Anchorage Assembly discusses possible new sales tax, confirms 9 executive appointments
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The Anchorage Assembly discussed a proposal for a new city sales tax at their meeting Wednesday evening, a contentious proposition for residents.
Wednesday night was the first time the sales tax proposal was open for public hearing, which was postponed until Dec. 3.
The proposal is a part of Project Anchorage, an initiative sponsored by several Anchorage businesses to fund public works projects and cut property taxes. Public comment on the proposal was mixed, with the majority in favor and several against the proposal.
The president and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation said in August that a sales tax could make Anchorage a better place to live.
Under AEDC’s proposed 3% sales tax idea — which UAA’s Center for Economic Development has estimated could generate $180 million a year — the city would use two-thirds of the money to lower property taxes, while one-third would go for capital improvement projects suggested by the public.
Also on the agenda was a motion to increase a line of credit for the Port of Alaska to make improvements, mandatory ID checks for sales of alcohol, and an ordinance to make street parking free for people with disabilities or mobility impairments.
Nine executive appointments made by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s office passed confirmation from the Assembly, including:
- Kimberly Rash as Director of Health and Human Services
- Chris Hunter as Purchasing Director
- Susan H. Marshall as Information Technology Director
- Melinda T. Kohlhaas as Municipal Engineer
- Philippe D. Brice as Chief Fiscal Officer
- Melisa Babb as Planning Director
- Alden P. Thern as Internal Auditor
- George Conway as Chief Medical Officer
- Kent E. Kohlhase as Public Works Director
Wednesday was the first time the Anchorage Assembly has confirmed a Chief Medical Officer after a ballot proposition added the position to the list of Assembly-confirmed appointments in April.
The Assembly passed the credit increase for the Port of Alaska amounts to $180 million, along with two other measures to modernize the port by making significant improvements to Terminals 1 and 2 and several of the port’s buildings.
The public was heard on an ordinance to require mandatory ID checks for the sale of all alcoholic beverages within Anchorage; the ordinance was slated to be heard again at the Assembly meeting on Dec. 3.
Wednesday was also the last night for public hearing on the 2025 budget before its amendment and approval, with over two dozen people lined up to give comment on the budget.
The Assembly also congratulated Sophie Mizak-Goozmer for her 49 years of service to the Municipality of Anchorage as a librarian.
The next Assembly meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 19.
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