Voters in the City of Ketchikan will once again face several ballot propositions when they go to the polls on Oct. 7. The Ketchikan City Council on Thursday unanimously approved seven resolutions placing the measures on the municipal election ballot, marking the second consecutive year voters will be asked to weigh in on a full slate of charter amendments and funding proposals.
Last year, all seven propositions on the municipal ballot passed. This year, the most financially impactful measure involves a proposed $15 million bonding or loan package to fund a federally mandated wastewater disinfection facility and to repair aging emergency wastewater lines. If approved, the bond would lead to higher wastewater rates for residents. The EPA has been pushing coastal Alaska communities to upgrade wastewater treatment systems to meet revised environmental regulations.
Here are what the some of the other ballot measures entail:
Resolution No. 25-2970 authorizes the city to issue wastewater revenue obligations not to exceed $15 million to cover the full project cost.
Resolution No. 25-2975: Would amend Section 2-13 of the charter so that ordinances go into effect immediately after final passage and publication, or on a specified date, instead of being delayed.
Resolution No. 25-2976: Would amend Section 3-1 to allow the city manager to reside anywhere on Revillagigedo Island, expanding eligibility to the entire road-connected area rather than within city limits.
Resolution No. 25-2977: Proposes major changes to Section 5-17, eliminating voter approval and referendum requirements for various city property transactions, long-term contracts, and utility sales.
Resolution No. 25-2978: Would amend Section 5-18 to update the city’s competitive bidding requirements for public improvements, allowing contracts below a certain amount to be made by soliciting at least three written quotations.
Resolution No. 25-2979: Seeks to amend Section 5-19 to allow the city to purchase goods or services from city employees, councilmembers, or the mayor, provided that three written quotes are obtained.
Resolution No. 25-2980: Would change Section 5-21 to remove the strict four-month reporting deadline for the city’s independent annual audit, instead allowing the deadline to be set by council resolution.
In addition, two seats on the Ketchikan city council are up for election. They are currently held by Councilwoman Lallette Kistler and Councilwoman Abby Bradberry. The first day to file for office is Aug. 1.