Mat-Su Borough Assembly adopts FY27 budget; areawide mill rate decreases

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly adopted the borough’s fiscal year 2027 budget May 7, approving a total spending plan of $467,591,096. Combined areawide and non-areawide operations represent a 0.9% increase from the current fiscal year.

The budget sets an areawide mill rate of 7.955, down from 8.485. The change is expected to reduce taxes by about $54 for the average single-family residential home when areawide and non-areawide impacts are combined.

“This budget recognizes the need to carefully manage taxes and spending to preserve future service options,” Borough Manager Mike Brown said in a press release issued May 8 . “Resource decisions today affect future choices regarding service options, tax base and revenue diversification, and continued capital investment without excessive debt obligations.”

The FY27 budget sustains Assembly priorities and core operations, and in some cases trades capacity for economy to control costs and promote long-term sustainability. The local education contribution increases 4.2% over the current fiscal year to $81,322,407. The budget also includes $500,000 to increase project funding for the Jonesville Public Use Area to support development of a public shooting park, and $500,000 for improvements to the Butte Trail.

The budget advances planning for a regional dispatch facility for E911 services. Fire service area revenues were provided at least a 3% increase. Of the borough’s 16 road service areas, 11 will see no tax increase, three will see a 3% increase, and two were maintained at existing mill rates. Road service area capital improvements are included in the annual capital budget for the first time, which borough leaders said will improve planning, project development, expectation management and accountability.

Based on an average assessed value of $416,848, the average homeowner will pay about $3,316 in areawide property taxes. Of the approved 7.955 mills, 5.682 mills (71%) fund education operations, including school construction debt service and school capital; 0.965 mills (12%) fund borough operations; and 1.308 mills (17%) fund other debt service and capital projects.