The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly meets in regular session on Tuesday, rather than Monday because of Labor Day. One item up for consideration is a sales-tax holiday on Oct. 4.
The Ketchikan City Council already approved the sales-tax holiday, pending similar action by the Assembly. That day was chosen because it’s the first Saturday after the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend direct-deposit on Oct. 2.
Eliminating sales taxes for that single day cost the borough about $20,000 in revenue in 2012, and cost the city about $29,000, according to information in the Assembly packet.
In a letter of support submitted to the borough, Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce officials write that tax-free days are a big boost for local businesses.
Also on Monday, the Assembly will consider a couple of four-hands-direction requests from Borough Manager Dan Bockhorst. In his report, Bockhorst notes that the Ketchikan School Board has requested a special $10,000 appropriation from the borough to help pay for safety and training equipment for the high school football team.
Bockhorst notes that the football season already started, and would be over by the time an ordinance providing those funds could be officially approved. He requested direction from the Assembly, but recommends asking the School Board to make funding requests during its normal budget time.
In his report, Bockhorst also asks the Assembly for permission to send Planning Commission Member John Harrington to this year’s Southeast Conference, which will be held in Wrangell starting September 16th. Assembly Member Glen Thompson is already scheduled to go, but the budget has funds for two participants.
The Borough Assembly meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Assembly chambers at the White Cliff building. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.
