Should the Haines Borough weigh in on a statewide initiative that, if passed, would legalize the recreational use and commercial sale of marijuana in Alaska? Assembly member Dave Berry Tuesday proposed a resolution opposing Proposition 2, the ballot measure Alaska residents will vote on during the general election Nov. 4. The assembly voted 4-1 to schedule a […]
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Seniors’ tax break costing borough $300K
Discount days at local businesses aren’t the only perks older residents enjoy. More and more property owners age 65 and older are applying for senior property tax exemptions, and that’s costing the Haines Borough. The borough estimates the state-mandated exemption will cost the municipality $310,000 in lost property taxes in fiscal year 2015, up from $270,000 […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Mayor Scott to seek re-election
Haines Borough Mayor Stephanie Scott has made up her mind to fight for another three-year term at the borough’s helm. To date, the mayor’s race includes Scott and former Mayor Jan Hill, who have declared their plans to run. “I realized that if people are waiting for me to make a decision and they are going to make their decision […]
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Voters may cast ballots on school improvements
The Haines Borough Assembly is deliberating whether to put to voters more than $4.7 million in bonds for school capital improvements. Projects that may be included on the Oct. 7 ballot include high school roof replacement ($1.8 million), vocational education building mechanical upgrades ($1.7 million), high school air handling unit replacement ($412,000), high school locker room renovations […]
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Borough brass to staff booth at fairgrounds
Haines Borough employees and elected officials will be manning a booth at the Southeast Alaska State Fair this year. Manager David Sosa said staff members will be paid for their time at the booth. Sosa, clerk Julie Cozzi, public facilities director Carlos Jimenez, chief fiscal officer Jila Stuart, police chief Bill Musser, tourism director […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Sales tax delinquents owe borough $229K
The Haines Borough is moving against three businesses that owe an estimated $229,000 in back sales taxes, interest and penalties. According to chief fiscal officer Jila Stuart, outstanding assessed amounts include $165,000 from the Mosquito Lake lodge Funny Farm, $36,000 from Haines Sanitation/Community Waste Solutions and $28,000 from the food stand Hog Heaven. The assembly last week […]
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Intruders at Mosquito Lake School
Trespassers apparently have been helping themselves to the recently vacated Mosquito Lake School. Jim Stanford, a Mosquito Lake resident charged with checking on the building, said he has found its door propped open several times in the past week despite locking the building. “Somebody has been getting into the school, but it seems as if […]
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Culbeck, 2 others vie for development job
The Haines Borough received three applications for the new community and economic development director position by Tuesday’s deadline, including one from former executive assistant to the manager Darsie Culbeck. The applicants include Culbeck, Paul Gorte of Joliet, Ill., and Earl Rinio of Sparta, Tenn. The position’s starting annual salary is $62,000 and includes medical benefits, Public Employees’ […]
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Downtown group members question role, power
Members of the Haines Borough’s Downtown Revitalization Committee on Monday found themselves at odds with the municipality’s structure and vision for the group. The group met in a 90-minute workshop discussion instead of a meeting, due to a lack of quorum. Members Harriet Brouillette, Christy Tengs Fowler and Kristine Harder were absent. Members Heather Lende […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Packets available for office seekers
Haines Borough residents interested in running for Mayor or assembly can now pick up candidate filing applications at the borough administration office or access them online. Seats held by Mayor Stephanie Scott, assembly member Debra Schnabel and assembly member Jerry Lapp are up for grabs. The filing period opens Aug. 1 and closes Aug. 20. Scott, who will be finishing her first three-year […]