What a waste of time and energy. We’ve been there, done that, appealed all the way to the Alaska Supreme Court, divided the community, cost taxpayers thousands of dollars and all for nothing. For me, Karen Hess and her committee are showing their true colors by constantly litigating any time she doesn’t get her way, […]
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Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Is proposed ballot language too taxing for voters? Assembly considers wording for tour tax public vote
Shall a proposed Haines Borough ordinance that “eliminates the designation of one percent of borough-wide sales tax proceeds for use in tourism development and promotion of economic development from Section 3.80.220(A) of the Haines Borough Code become law effective July 1, 2012?” Members of the Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday said they want some of the above words changed to help […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Local citizens group files applications for recall
By Margaret Friedenauer and Krista Kielsmeier A local citizens group on Friday filed applications for recall of Haines Borough Assembly members Daymond Hoffman, Steve Vick and Joanne Waterman. The Haines Recall Committee officially filed the paperwork with the Alaska Public Offices Commission and the borough to initiate the recall effort. Resident Jim Shook is named as chairman. Assembly members Jerry Lapp and […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Assembly takes steps to put tour tax on ballot
The Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday showed support for placing the borough’s 1 percent municipal sales tax dedicated for tourism promotion and economic development back on the ballot, possibly as early as the October municipal election. Mayor Jan Hill put the tax on the agenda as a discussion item following a request from resident Sally McGuire, who has considered […]
Posted inNews
Expert: Assembly violated code
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 […]
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 health costs up 18 percent
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 […]
Posted inNews
Doggone it! Burglars steal 2 dogs at HARK
Two apparent pranksters squeezed through a pet door to nab two dogs from the Haines Animal Rescue Kennel last week, then took the animals to a party, according to Steve Vick, HARK executive director. “I think that whoever did it probably thinks, ‘Oh, we’re breaking dogs from jail,’ but what they did is they took dogs […]
Posted inNews
Manager gets $6K salary increase
The Haines Borough’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes a $6,000 pay increase for borough manager Mark Earnest. Earnest will earn $106,000 annually. He was set for a pay raise earlier this year, when Mayor Jan Hill and Haines Borough Assembly members discussed his performance at a March executive session, but the assembly did not approve the increase […]
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 […]