At last night’s Borough Assembly Meeting a resolution was introduced to end continuation of funding of non-departmental programs by the Borough, but was not passed.
The resolution was met by opposition on both sides.
George Pierce of Kasilof was for the resolution, citing that there are other methods for non-profits to operate other than government funding.
Pierce: “Put it on a ballot, it’s my money, our money, let the people decide. We’ve been in this situation where we’ve had thousands of people come up and testify on ordinances that you all passed. Them thousands of people didn’t mean one thing to you.”
Mayor Mike Navarre interjected by saying that even if the Assembly were to decide, the KPB residents could repeal the decision by referendum or ballot initiative.
Mayor Navarre: “Not only do I hope that this doesn’t pass but I hope that it’s not delayed so that we have another public meeting on it because I think that it is unnecessary and it doesn’t change your authority and your responsibility.”
Kenai Peninsula Tourism and Marketing Council Executive Director Shanon Hamrick was satisfied with the result, as KPTMC would have been directly affected by funding cuts from the Borough.
Hamrick: “I think that the Assembly made a good decision, they have been elected to make decisions in the best interest of the Borough and they spent a considerable amount of time researching the budget, researching the agencies that they are supporting and I think that they made a very responsible choice.”
Assembly Member Charlie Pierce said that he was happy with the process the meeting went through to reach its decision.
Pierce: “There’s a group that would prefer to not have additional services or expenses generated and I think it’s a fair question that needs to be answered. But that said, the testimony we heard tonight was in support of continuing to fund, it was evident. There was a strong voice here tonight that its necessary the services being provided are important to the community.”
Because the resolution was defeated 7-2, it will not be on a ballot this fall.