Palmer’s council okays 2023 budget; two new police officers recruited, to be sworn in

Palmer’s city council approved the city’s 2023 budget at its meeting Tuesday, Nov.22. All seven city council members voted for the budget, which showed the effectiveness of earlier public hearings and outreach on the budget proposal, Palmer city manager John Moosey said.

The council okayed $13.59 million for the city’s 2023 general fund, which pay for general government expenses. Funds were additionally okayed for the city’s services from its enterprise funds, which are paid for by user fees.

This includes $2.9 million to support sewer and water service; $852,700 for solid waste facility operations; $697,100 for the city airport and $697,000 for gold course operations.

Along with the budget, the council approved changes to city fines and fees. Most of the fee increases, for example for airport tie-downs and community center rentals were minor and in line with inflation.

Some of the increases in fines were more substantial and intended to send a message. Interference with city water and sewer services, for example, went from $300 to $800 for a first offense; $500 to $900 for a second offense and $750 to $1,000 for a third offense.

Parking in a no-parking area will bring a $150 fine, up from $75 in the current fine schedule.

Moosey told the council that two new Palmer police officers will be sworn in on Dec. 30, and the public is invited to the ceremony. This brings police department staffing up to 10.

The city has had its share of turnover among police officers but Palmer continues to fare better than many other municipalities in retention of officers, Moosey said. That’s partly because Palmer’s small town environment is perceived to offer s good place to live, and partly because of good community support for local police.

“We embrace a ‘community policing’ model, which has our officers out on the road, not in the office. There is a deliberate effort to work with local businesses, too,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a Mat-Su borough special election also held Nob. 22, one borough assembly member reelected in the November general election – assemblyman Tim Hale, was present and sworn in for a new term.

A second reelected assembly member, Stephanie Nowers, was traveling and will be sworn in at the borough’s next assembly meeting. For the assembly’s District 1, Hale, who is now on the assembly, outpolled challenger Brian Endle with 3,399 votes to Endle’s 2,502.

For the assembly’s District 2, Nowers received 2,242 votes to 1,056 cast for Dana Raffaniello and 1,426 votes for Meghan Trupp, who were both challenging Nowers.

The results of the assembly and school board election were also certified on Tuesday.