Kenai Peninsula Borough staff asked the finance committee Oct. 14 to approve an appropriation of $31,340 to mail two notices to current holders of the residential real property tax exemption after voters approved increasing the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $75,000.

Adena Wilcox, the borough assessor, told the committee the appropriation would allow the assessing department to mail two notices to every current $50,000 exemption holder explaining that the exemption amount changed, that holders need to reapply to claim the new $75,000 exemption, and how to apply online or by mail. Wilcox said the mailings also would allow staff to audit and correct exemptions for properties that no longer qualify.

"This would appropriate $31,340, and it allows the assessing department to mail out two mailings to every current $50,000 exemption holder," Wilcox said. She told the committee the mailer would include a QR code and instructions for online application and that staff would automatically approve reapplications that show an existing, qualifying exemption.

Assembly members asked whether notifying all property owners was standard practice and whether similar outreach occurs for other exemptions. Several members said outreach for other exemptions was inconsistent and urged that the communication include links to all borough exemptions. Wilcox said the letter would reference the borough website and a flyer listing exemptions and that field appraisers and title-transfer notices already prompt exemption checks.

Committee members discussed timing and scale. Wilcox said the mailer would reach roughly 17,000–18,000 people and that the borough is changing the reapplication deadline to Feb. 15. She characterized the mailer as both outreach and an auditing step to ensure only qualified residents receive the homestead exemption.

The ordinance was introduced for a public hearing Oct. 28. At the committee meeting staff and members noted the item was on the consent agenda and that additional discussion could occur at the hearing.