Juneau’s citizenry is normally engaged on almost every topic and level. As mayor, I am often asked about my stance on particular issues — many of which are hot button issues which require a great deal of homework before reaching a conclusion. Proposition 1 to extend the 1 percent sales tax, however, is a straightforward issue for me to comment on. Yes. Please vote yes on Proposition 1 when you go to the polls on Oct. 3 to vote in the municipal election.
Proposition 1 asks Juneau voters to extend the 1percent sales tax for an additional five years (until Sept. 30, 2023) in order to fund deferred maintenance and critical infrastructure needs for a variety of projects. Voters have approved this temporary 1percent sales tax on a regular basis since 1972. By voting yes on Proposition 1, we are taking care of what we have already in place. Please vote yes on Proposition 1.
While considering putting the extension of the 1percent sales tax before the voters, the Assembly reviewed twenty-six major proposals. In its final selections, the Assembly’s emphasis was on supporting our existing infrastructure (wastewater, water, city buildings, Juneau School District buildings, information technology, airport, Augustus Brown swimming pool, Centennial Hall, harbors, and parks). Please vote yes on Proposition 1.
Juneau’s residents greatly benefit from many city services that maintain a high standard of living. Whether it be providing clean potable water through miles of piping, school facilities for education, operating an airport that allows residents and visitors alike quick access to and from our great city, youth and adult recreation opportunities at our swimming pools and parks, harbor facilities, or health and housing care to some of our vulnerable residents, all of these services are dependent upon an efficient and well-maintained infrastructure. Much like owning homes and vehicles, these buildings and infrastructure need periodic maintenance and renovations to ensure the public is served efficiently and safely. Please vote yes on Proposition 1.
In the Assembly’s deliberations, we also wanted to keep the cost of city services from escalating. Specifically, the requests for $13.5 million for wastewater infrastructure, $2.0 million for water, and $2.0 million for recycling is to reduce future rate increases needed to keep these services and infrastructure operating. Please vote yes on Proposition 1.
Sales tax and property tax make up almost three-quarters of the CBJ’s general governmental services revenue. Our sales tax revenue comes from residents and visitors. The 1percent sales tax proposition on the ballot is basically a “no frills — taking care of business” response to our economic reality. State and federal revenues assistance for city services and capital projects have declined significantly. Proposition 1 to extend the 1percent sales tax focuses mainly on existing infrastructure maintenance and needs — it is essential to Juneau’s future that it passes. Please vote yes on Proposition 1.
Most of our facilities were constructed and funded by present and past generations. It is essential that we provide the necessary maintenance and refurbishment to keep these facilities safe and well maintained for present and future generations of Juneau residents. Please vote yes on Proposition 1 to extend the 1percent sales tax.
For specific information about proposals for funding by the 1percent, please see the voter’s pamphlet that was mailed to households last week or go to https://beta.juneau.org/onepercent. Early voting is at city hall conference room #224 foyer Mondays-Fridays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and at the Mendenhall Mall annex Mondays-Fridays 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays (Sept. 23 and 30) from noon -4p.m. Voters may also request a ballot by mail, email or fax. Applications can be found at the Municipal Clerk’s website https://beta.juneau.org/clerk/elections.
Election day is Tuesday Oct. 3, polls in the precincts are open from 7 a.m. through 8 pm.
Please vote yes on Proposition 1.
• Mayor Ken Koelsch of the City and Borough of Juneau has lived in Juneau since 1968. He can be reached at 586-3367.
