Petersburg Assembly approves second reading of FY2026 budget; amends to explore $1 million contribution toward American Cruise Lines dock design

The Petersburg Borough Assembly on May 19 approved the second reading of the fiscal year 2026 budget, setting the borough’s spending plan for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and passed an amendment to direct further work exploring a $1,000,000 contribution from the harbor reserves toward a proposed dock facility for American Cruise Lines.

The budget passed by a 6–1 roll call vote, with Mayor Mark Jensen the lone dissenting vote. Member Newman moved the amendment to appropriate $1,000,000 from harbor reserves for a contribution to the proposed dock facility and to direct the borough manager to contact American Cruise Lines to seek agreement on a design — including consideration of “concept number 7” — and to return with a financial plan and timeline. Member Marsh seconded the amendment; it passed 6–1 with the mayor voting no. The amendment specifies that no funds may be spent without a subsequent assembly-approved written agreement.

Why it matters: The amendment would commit the borough to exploring a public‑private collaboration with American Cruise Lines, potentially affecting harbor operations, capital planning and the harbor enterprise…