Wrangell Sentinel -

More than 63% of Sitka voters cast ballots Oct. 3 to approve a 1% seasonal sales tax increase to provide more funding for school repairs and construction.

The ballot measure will raise the sales tax from 5% to 6% from April 1 through Sept. 30, starting next year.

The sales tax passed 1,058 to 594.

Sitka had a 1% seasonal sales tax for 20 years to cover the city’s share of school construction bonds, but it ended June 30 this year when the tax had raised enough to pay off the bonds. The new seasonal tax addition approved by voters this month is permanent and will raise an estimated $2.4 mil...