For your information, the proposed 2008-2009 borough budget was presented to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly at the last assembly meeting. There is a copy of the budget available for public review at both the Homer Borough Annex and at the Homer Public Library. Also, the budget can be easily accessed via the borough Web page, http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us/. It is the first item under "Hot Topics."
The budget summary is an overview of the proposed budget. I urge you to review this information and welcome your input. The assembly will conduct public hearings on May 6 (in Seward), May 20 and June 3, anticipating passage on June 3. Written comments for the assembly should be addressed to the borough clerk, sbiggs@borough.kenai.ak.us and she will forward to assembly members.
Also at the assembly meeting, the assembly passed Resolution 2008-037, "A Resolution Establishing an Assembly Task Force to Examine Alternative/Optional Methods of Property Tax Assessment." This task force will consist of two assembly members, one member of the mayor's staff, two members of the assessing department, one member of finance, one member of legal department and four members from the public, one each from north, south, east and central.
All meetings will be advertised, open to the public and there will be provision for public comment at each.
We are hopeful of having the first meeting during the week of May 5, while the state assessor is in Soldotna. He has a proposal that we would like to hear, to change the assessing method from market value to replacement value.
However, I do believe this task force must look at what other states have done, what those impacts have been, review, compare all, with the goal of recommending an alternative assessment method that would be acceptable throughout the state. That is the goal.
I envision the task force will meet rather frequently until about Aug. 1. Once a method is selected and accepted by the assembly, it would be my plan for the assembly to present that to the Alaska Municipal League meeting in August to be included in the League's Policies for their legislative support, and then of course present to our legislative delegation.
These meetings will be advertised. Most will be in Soldotna, but I am hopeful we also can arrange meetings around the borough as well. There has been a request for teleconference, and staff is working on that. If so, notice will be given.
Lastly, the next Assembly meeting will be May 6 in Seward. There are two items up for public hearing and consideration of concern to Homer/ South Peninsula residents. One is Ordinance 2007-19-22, allocating bond interest earnings to the new construction at the South Peninsula Hospital. The second is Ordinance 2008-09, authorizing a negotiated lease with Kachemak Nordic Ski Club Inc. for land off Ohlson Mountain Road.
I did request a teleconference. However, because of the Seward city facility where we meet, there is only one phone line, and that is reserved for KBBI/KDLL to broadcast the meeting. Therefore, the teleconference will have to be in the afternoon, during the committee meetings. That teleconference opportunity will be advertised.
If any questions, please don't hesitate to call. It may take a day or two to get back to you, but I will call back.
Milli Martin represents District 9, the southern Kenai Peninsula on the borough assembly.
