The Haines Borough will budget an additional $86,217 for employee health insurance costs in the upcoming fiscal year, an 18 percent increase from last year. The local government will pay $554,676 to care for its workers next year. Following action at last week’s assembly meeting, the borough will pay $1,102 per employee per month, and workers will […]
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Posted inNews
ATVs on local roads? Borough gets request
The Haines Borough Assembly next month is expected to introduce an ordinance that would permit all-terrain vehicles to operate on borough streets and roads. The topic was a discussion item at Tuesday’s assembly meeting, at the request of members Jerry Lapp and Scott Rossman. “I think a lot of people could save money on gas with this, and I […]
Posted inNews
Tax appeals: 32 get cut in assessments
Resident Dave Stickler’s Monday appearance before the Haines Borough Board of Equalization slashed $146,200 from the assessed value of a 25 Mile Haines Highway property intended for use as a gravel pit. Assessor Mike Renfro earlier recommended a valuation of $185,800 for the 19.8 acres. Members of the Haines Borough Assembly acting as the Board of Equalization to consider […]
Posted inNews
Assembly OKs hike in wharfage rates; Fast ferry docking fee approved
Following a fourth public hearing on increasing rates for using Lutak Dock, the Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday adopted the ordinance without discussing member Scott Rossman’s proposal to freeze rates at 2011 levels. “I could maybe choke down this 2011 increase, but why do we have to do this immediate ramp-up for the next five years?” Rossman asked. “I […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Redistricting position gets 2nd look; Language about group’s map raises questions
The Haines Borough Assembly voted 4-1 Tuesday in support of a redistricting plan that includes Haines and Skagway in a state House district with Petersburg, Wrangell, Kake, Hoonah, Angoon, Pelican, Yakutat, Metlakatla and Prince of Wales Island. Assemblyman Steve Vick cast the dissenting vote, asking to eliminate language in the resolution that tilted the borough’s support toward a map […]
Posted inNews
Assembly reduces proposed hike in Lutak Dock rates
The Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday trimmed proposed rate increases for using Lutak Dock. Business representatives had met with borough manager Mark Earnest to share their concerns about the ordinance, which could have increased wharfage to $7.50 per ton for general cargo, up from $2; and the rate for explosives and other hazardous cargo to $20, from $8. “We have worked […]
Posted inNews
Lapp looks back on 33 years at 33 Mile
When Kathi and Jerry Lapp took over 33 Mile Roadhouse in 1977, the place was lit with propane lights, the gasoline pump out front was operated by a hand crank and customers were served water from a spring on the property. “It was pretty self-sufficient,” Jerry, 62, said this week. The owner of a bar and restaurant […]
Posted inNews
Assembly OKs 2,600 skier-days
After a fifth public hearing to discuss a revised helicopter skiing ordinance, the Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday adopted an ordinance that would permit up to three operators to share a 2,600 skier-day limit. The ordinance passed 5-1, with member Greg Goodman opposed. He said the ordinance was “on the right track,” but still flawed. Borough manager Mark […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Borough incompetent on heli-skiing
Thanks to the borough assembly and manager for incompetently managing heli-skiing. During 2010, SEABA violated their tour permit. The penalty for these violations was nothing! The borough assembly unanimously renewed SEABA’s permit on Jan. 25, with no penalty. In fact, the penalty appears to be expansion of skier days, and unlimited, un-managed, heli-skiing in expanded terrain. The […]
Posted inNews, Alaska Marine Highway System
Skagway, Haines mull joint projects
Hydropower and transportation were two items on what Mayor Jan Hill called a “limitless” list of potential areas for collaboration between the Haines Borough and Municipality of Skagway. “There’s so many things we could be doing together, but in order to do something well, we need to have a focus,” Hill said. She was in Juneau for a Southeast Conference […]