Assembly refers proposed school bond language to finance committee after public concern, approves ordinance as amended

The assembly took public testimony and debated ordinance 2026-35, a school bond measure proposed for the October ballot. City manager staff summarized that the bond would fund a variety of school capital improvements identified by the school district and joint facilities committee.

Remote testimony from Rebecca Braun urged postponement, arguing the October ballot already contains multiple revenue measures and that adding bonds could jeopardize voters' ability to approve all proposals. "I respectfully ask you to consider postponing the bond measures," Braun said.

Assembly members debated timing and whether ballot language met Alaska statutory requirements for state reimbursement. The city attorney explained that to seek state reimbursement the ballot must include detailed estimates for total cost, interest, operations and maintenance costs, and mill-rate impacts — requirements staff said could not be fully met before ballots print.

Deputy Mayor Smith moved an amendment to refer the ordinance to the Assembly Finance Committee for consideration during the FY28 budget process; the amendment passed 5–2. The main motion to adopt the ordinance as amended then passed 5–2. Assembly members voting against the final motion said they supported school improvements but preferred postponement so voters would not be overwhelmed this fall.

The assembly's action leaves the ordinance on the record as adopted in amended form that directs further finance-committee review rather than immediate placement on the ballot with state-reimbursement language.