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Juneau assembly sends seasonal sales tax question to October ballot amid heated public debate
Summary
After hours of testimony from residents and business owners, the assembly approved an ordinance to place a seasonal sales tax on the Oct. 7 ballot; amendments were adopted to link the proposal to a concurrent citizen initiative exempting food and utilities and to reduce the winter rate.
The City and Borough of Juneau assembly voted July 28 to place a seasonal sales tax proposal on the Oct. 7, 2025 municipal ballot, following extended public comment and multiple amendments. The ordinance would impose a higher sales tax rate for the April‑through‑September season and a lower rate October‑through‑March; the assembly also added language to clarify that the seasonal measure is intended to replace revenue if voters approve an exemption of essential food and residential utilities.
Affordable Juneau Coalition and other residents urged the assembly not to adopt the ordinance without waiting for the outcome of a citizen initiative that would exempt groceries and utilities. Angela Bridall of Affordable Juneau testified that the combined effect of a seasonal increase and exempting food and utilities could make the tax…
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