Port repairs continue

PALMER — The Mat-Su Borough Assembly voted to approve for the completion of previously budgeted dock repairs at Port Mackenzie that were not completed in time. Ordinance 21-060 passed the Assembly 6-1 with only George McKee voting in opposition to allow $69,432 in funds designated for repair of deep draft dock fenders and barge dock cell I to occur after the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Port Operations Manager Therese Dolan spoke to the Assembly about the fund rollover from previously designated appropriations.

“During a recent inspection done by PND of the Port infrastructure, they noted a number of deficiencies and items that required repairs and maintenance. I budgeted for those items in my FY21 operating budget. We began the work last fall, we’ve been working our way through the list, worked through this spring, however we’re not going to be able to complete it by the end of the fiscal year 30 June and so I’m asking if we can use this legislation to move the funds currently committed to the repair to a capital line so it can be used as intended,” said Dolan.

The funds previously in the ‘Other Contractuals’ account would be put into a non-lapsing project for Port Mackenzie dock improvements to finish the repairs.

“I just want to note that this is an appropriation from a budget item that we already approved,” said Assemblyman Tim Hale. “They’re just running out of time to finish the project so I’m going to support this.”

McKee voiced his concern with a report from contractors that had previously been budgeted.

“I’m opposed to spending any money whatsoever, one nickel. I don’t care where it comes from until we get that report,” said McKee.