Assembly introduces $600,000 appropriation for Point Higgins diesel-spill response

The assembly introduced Ordinance 2092 on Nov. 3, 2025, to appropriate $600,000 from the general fund to continue response, remediation and long-term monitoring relating to the Aug. 15 diesel spill at Point Higgins Elementary School. The motion to introduce the ordinance and set a public hearing for Nov. 17 was moved by Assemblymember Arntzen and seconded by Palmer; the motion carried 6–0.

Finance Director Charlyn Thomas said the requested appropriation would cover contractor costs already incurred while the borough awaits an insurance reimbursement expected within about a week; the appropriation would restore the borough’s reserve level pending that reimbursement. Public Works staff said the appropriation provides budget authority to pay immediate invoices and to continue necessary remediation and monitoring tasks.

No formal vote on final appropriation occurred at the Nov. 3 meeting; the ordinance will be considered at the Nov. 17 public hearing.