Voters decide to draw $450,000 from permanent fund, assembly surprised

On Oct. 6, Haines Borough voters surprised many assembly members by approving a one-time, $450,000 draw from the borough’s permanent fund principal to reimburse savings accounts for unanticipated costs associated with school bond debt payments. The proposition passed 634-561. Assembly members must now decide what to do with the money.

“I was surprised. I was disappointed,” newly reelected assembly member Jerry Lapp said. This summer, the assembly approved putting the proposition on the October ballot…