The revised operating budget passed by the Anchorage Assembly earlier this week has blown through the tax cap, an action that makes the budget illegal because it violates the charter. This is a first time in Anchorage history that an Assembly has broken the law on the tax cap in 45 years since the tax cap was enacted by voters.
But Mayor Dave Bronson on Thursday offered an olive branch to the Assembly dominated by hostile leftists, saying he is willing to help bring the budget back into a legal framework. It is $605,147 over the tax cap due to a math error by the Assembly, he said in a statement.
During the budget meeting earlier this week, Assemblywoman Meg Zaletel commented that the budget was $500 under the tax cap. She was wrong.
“While it’s unfortunate the Assembly made this error, we will work with them to fix it,” said Mayor Bronson. “Anchorage residents expect us to work together to solve problems, and we will do that. Budgets must be legal, adhere to fiscal policies, and protect taxpayers.”
The issue started when multiple amendments were assessed incorrectly, leading to a misunderstanding that the budget was within legal limits.
In contrast, the budget proposed by Mayor Bronson was designed to be $682,873 under the tax cap, reflecting his understanding of the financial limits and the current economic challenges faced by taxpayers, including continued inflation, his office said.
A special meeting has been scheduled for Friday, May 3, when the Assembly will have to correct the budget.
“Mayor Bronson remains committed to working closely with the Assembly to improve the budget process and maintain Anchorage’s fiscal integrity,” his office said.
