Wrangell Assembly preview: sales tax, cybersecurity grant plus more
Wrangell’s Borough Assembly will discuss leasing property, cybersecurity, and sales tax during Tuesday evening’s regular meeting.
Trident Seafoods proposed leasing a segment of the Old Mill Dock, which is Borough-owned. The Borough’s Port Department only uses the specific area during the winter for storing gear. Trident Seafoods wants to use the dock area during the busy salmon season. The proposed lease amount is the same as other Marine Service Center businesses pay, at around ten cents per square foot. The total will be $187.20.
In other new business, the Assembly will discuss accepting a State and Local Cybersecurity Grant for $50,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grant will be placed in the general fund. The City plans to use the money to elevate Wrangell’s cybersecurity infrastructure and protect the City and Borough’s valuable assets.
Sales tax policy changes
The Assembly will also discuss sales tax policy changes. The current Municipal Code requires a 7% sales tax, with the exception of a purchase over $3,000.
Considering inflation, the Finance Committee and Borough Assembly calculated that the sales tax cap has remained stagnant since 1995.
They suggest raising the cap from $3,000 to $10,000, with exemptions for “big ticket items” and maintenance and construction of residences.
Additionally, the Assembly will discuss a principal contact to serve as a “Primary Liaison” between Wrangell and the Tongass National Forest Plan Revision Team. This person could be a member of the Assembly, staff or the public.
A public hearing will also take place Tuesday evening on approving fees and rate changes, including meter charges and large commercial services, like sanitation.
The Wrangell Borough Assembly will hold its regular meeting on April 23 at 7 p.m. in the Borough Assembly Chambers at Wrangell City Hall.
You can listen to the live broadcast of the Wrangell Borough Assembly meeting on KSTK-FM 101.7, or stream online at KSTK.org.
