[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6518065,"mediaKeyId","5399483-bde0612b3f16f9791265bdedad8adac3","parentId",5399483,"title","Matanuska-Susitna Assembly pauses vote on 7¢ fuel excise tax after hours of public opposition","audioSeconds",9125,"startMs",1245000,"endMs",10370000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399483-bde0612b3f16f9791265bdedad8adac3&start=1245&end=10370","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399483-bde0612b3f16f9791265bdedad8adac3/thumbnail_1245000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518065/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Matanuska-Susitna-Assembly-pauses-vote-on-7-fuel-excise-tax-after-hours-of-public-opposition","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518065-9da33b97504225e6f2700bfb18858e7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770696097&Signature=OnA33GBhN9fuZPyRcAOWf2sBsv1c0NAZ0Do0dGKZMdjeRz3qraYc~v5~Op5j5Zkd5pZiehMKcoP1HUW474LsP~dnx20augb0ZTOUcCX8l~FR18g~0N7brM22Q0MIFbZAdPBVVN0pUl92DzsjE2uchrrBDTUZKyTjdtQ5f76TksEicB51JidUELauvfBaTSRk0PdqWyL3EkRTgJFp13mpeq1VW9tk4pG73BgsxVip-oQIYGsLr7Pb8WHgL6F7-GvRCrogfiqrIi0FpYG3y2gcFhzR91oymKJmTIcM00gYDsyG3LkwY2mCmpVjHtZRFgLb8QpdtEQuYW2OMopID4-TxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Matanuska-Susitna Borough","date","2025-07-16T06:53:32Z","article","The Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly postponed action on Ordinance 25‑076, a proposed 7¢ per gallon area‑wide fuel excise tax, to its Aug. 5 meeting after a long staff presentation, public hearing and multiple amendments.

Borough manager Mike Brown presented the ordinance as a “proposed solution” to rising debt service and voter‑approved transportation and school projects whose debt payments will increasingly drive the area‑wide mill rate. Brown said the county’s debt service portion of the mill rate could grow substantially as state participation tapers off and that a pay‑as‑you‑go excise tax could reduce pressure on property taxes and limit future bond sales. \"If not this, then we will continue to service annual debt payments with property taxes,\" Brown said during his staff report.

Brown described two prefiled amendments being considered alongside the ordinance: a sunset clause to require periodic reapproval, and an exemption for motor fuel sold to businesses with dedicated onsite storage for exclusive non‑road use (for example, heavy equipment). He also noted a companion resolution directing staff to show how any excise tax revenue would be incorporated in future budgets.

Public comment filled the chamber and continued online. More than three dozen residents and business owners testified; nearly all expressed opposition or urged changes. Frequent concerns included the cost to commuters and low‑income and fixed‑income households, uncertainty about how revenue would be used, and the burden on local small businesses that already face high transportation and goods costs.

\"We don't need any more taxes,\" said several speakers during public comment. Some urged deeper budget cuts and alternative revenue sources — suggestions included targeted surcharges (tourism‑linked fees, rental car taxes, license surcharges) or capturing other local revenue streams rather than a broad excise tax.

Supporters and some assembly members urged that the proposal start a public discussion about long‑term funding for roads and noted a possible equity argument: property taxes fall mainly on residents and landowners, while a fuel excise would capture some out‑of‑area users. Michelle Hune, a small business owner, said a modest excise collected transparently could be reasonable and proposed a reduced starting rate or a sunset clause. \"Start at 7¢, negotiate down to 4 or 3¢. Include a 3‑ to 5‑year sunset clause,\" she said.

Assembly debate produced two successful amendments before the postponement vote. The assembly voted to add a sunset provision (the adopted language sets the ordinance to expire on June 30, 2027 unless the assembly affirmatively extends it) and to limit a business‑tank exemption to diesel fuel deliveries for exclusive off‑road use, to reduce a potential loophole. The assembly also amended definition language and the small personal‑container threshold used in enforcement (from 10 gallons to 119 gallons) to align with hazardous materials and transport practices discussed at the meeting.

After debate, an assembly motion to postpone consideration to Aug. 5 carried. The clerk recorded the result and stated the motion passed with two assembly members noted in opposition in the record. The postponement will allow staff time to publish clarifying materials, including a public FAQ and revenue calculator, and to return with administrative estimates for exemptions, implementation costs and modeled revenue for the assembly and public to review before the next hearing.

What happens next: the ordinance and associated resolutions will return to the assembly on Aug. 5. Staff said it will prepare clearer cost estimates, samples of administrative burden to implement exemptions and a web calculator so residents can estimate household impact using miles driven and vehicle fuel economy.

The meeting record shows heavy turnout and sustained public participation on the proposal; assembly members repeatedly cited public concern and the need for clearer numbers as reasons to take more time. The postponement preserves the assembly’s option to adopt, amend further or reject the tax at the scheduled Aug. 5 hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Assembly Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly postponed action on Ordinance 25‑076, a proposed 7¢ per gallon area‑wide fuel excise tax, to its Aug. 5 meeting after extensive public comment and multiple amendments.","taxTitle","Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska","taxId",14460,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518055,"Votes at a glance: Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly actions, July 15, 2025",0,9570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399483-bde0612b3f16f9791265bdedad8adac3&start=9570&end=9570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399483-bde0612b3f16f9791265bdedad8adac3/thumbnail_9570000.jpg","/articles/6518055/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Votes-at-a-glance-MatanuskaSusitna-Borough-Assembly-actions-July-15-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518055-1974879a1b11fb0b1594d5e6728bc478/orig.mp4?Expires=1770696097&Signature=a4x8aQAgNjoBeDSwl4kavr0OzOHyxdpC0GZpD0rSspMauRRSCI5W4lO3JMCanSN0kTSHlvOEaBwqxMT7zpB8fSFqeV9jGkkjPoCeCK9q5I~KNy-WVNC51pvYsP1Wx5j3MRjlf3azhXrDlu81Ms~22xRdhV~oL-igcuMgKirMhysNg70U4rwsCn16qvMuRuDuArAnl7zvh7mCWwnyH0Xdi2r8wgB1T2f5sbk4~PocC7ujD7lehW7ERtYDk50QZIsdzvdxNfPDqBZm0o3vqk3VP69CjBmO9cp5-8wrG3YPX2AOkKIwQN48UplIJfFU0eXQ8WijAHQzVXCEIgFng-Swtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Key actions taken by the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly at the July 15, 2025 meeting (summarized; see minutes for full text):

- Ordinance 25‑061, Yarrow Road Natural Gas Local Improvement District (LID): Staff reported 14 ballots mailed; 12 returned; 8 yes, 4 no (8/12 = 66% of returned ballots), meeting the borough threshold of more than 54% required for contiguous LIDs. The assembly adopted the ordinance after a public hearing; the clerk recorded the vote as passed with one recorded assembly member opposed in the minutes. (Proponent testimony and ballot tallies in clerk’s report.)

- Ordinance 25‑068, Port McKenzie administration reassignment: Adopted without objection; transfers administration of land selection and development within the Port McKenzie Special Use District to port administration and directs port revenues to remain in the Port District enterprise fund.

- Ordinance 25‑077 / Resolution 25‑064: Approved an appropriation of $146,973 from the enhanced 9‑1‑1 fund balance to allow the City of Wasilla to obtain reimbursement for priority dispatch law‑enforcement protocol software.

- Ordinance 25‑078 / Resolution 25‑065: Accepted and appropriated $38,777.21 from the Matanuska Trails and Parks Foundation for trailhead and signage improvements (Matanuska Greenbelt Trail).

- Ordinance 25‑080: Approved the transfer of $200,000 from the West Lakes Fire Service Area fund balance for purchase of a used fire engine from Central Mat‑Su Fire, acknowledging an inter‑service arrangement.

- AM 25‑078: Authorized renewal of the borough’s financial software (Tyler Technologies / New World) for a three‑year term (total in ordinance text). Assembly discussion requested staff follow‑up on vendor evaluation and long‑term conversion costs; the item passed as read.

- AM 25‑075: Approved utility relocation costs for Crimson View Drive reconstruction (Dimanus Electric Association) and extended the completion date; moved and approved on the consent agenda.

- Multiple contract awards and administrative memoranda on the consent agenda were approved, including construction and equipment contracts and a tower lease agreement (see official minutes for contract numbers and amounts).

- Ordinance 25‑076 (7¢ area‑wide fuel excise tax): Postponed to Aug. 5, 2025 after extended public testimony, assembly amendments (added sunset and a diesel‑only business‑tank exemption) and assembly debate.

For full vote counts, motion text and recorded roll‑call votes see the clerk’s certification in the official minutes; the assembly record includes ballot tallies for the LID (14 mailed, 12 returned, 8 yes / 4 no) and recorded opposition on several measures where noted in the transcript.

If you need a copy of the adopted ordinances, resolutions or the clerk’s tally for the Yarrow Road LID, contact the borough clerk’s office or consult the posted meeting packet.","The assembly approved a mix of ordinances, grant appropriations and contracts. Highlights include adoption of land‑management changes for Port McKenzie (Ordinance 25‑068), approval of emergency dispatch software reimbursement, trail grant funds and a used fire engine purchase; a proposed 7¢ fuel excise tax (25‑076) was postponed to Aug. 5.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518060,"Assembly moves Port McKenzie land administration to port director, keeps revenues in port enterprise fund",589,7634000,8223000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399483-bde0612b3f16f9791265bdedad8adac3&start=7634&end=8223","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399483-bde0612b3f16f9791265bdedad8adac3/thumbnail_7634000.jpg","/articles/6518060/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-moves-Port-McKenzie-land-administration-to-port-director-keeps-revenues-in-port-enterprise-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518060-70febf2f9117f3624f238076edfb5331/orig.mp4?Expires=1770696097&Signature=nzqDEZv~JrYkrNblZuoxZa7OrtjdZHtF~ZXAxR4UYn1nROLtsSeMkQcPQrEtNUvhUCQW3KJbc6IXBukd0o9MD1BTQboRmiJeM8-jt92hruE3ptzYp813E-ZdGVsG7vPzS4GLEcHIv9tyI1RUM0i0UcMjDGEgRhC4kfHuS41qq6k4BvWNoq2qpLUIeqLlxvigt3JXWTzc4Jre0gy26~-doEicgliznAv~qzEYetWTNQWAAP79zveKSoDwYvyzx6jf215QDjMlf31~4nE0VF0gU6JI3EJayoMT5oV8ant39iCzfNQNrmOFvEu4cBF3xDiLY-tIT0n-da1bODfbiT9tcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly adopted Ordinance 25‑068 to amend borough code and reassign responsibility for administering land selection, management and development within the Port McKenzie Special Use District to port administration.

David Griffin, port director, told the assembly the Port District \"requires specialized attention\" and that the ordinance will allow the port administration — with consideration of the Port Commission’s recommendations — to manage borough lands in the district and to keep revenues generated by port activity within the Port District enterprise fund.

The change passed without objection at the July 15 meeting after staff presentations and public comment. Supporters at the public hearing said they viewed the shift as a way to streamline decision‑making and to position Port McKenzie for near‑term economic opportunities tied to regional industrial projects and potential tariff revenue.

Port director Griffin told the assembly the district contains roughly 9,000 acres, much of which is intertidal or water, and that the intent is for the port to operate more like an enterprise: \"Infrastructure maintenance and operational activities would be funded amongst itself similar to an enterprise fund,\" Griffin said. He added that operational revenues would reduce reliance on area‑wide tax dollars.

Public commenters who spoke at the hearing described economic and workforce benefits they anticipate if the port attracts freight, rail spurs and industrial development. Resident testimony specifically praised the ordinance as a step toward local revenue generation and infrastructure investment.

Separately the assembly referred Ordinance 25‑066, which would repeal the port development permit standards in Title 17 and move related review to planning commission review, to the planning commission for 90 days for consideration.

What happens next: With the transfer of administrative authority to the port director, the borough says future port revenues will remain within the Port District enterprise fund; policy and operational questions will come back to the assembly as needed. Ordinance 25‑066 now goes to the planning commission for a 90‑day review period.

Speakers and staff noted the move is intended to better align administration with the port’s operational needs as local projects and regional energy pathways create new opportunities.","The assembly adopted Ordinance 25‑068 to reassign administration of Port McKenzie land selection, management and development to the port administration, directing port revenues to remain in the Port District enterprise fund.","actionData","errors"]

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Matanuska-Susitna Assembly pauses vote on 7¢ fuel excise tax after hours of public opposition

Votes at a glance: Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly actions, July 15, 2025

Assembly moves Port McKenzie land administration to port director, keeps revenues in port enterprise fund