150 Attend Budget Hearing in Willow

They flew in from Trapper Creek, others drove 40 minutes from Talkeetna, and some gathered from Willow, 150 or more residents in all, 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.

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.

For more information contact, Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan, 355-0103, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.