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Assembly flags FY26 budget gap, hears Noatak erosion update and accepts VPSO grant
Summary
Officials warned of a projected FY26 deficit and uncertainty over PILT funding while Emergency Manager Hamilton reported Noatak erosion and damage; the Assembly unanimously accepted an FY26 VPSO grant and discussed potential VPSO housing in Buckland.
Treasurer Jade Hill told the Assembly Aug. 26 that the borough was proposing a FY26 budget currently in deficit and that it was operating without a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) agreement. Hill said that reimbursements and unassigned balances exist but cautioned those were not guaranteed sources for ongoing operations.
Emergency Manager Hamilton provided an update on erosion in Noatak and reported at least one house that had tipped; Craig McConnell urged commissioners to prepare documents and suggested in-person village visits to assess damage and funding needs. Mayor Dickie Moto recommended commissioners visit affected villages and asked for readiness on documents for potential funding requests.
The Assembly also unanimously approved Resolution 25-42 to accept an FY26 Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) grant, on a motion by Lincoln Carr and seconded by Austin Swan Sr. Public Safety RPSO Chris Hatch reported the State had indicated some reimbursable funds for FY25 were better than expected.
During audience comments, resident Alice Koenig urged funding for renovating and winterizing older houses and raised questions about VPSO arrest training. President Hadley noted VPSO housing will be available soon in Buckland. Members asked staff to bring more detailed fiscal projections and options for covering urgent village needs when the FY26 budget is prepared.
