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Assembly rejects sale of borough parcel to Title Network amid price and liability concerns
Summary
After public protest over a $45,000 sale price and questions about sovereign-immunity waivers and tower siting, the Petersburg Borough Assembly voted 4-2 to reject Resolution 2026-16 to sell a 0.23-acre parcel to the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida (Title Network).
The Petersburg Borough Assembly voted 4-2 to reject a resolution that would have sold an approximately 0.23-acre borough parcel to the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida (doing business as Title Network) for use in a wireless network project.
Members of the public criticized the proposed direct sale price of $45,000 as too low. “Selling that prime property for $45,000 is embarrassing,” said John Merges, who told the assembly the parcel deserved a far higher value and urged a public auction instead. Several other speakers said the sale could devalue nearby property and asked whether the borough should insist on a process that allows local businesses or residents to bid.
Borough staff said the sale price was based on the assessed value and that the manager had been instructed to negotiate a direct sale rather than an auction. The manager told the assembly that the contract includes a sovereign‑immunity waiver limited to the contract and negotiated protections for the borough, including commitments to allow emergency‑services access to towers at no charge.
Some assembly members voiced continued unease about sovereign‑immunity language and the possibility of towers sited near residences and daycare facilities. Others argued the buyer had followed required procedures and that rejecting the sale might push the tower to a less acceptable location. “They have gone through all the appropriate steps,” said Member Stan Greger, who supported moving the sale forward.
In the roll call, the resolution failed 4-2. The mayor said staff negotiated the contract using the assessed value as the market reference and that the contract language includes enforceable waivers tied to the sale document.
What’s next: With the resolution defeated, the proposed sale will not proceed. Staff and the assembly may revisit locations and terms if Title Network pursues alternate sites, and members indicated the borough could consider different procurement approaches if a future sale returns to the assembly.
