Mat-Su | Patty Sullivan | Friday, May 08, 2015

They flew in from Trapper Creek, drove 40 minutes from Talkeetna, and gathered in Willow, 150 or more residents, assembled to participate in the budget hearing with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly and staff last night. Key testimony centered on whether to raise the Willow fire service area mill rate to help a struggling fire department.

Property tax exemptions for up to $218,000 on a home for senior citizens and disabled veterans were a subject of budget debate. Deputy Mayor Ron Arvin said he was proud to author the legislation that put the recent disabled vet and senior exemption question on the ballot that voters approved last year. Others advocated for a three percent funding increase to the growing School District. Residents also testified on what they called unfair rate hikes for the Talkeetna Sewer & Water system.

Listen to the Willow meeting audio at this link in two files:

Listen to what may be Assembly Member Vern Halter?s sixth and last budget session. The Willow area Assembly Member?s term runs out in October. So too does Deputy Mayor Ron Arvin’s term. Hear Assembly Member remarks on the audio.

The public hearing for the proposed Borough budget is closed. Assembly Members will deliberate the budget on Monday, May 11, at 6 pm in Palmer at 350 E. Dahlia Ave. Another budget meeting is set for May 13, same place, with an executive session on the M/V Susitna beginning at 6 pm.

To see budget communications between staff and Assembly Members visit the Borough Budget webpage. It’s found on the front of the website under Economy Spotlight or at this link: Budget Webpage Communications

For more information contact, Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan, 355-0103, psullivan@matsugov.us