman reporter Tim Rockey at tim.rockey@frontiersman.com.