Understanding your borough: Who does what in Mat-Su government

When you pay your property taxes or call for an ambulance, you are interacting with your local government. But many people in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough do not know which department handles what task. Understanding how your borough works can help you get the services you need and make your voice heard.

The Mat-Su Borough is led by a Mayor who voters elect directly. Unlike some cities where a manager runs day-to-day operations, our Mayor has direct control over borough departments. The Borough Assembly, made up of nine elected members from different districts, makes laws and sets policies. Together they oversee about a dozen departments that serve our growing community.

The Borough Manager serves as the chief administrative officer. This person helps coordinate between departments and ensures the Mayor's policies are carried out smoothly. If you have questions about how the borough operates as a whole, this office is a good place to start. This is not your first point of contact with concerns, though; that remains with the department that you have questions for directly.

Public Works is one of the largest departments. They maintain roads, bridges, and drainage systems throughout the borough. When snow needs plowing or a pothole needs fixing, Public Works crews handle the job. They also manage capital improvement projects like new road construction.

Community Development oversees libraries, parks, trails, and recreational facilities. They handle sales of borough-owned land. If you want to reserve a park shelter, check out a library book, or ask about purchasing land from the borough, this department can help. This is specific only to the Borough, as the Public Works departments takes care of these.

Planning and Land Use deals with building permits, zoning, and long-range planning for the community. Before you build a new home or start a business, you will work with this department to make sure your plans meet local codes. They also create comprehensive plans that guide how the borough grows.

Emergency Services provides fire protection, emergency medical services, and rescue operations. They respond to car accidents, medical emergencies, fires, and water rescues. This department also handles fire code inspections and life safety education for businesses and residents.

Animal Care and Regulation runs the animal shelter and enforces animal control laws. They help lost pets find their way home, adopt out animals, and make sure pet owners follow licensing rules. If you find a stray dog or need to license your pet, this is the department to contact.

The Finance Department manages the borough's money. They collect property taxes, process payments, and keep track of how taxpayer dollars are spent. When you pay your taxes or need information about borough fees, you will work with this office. Tax questions, requests for corrections and waivers, and budgets start with this department. This department distributes property tax portions to the cities that charge that, which is why you don’t get two bills.

Information Technology keeps the borough's computers, phones, and mapping systems running. They maintain the geographic information system that creates maps showing property boundaries, roads, and other important features. CAD and GIS are under this department, as well.

The Borough Attorney provides legal advice to the Mayor and Assembly. The Borough Clerk keeps official records, manages elections, and maintains meeting minutes. Both offices help ensure the borough follows the law and operates transparently.

To learn more about any department, visit the borough website at matsugov.us. You can find contact information, office hours, and details about services. The website also lists upcoming Borough Assembly meetings where you can watch decisions being made or speak during public comment periods.

Your local government works best when residents stay informed and involved. Knowing which department to contact saves time and helps you get results. Whether you need a building permit, want to report a road problem, or have questions about your tax bill, the right department is ready to help. Remember, too, that each department has divisions within it that specialize on a specific part of their duties. The department will get you to the correct person.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.