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1 day ago

Assembly reviews FY2027 budget assumptions; staff directed to pursue library talks and options to shore LEF Finance Director Charlene Thomas presented FY2027 budget assumptions (2% COLA, 10% health insurance increase, $400,000 added transient occupancy revenue); assembly discussed school district central-treasury liabilities, a $3.5M oil-spill appropriation awaiting insurance reimbursement, transit subsidy/CPV fund allocations and library funding; staff were given direction to negotiate with the city on the library contract and to include transient-occupancy revenue changes in the budget ordinance process.

Finance Director Charlene Thomas just unveiled the FY2027 budget assumptions, revealing potential risks from oil spills to school funding that could reshape the borough's financial future.

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1 day ago

Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly approves rezones, codifies loan rules and adds $1.296M for schools At a March 30 special meeting the assembly approved rezoning and finance ordinances, adopted rules for Land Trust interfund loans, and approved a $1,296,015 supplemental appropriation to the FY2026 local education fund while pressing the district for clearer reporting.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly just approved major changes, including a $1.296M boost for schools and new zoning measures that could reshape local neighborhoods!

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1 day ago

Ketchikan school district warns it may not be able to cover June payroll; borough officials weigh contingency steps School district officials told the Ketchikan Gateway Borough assembly liaison committee they expect to meet payroll through May but likely lack cash to cover June pay without borough support; members discussed a March MOA with the Department of Education, $5.41 million in sequestered funds, and an upcoming board vote to close two schools.

The Ketchikan school district is facing a financial crisis and may not cover June payroll without borough assistance, sparking urgent discussions among assembly members about potential solutions.

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1 day ago

Assembly adopts 2026 Trails Master Plan to prioritize Rainbird, Coast Guard Beach and connectivity projects The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly unanimously adopted the 2026 Trails Master Plan on April 6, endorsing 11 key project recommendations and prioritizing Rainbird Trail, Carlana Lake, Coast Guard Beach and Black Sands Beach for action over the next five years.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly has officially adopted the 2026 Trails Master Plan, setting the stage for exciting enhancements to local trails like Rainbird and Coast Guard Beach over the next five years!

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1 day ago

Ketchikan school board rejects FY2026–27 budget in first reading after hours of public testimony and heated debate After more than two hours of public testimony and extended board questioning about staffing, special programs and underfunded operating lines, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District board voted 0–7 to fail the FY2026–27 budget in first reading, and directed staff to return with a revised proposal accounting for roughly $1.0–1.3 million in shortfalls.

In a contentious meeting, the Ketchikan school board rejected the FY2026–27 budget, leaving critical educational programs and staffing in jeopardy as community voices call for action.

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1 day ago

Assembly hears hours of testimony on Salmon Falls rezone; conditional amendment fails and decision deferred The assembly held a lengthy second public hearing April 6 on Ketchikan Indian Community's Salmon Falls rezone request to general commercial. Staff recommended approval of three parcels, the planning commission recommended denial; a proposed conditional-rezone amendment failed 4, and the assembly deferred final action to its continuation meeting after extended debate and public testimony.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly faces a contentious decision on the rezoning of the former Salmon Falls resort, with passionate voices from both supporters advocating for a healing center and opponents warning of potential legal pitfalls.

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1 month ago

Residents urge borough to act on roadside campers, Herring Cove restrooms and a proposed sales‑tax cap hike Three residents used public comment to press the borough: Barbara Bigelow urged action on long‑term campers in state rights‑of‑way; Mary Stevenson urged prioritizing restrooms and parking at Herring Cove ahead of summer tourism; Janie Henderson questioned a reported proposal to raise the sales‑tax cap from $2,000 to $6,000 and warned of local affordability impacts.

Residents are sounding the alarm on critical issues in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, from roadside campers to the urgent need for restrooms at Herring Cove and a controversial sales-tax cap hike.

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1 month ago

Transit director proposes downtown 'free zone' and shuttle changes to ease berth‑4 congestion Transit Director Kian Reeves reported record ridership and proposed a pilot summer plan that shortens downtown shuttle loops, expands a downtown free‑boarding zone to increase frequency, adds a peak‑hour green line, and raises the out‑of‑zone re‑boarding fare to $5 to encourage mobile ticketing.

Ketchikan's transit system just hit a record year for ridership, and exciting changes are coming this summer to ease downtown congestion and boost convenience for riders!

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1 month ago

Assembly backs Southeast seafood modernization project after debate over disaster funding The assembly voted to support Resolution 31‑67, joining a regional seafood industry working group to pursue disaster‑supplemental funding for infrastructure, workforce and equipment; the motion carried 6‑1 after an amendment and debate over whether the grant fit the landslide disaster designation.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly just voted to support a bold seafood modernization initiative, but not without fierce debate over the use of disaster funding!

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2 months ago

Assembly frames repayment plan after audit finds $5.4M central‑treasury shortfall tied to school district Following presentation of a $5.4 million central‑treasury payable tied to the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, the Assembly directed staff to assume repayment and to assess interest consistent with borough service‑district practice; it asked staff to prepare an LEF appropriation ordinance reflecting a multi‑year repayment (Assembly supported a three‑year schedule).

The Ketchikan Assembly just approved a bold three-year repayment plan for a staggering $5.4 million shortfall tied to the school district, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and future budgeting.

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2 months ago

Ketchikan Gateway Borough directs staff to prepare ordinance raising single‑unit sales‑tax exemption to $6,000 as FY27 budget work begins The Assembly on Jan. 23 directed staff to draft an ordinance increasing the single‑unit sales‑tax exemption from $2,000 to $6,000 (effective 07/01/2026), citing an estimated $1.2 million boost to general‑fund reserves. The move is part of a package of FY27 budget assumptions staff will use while preparing appropriation proposals.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough is set to raise the single-unit sales-tax exemption to $6,000, potentially bringing in an extra $1.2 million for vital services!

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2 months ago

Borough, contractor say school remains open while remediation, permanent vapor system planned after Point Higgins diesel spill Ketchikan Gateway Borough and contractor Nortek Environmental reported removal of contaminated soil and repeated indoor-air monitoring after a late‑August diesel release at a school. Officials say occupied areas currently test well below their action threshold while a permanent vapor barrier and extraction system are planned and out for bid.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough officials assure the community that the school remains safe as extensive remediation efforts continue following a diesel spill, with plans for a permanent vapor barrier and extraction system underway.

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2 months ago

Planning commission postpones two Baranoff/Denali housing cases after neighbors cite parking, drainage After lengthy public testimony from longtime residents, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Commission postponed two conditional‑use permit requests — a triplex and a four‑family dwelling — citing unresolved parking and drainage concerns; both cases were moved to the March 10, 2026 meeting.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Commission has postponed crucial housing projects amid growing concerns from residents over parking and drainage issues.

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2 months ago

Ketchikan Indian Community seeks rezone for Salmon Falls; planning commission forwards denial recommendation for FD parcels after long hearing Ketchikan Indian Community asked to rezone Salmon Falls parcels to general commercial to establish a culturally grounded residential treatment center and marina support; residents raised concerns about covenants, infrastructure and access; the commission amended its recommendation and forwarded denial for rezoning the FD parcels to the borough assembly.

The Ketchikan Indian Community's ambitious plan to transform Salmon Falls into a culturally grounded treatment center faces fierce local opposition and a crucial decision from the planning commission.

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2 months ago

Parents and staff press Ketchikan school board over diesel odors at Point Higgins Elementary Public commenters and the teachers' union raised safety concerns about diesel odors and contaminated materials at Point Higgins Elementary; the interim superintendent and the school principal said monitoring and state reviews show no contaminants of concern and described next steps, including a permanent vapor barrier and follow-up sampling.

Parents and staff are demanding answers from the Ketchikan school board over alarming diesel odors and safety concerns at Point Higgins Elementary—will their voices be heard?

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2 months ago

Borough approves audit of central treasury and $1.12M FTA land buy for transit expansion The assembly adopted Ordinance 2095 to appropriate $30,000 for an internal audit of the borough’s central treasury and education funding processes and $1,124,800 from an FTA grant to buy land adjacent to the transit facility. The assembly also directed the borough attorney to research and report on violations related to district finances.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough just took a bold step by approving a $30,000 audit of its treasury controls and securing over $1.1 million for transit facility expansion!

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4 months ago

Ketchikan Gateway Borough planning commission forwards 2035 comprehensive plan to assembly after extensive amendments The planning commission voted Nov. 12 to forward the borough2035 comprehensive plan to the borough assembly with numerous amendments, adding language on food security, tourism management, utilities and feasibility studies for long-range transportation and berth electrification.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Commission has just advanced a transformative 2035 comprehensive plan, aiming to enhance community food security, childcare access, and long-term infrastructure studies!

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5 months ago

Residents urge extension of public comment on Alcan timber proposal; borough awaits timber-cruise data Multiple residents urged the borough to extend the public comment period on Alcan Timber’s proposed harvest on Gravina Island and above Bear Valley until detailed timber-cruise (inventory/value) data are available. Speakers raised concerns about high-value old-growth trees, post-harvest debris, loss of developable land, and potential impacts to cre

Residents are rallying for more time to weigh in on the controversial Alcan timber-harvest proposal, citing potential risks to valuable old-growth forests and community land.

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5 months ago

Shellfish growers ask assembly to reconsider geoduck hatchery lease, cite 20-year finance need Paul Fuess of the Ketchikan Shellfish Growers Cooperative told the assembly the group resubmitted a hatchery lease application after construction-cost increases tied to steel tariffs required a revised financing plan. He said the project needs a 20-year lease to secure financing, expects to produce 500,000 seed per year, and is not requesting money

The Ketchikan Shellfish Growers Cooperative is back with a revamped plan for a geoduck hatchery, seeking a crucial 20-year lease to secure financing and boost local production to 500,000 seeds a year!

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5 months ago

Assembly adopts higher community solid-waste disposal fee amid cost pressures After a staff presentation and no public testimony, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly adopted Ordinance 2091 to raise the community residential disposal fee from $23.57 to $27.34 per month. The ordinance passed 5–1; officials cited higher disposal and shipping costs and long-term capital needs at the Deer Mountain solid-waste facility.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly has approved a controversial increase in the community residential disposal fee, raising it from $23.57 to $27.34 to tackle rising operational costs and future needs at the Deer Mountain facility.

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5 months ago

Assembly backs PILT parity efforts, urges congressional support for Senate Bill 1175 and NACO 'side B' The assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging federal action to improve Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) equity, endorsing Senate Bill 1175 (Small County PILT Parity Act) and the NACO 'side B' minimum-funding proposal as ways to better compensate jurisdictions with large federal landholdings and small local populations.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly is pushing for federal support to make Payments In Lieu of Taxes fairer for communities burdened by vast federal lands!

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5 months ago

#NoKings 2.0
(10/18/2025)

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5 months ago

District social work program faces funding cliff, staff shortages, leaders warn Lead social worker Katie Frutiger told the board RISE social work staffing is down and a federal grant supporting the program expires Sept. 30, 2026, putting continued in-school counseling and outreach at risk.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough’s crucial RISE social work program is in jeopardy, facing staff shortages and an impending funding cliff that could leave students without vital support.

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5 months ago

Board approves agenda, elects officers, accepts superintendent resignation and grants leave request At its Oct. 22 meeting the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and consent calendar, elected officers by ballot, accepted Superintendent Ford Slack's resignation (effective Nov. 14, 2025), entered a work session on interim leadership planning, and approved a year of leave without pay for a staff‑

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board has made pivotal decisions, including accepting the superintendent's resignation and electing new officers—what's next for the district?

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5 months ago

Ketchikan schools warn staffing gap in IT threatens device, testing and security support Technology supervisor Jurgen Johansen told the school board the district is below minimum IT staffing, with one field technician now supporting thousands of devices and hundreds of servers — leaving classroom technology, testing and compliance at risk.

Ketchikan schools are facing a critical IT staffing shortage, with just one technician managing over 3,200 devices, jeopardizing technology support for students and teachers.

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5 months ago

Assembly holds work session on options to refill Local Education Fund; PILT and sales-tax cap among ideas Finance staff and assembly members discussed shifting revenue sources, indexing a sales-tax single-item cap, and other options to close an estimated $1.3 million gap in the Local Education Fund for FY26.

Ketchikan's Assembly is racing against time to refill the Local Education Fund, exploring innovative revenue options to bridge a $1.3 million gap for schools!

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5 months ago

Scientists warn of spreading European green crab in Ketchikan; public permitted response required University and state speakers described recent finds of invasive European green crab around Ketchikan, urged public education and explained state permitting rules for control and removal.

Ketchikan is facing an invasion of aggressive European green crabs that threaten local salmon and crab populations—are we ready to fight back?

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6 months ago

Ketchikan Assembly Cancels Lease Authority with Shellfish Growers Cooperative Due to Incomplete Information Ketchikan Assembly votes to cancel lease negotiations with Shellfish Growers for missing required documents.

Ketchikan's Assembly takes bold action to tackle environmental challenges and unlock local resources, including a $2.4 million response to a diesel spill and the sale of surplus property.

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6 months ago

School Board Plans Parent Teacher Conferences and Upcoming Meetings Board members will host listening sessions during parent teacher conferences next week.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board is ready to connect with families during parent-teacher conferences next week, featuring exclusive listening sessions for direct engagement.

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6 months ago

School Board Passes Consent Agenda and Discusses Student Engagement Opportunities Board approves consent agenda and shares experiences from student engagement at K High.

Ketchikan's School Board is taking bold steps to enhance local education, from fair compensation for educators to fostering student engagement through vital discussions.

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