Matanuska-Susitna Assembly adopts fiscal 2026 budget, sets mill rates; approves small animal clinic and transit adjustments, rejects Big Lake funding removal

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly on May 13 adopted Ordinance 25-025, the borough—s fiscal year 2026 appropriation ordinance, and set the area-wide mill rate at 8.485 and the non-area-wide mill rate at 0.371 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. The assembly approved the ordinance by voice vote with no recorded objection.

The ordinance funds borough operating, enterprise, education operating and capital funds and sets the surcharge rate for wireline and wireless enhanced 9-1-1 for the same fiscal year. The adoption came after a series of amendments and several unsuccessful motions to reconsider previously adopted amendments.

Why it matters: The assembly—s action fixes property tax rates and the operating budget for the borough for the coming year. Although the new area-wide mill rate is lower than last year—s 8.748, rising property valuations mean the average homeowner faces an estimated $66 increase on their tax bill ($62 area-wide; $4 non-area-wide), the assembly was told.

Most important actions taken

- Ordinance 25-025 (FY2026 budget and levy) was approved and the mill levies were set at 8.485 (area-wide) and 0.371 (non-area-wide). Finance staff reported the average homeowner increase under those rates is $66. The assembly adopted the ordinance after debate and…