Homer council to consider $6,000 HART ballot information spending

Homer's city council will consider spending $6,000 in city money, plus staff time and equipment, on public information about a ballot measure asking voters to keep the three-quarter percent sales tax that funds city roads and trails.

The council is scheduled to introduce Ordinance 26-45 on Monday, Aug. 24, as part of its consent agenda. A public hearing and second reading are set for Sept. 14. The money would come from the General Fund Balance.

The ordinance's own title states the information may include material "that may influence the outcome of the election on the proposition."

Alaska statute AS 15.13.145 draws a line there. The Alaska Public Offices Commission says the law "prohibits the use of state or municipal money, or money held in trust by the state or a municipality, for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a candidate election or ballot proposition or question," while it "permits the use of public funds to provide information about the effect of a ballot proposition or question on the governmental unit." No opposing voice appears in the meeting materials.

The Homer Accelerated Roads and Trails program runs on a dedicated sales tax of up to three-quarters of one percent, split 90% to roads and 10% to trails. Voters have approved the tax in 20-year increments. The current levy expires Dec. 31, 2027. Alaska News previously covered the proposed placement of a 20-year renewal before voters. The council found in that ordinance that continuing the levy serves the community's best interest.

Homer buyers now pay 7.85% in combined city and Kenai Peninsula Borough sales tax, of which 4.85% is the city's share. Property owners next to HART-funded road projects also carry special assessments covering 25% of improvement costs.

A similar $8,000 public information appropriation for the same proposition appeared on the council's June 8 agenda. Residents may comment on the new ordinance at the Sept. 14 hearing.