(331) stories found containing 'sales tax'
Sorted by date Results 51 - 75 of 331
Federal pandemic relief aid made big difference in Wrangell
Wrangell’s economy has been in decline since long before the COVID-19 pandemic erupted three years ago. But the economy — meaning jobs, businesses and families — would be a lot worse off if not for federal assistance. Oppose federal spending...
Total assessed property values up 56% from last year as borough corrects inequities
A comprehensive review of assessments on every piece of property in the borough has resulted in total taxable values 56% higher than last year. That doesn’t necessarily mean this year’s tax bills will increase. The actual tax rate multiplied...
State senator tries again for e-cigarette tax and raising age to 21
Nearly six months after Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed a bill aimed at reducing youth use of electronic cigarettes, its primary sponsor is trying again to pass similar legislation. Senate President Gary Stevens on March 1 introduced Senate Bill 89, which... Full story
There is hope for redeveloping hospital property
A group of developers has offered the borough $350,000 for the former hospital property, which is $120,000 less than the new asking price and $480,000 less than the old asking price of last year. But what’s really new is that anyone is offering...
Alaskans heading south, which is not good
For the 10th year in a row, more Alaskans moved out last year than new residents moved in. That’s a draining fact, with no real plan to plug the leak. To confirm the Alaska Department of Labor’s statistics about population and persistent...
Borough commits $2.2 million to develop residential subdivision
The borough’s target date is 2024 for the sale of the first 22 residential lots in the proposed subdivision of the former Wrangell Institute property upland from Shoemaker Bay. The assembly last month approved $2.2 million for installing utilities...
The Way We Were
Nov. 2, 1922 The Civic Club held its monthly meeting last Saturday at the library and went on record in favor of legislation giving women the right to serve as jurors. All women voters of Wrangell are urged to go to the polls at the coming election...
Borough can hold $291,000 unforeseen state payment as cushion for bond debt
Wrangell has received $291,566 that it was owed by the state but never expected to receive, and could hold it as a cushion to soften the debt payments on bonds to repair school buildings and the Public Safety Building. Borough Finance Director Mason...
Ballot includes bond issues, mill property, mayor and 7 other borough officials
It’s been 12 years since Wrangell voters were asked to approve the borough taking on debt, and next Tuesday’s municipal election ballot will include two such proposals to repair worn-down public buildings. The Oct. 4 ballot also will include the...
Vote yes on bonds; repairs will not get any cheaper
Time may heal all wounds — but that doesn’t apply to old buildings. Time just makes them worse and more expensive. That’s the case with Wrangell’s school buildings and Public Safety Building, which are all three or four decades old. All are...
Courson running for mayor, declines new media interviews
Terry Courson, a firearms instructor and retired police officer, is running for borough mayor. Though he declined interviews with KSTK and the Sentinel, he has posted flyers around Wrangell outlining his stances and experience. Courson served on the...
Walker, Gara say new revenues needed to pay for public services, projects
In a Sept. 21 candidate forum hosted in Fairbanks by the Alaska Chamber of Commerce, Democratic governor candidate Les Gara and independent candidate Bill Walker said that if elected they would seek new state revenue to pay for a variety of projects... Full story
Borough works to reduce need for property taxes to repay bonds
Officials believe the borough can cover the entire annual debt payment on $3.5 million in school maintenance bonds by taking advantage of strong sales tax revenues and higher federal aid payments — without turning to property taxes. State lease...
The Way We Were
Sept. 21, 1922 The Wrangell Parent-Teacher Association held its first meeting for the school year last Thursday night. There was a good attendance. Several matters pertaining to the welfare of the...
Borough contracts for reassessment of all property in town
The borough followed through on discussions from earlier this summer and the assembly last week approved a contract for reassessment of the value of all commercial and residential properties in the community. The intent is not to raise revenue ...
Property reassessment isn't about raising taxes
The borough assembly and staff spent a fair amount of time at last week’s assembly meeting, explaining the intent of a contract with an appraisal firm to reassess the value of all the property in town. Homes, businesses, industrial properties,...
High fuel costs particularly painful in rural Alaska towns
Throughout rural Alaska, the summer’s fuel barges arrived with loads of diesel, heating fuel and a big bill for cities and boroughs. Away from Alaska’s road system and along western and northern coasts that freeze in winter, fuel arrives by...
City of Ketchikan changes to different seasonal sales tax rates
The Ketchikan City Council on Aug. 18 voted to adopt a seasonal sales tax rate structure. The current 4% rate within the city limits will increase to 5.5% from April 1 through Sept. 30, and will drop to 3% from Oct. 1 through March 31 each year. The...
Property assessments worth a full review
Probably no one enjoys paying property taxes. It’s a big check, rather than a few dimes or dollars in sales taxes each time at the register. But it’s an essential part of the municipal budget, second only to sales taxes in bringing in revenue to...
Borough wants to undertake comprehensive review of property assessments
Looking to ensure that all property is taxed fairly and equitably, the borough is considering a reassessment of all residential and commercial properties for next year’s tax bills. The goal is for assessments to be consistent and “fair and...
Southeast towns look for answers to limited public restrooms
Most every town in Southeast faces a similar summer problem: Boatloads of visitors and not enough public toilets. Some communities have built additional restrooms, and Sitka this summer is paying downtown businesses willing to open their facilities...
State allows distilleries to sell premixed drinks in small kegs to bars, restaurants
Alaska’s state alcohol regulator is declining to stop distilleries from selling kegs of premixed cocktails despite a warning by federal regulators, who have concluded that the process is illegal. The Alaska Alcohol Control Board has rescinded an...
Assembly approves borough budget
The borough assembly approved a budget for the fiscal year that started last Friday similar to past years — no increase in property tax or sales tax rates, and with more than half of the total spending going to the self-supporting operations of...
Suspending gas tax doesn't deserve any mileage
Election-year politics have a way of bringing bad ideas to the top — when they belong at the bottom of the settling pond. Yes, fuel prices are high, painfully so in many communities and particularly so for people and businesses that have no choice...
Borough buys new garbage truck; delivery could take a year
Garbage trucks are no different than all the other things consumers order but have to wait an extra-long time to arrive. The borough is spending almost $300,000 on a new garbage can and dumpster picker-upper and trash-hauling truck. The company told...