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Assembly adopts new fee structure for Mudbite service area
Summary
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly adopted Ordinance 21‑08 to replace a uniform per‑lot fee with a base fee plus access‑based zone surcharges, shifting costs toward properties with road access to increase revenue for snow removal and road maintenance.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly on May 4 adopted Ordinance 21‑08, revising fees in the Mudbite service area to create a base fee and two access‑based zones intended to better fund snow removal and road maintenance.
"This ordinance establishes a base fee applied on all lots of $230," Morgan Berry, the borough public works director, told the assembly during a staff presentation. Berry said the change reduces fees for parcels without road access while increasing charges for properties that receive regular plowing and maintenance.
Under the adopted structure, Berry said, Zone A properties that access the area from Rio Road will pay an additional $265 (raising some bills to roughly $495 per year), while Zone B properties using Snow Goose Road will carry a smaller surcharge. Berry described the change as a response to an operating shortfall when contractors declined to continue plowing under the existing fee system.
Rob Miller, a board member of the Mudbite service area, testified in support, saying the board spent multiple meetings and outreach mailers to design a rate structure "fair and equitable for residents based on the amount of services required for the location of their residence." The board, he said, voted unanimously to recommend the code amendment.
Assemblymember Tom Thompson moved to adopt the ordinance and praised the board for its work; the motion carried on a roll-call vote (6 yes, 0 no).
The ordinance takes effect according to the borough’s usual code schedule, and staff said it will require reexamination if new roads are constructed that change points of access to the service area. The assembly directed staff to monitor implementation and report back if adjustments are needed.
