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Assembly allocates $122,000 to cover utilities and cameras as Pearl Creek Elementary transfers to borough
Summary
The assembly approved $122,000 to cover utility costs and basic digital services (including security camera licensing and hardware) for Pearl Creek Elementary when the borough takes ownership on Dec. 1; staff said the appropriation covers about seven months of utilities and some IT setup.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough will assume operational responsibility for Pearl Creek Elementary on Dec. 1 and the assembly approved a $122,000 appropriation on Nov. 13 to cover immediate utility and digital‑services needs.
Public Works Director David Bradley told the assembly the $82,000 utility estimate covers the remaining seven months of FY26 (about $12,000 per month) based on the previous five years of usage. Digital Services staff said a $40,000 allocation will provide network connectivity, core switches, firewall licensing and support, wireless hardware, an uninterruptible power supply, and security camera equipment and licensing with contingency for configuration.
Assembly members questioned how the borough will monitor the building for leaks, environmental-control issues and vandalism. Staff said routine security checks are planned (at least weekly) and the administration requested the school district provide work‑order and inspection histories in the handover Memorandum of Understanding so the borough can assess deferred capital needs. Staff also said the district agreed to leave substantial exterior cameras in place for the borough to assume access, reducing the initial equipment cost compared with completely replacing systems.
The ordinance carried by unanimous roll call (9–0). Staff will incorporate building access and plowing considerations into winter maintenance plans and return any further capital requests as needed.
