According to a government specialist with the Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs, the Haines Borough Assembly “should have appointed somebody” to fill a vacated seat earlier this month, but “there’s no real code police” to enforce any penalty. Glen Hamburg, who advises and assists local governments, said the borough code is “quite clear” about a […]
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Posted inNews
ATV ordinance takes shape
By Krista Kielsmeier The Haines Borough Assembly on June 14 introduced an ordinance that would permit the operation of all-terrain vehicles on borough streets and roads. The ordinance sets a speed limit of 25 miles per hour for ATVs and is scheduled for a first public hearing Tuesday in the assembly chambers. Under the ordinance, each borough-permitted […]
Posted inElections, News
Open seat to be decided in vote; Assembly can’t agree; one member suggests pulling name out of hat
After a two-hour stalemate and failed compromise Monday, the five remaining members of the Haines Borough Assembly ditched the appointment process to fill a vacated seat and instead will leave the decision to the voters, while acknowledging the delay may violate borough code. Mayor Jan Hill said she was upset by the assembly’s refusal to compromise to reach the […]
Posted inNews
Borough tax rate to hold steady
An increased allocation of state money for community jails allowed the Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday to adopt a budget that holds the tax rate steady in the townsite service area. Borough manager Mark Earnest previously proposed a .29 mill increase in the townsite, from 11.26 to 11.55, for the upcoming fiscal year that starts July 1. A mill […]
Posted inNews
Borough helicopter group has yet to meet on 2011 season
Due to scheduling conflicts, the Haines Borough’s mayor-appointed helicopter skiing work group has yet to meet for an evaluation of this year’s season, said borough manager Mark Earnest. Following five public hearings to discuss a revised heli-skiing ordinance, the Haines Borough Assembly in March adopted an ordinance permitting up to three operators to share a 2,600-skier-day limit […]
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 inLetters to the Editor
HARK appreciates business donations
The Haines Animal Rescue Kennel (HARK) would like to thank the local businesses and individuals who helped support us during our recent membership meeting. Thank you to King’s Store, The Babbling Book, Alaska Side and Buckshot & Bobbypins for donating door prizes. We’d also like to express our gratitude to Howsers IGA for the gift […]
Posted inNews
Trailer homes escape taxes
The Haines Borough Assembly may look at reimposing property taxes on mobile homes. Mobile homes previously were taxed under the borough’s business property tax, along with heavy equipment, fishing boats, and other money-making property, until that tax was repealed in 2009. Rescinding the tax meant that residents who live in trailers in trailer parks, […]
Posted inThank You Letters
Thanks for help with Japan relief effort
A wave of community effort and good will helped raise more than $5,000 to aid Japanese tsunami victims through the Modest Japanese Dinner and Auction of Immodest Desserts on March 29. Many thanks go to Haines People for Peace for launching the idea and to more community members than can be named here for bringing […]
Posted inNews
Assembly OKs 3rd heli-skiing company
The Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday approved Alaska Mountain Guides (AMG) as the third helicopter skiing tour operator in the borough. The assembly voted 5-0 to approve AMG’s permit application. Member Greg Goodman was absent. AMG applied for a permit last year, and the assembly delayed action so a mayor-appointed work group could make recommendations on a […]