Borough residents expressed extreme disappointment after the Soldotna City Council voted to allocate $50,000 for an economic impact study on the proposed annexation on May 13.
Curtis Dunham: “There was not one person who came out today to speak in favor of it. There were some people who were close to violently angry about this. They needed to probably change the map and try again before they voted on it.
Priscilla Mott: “We were trying to save them some money to do something we’ve done for them for free, we’ve already gone and done the straw pole, we’ve talked to people, we’ve asked people what they though and got honest answers from them.
Travis Swanson: “It’s a power grab, it’s the first of many many steps but nudging is the best way to change society, and that’s actually from Stalin so this is nothing but a nudge.”
At least 100 people attended the meeting at city hall and one idea was consistent: the residents stated they enjoy the City of Soldotna and shop there often, but do not want to live in it.
Councilors made clear that this would be a study on the impacts of the proposed annexation, not a decision to expand city limits yet.
Mayor Nels Anderson stated the overall decision would be voted on by the property owners of the areas outlined for annexation after the study.
An amendment from Pete Sprague adjusted the allocated monies for the study from $150,000 to $50,000 and narrowed the focus of the study.
After Council member Meggean Bos and Student Representative Jack Blackwell were the only members to vote no, the room cleared quickly.
Priscilla Mott has been a part of the group Borough Residents Against Annexation and said their group will now increase their efforts with things like fundraising and outreach.
City Manager Mark Dixson said the city had various neighborhoods approach Soldotna with problems and had asked for the benefits of annexation such as water and sewer utilities.