Juneau Assembly faces budget crisis with projected negative fund balance

The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly heard extensive public testimony Monday from residents defending recreation facilities and other city services as officials confront a projected negative general fund balance of nearly $1 million at the end of fiscal year 2027.

The budget shortfall stems from voter-approved tax cuts in October 2025 that reduced sales tax revenue. The Assembly must now weigh service reductions, facility closures, and potential property tax increases. The Assembly Finance Committee is scheduled to pass the budget out of committee May 21. Final adoption is set for June 15.

Background

Following the October 2025 tax cuts, the city launched public outreach in January 2026 to gather input on spending priorities. A February 2026 Juneau Independent report on the city's budget survey showed residents strongly prioritizing streets, schools, and public safety while being more open to cuts in tourism marketing and climate initiatives. At an April 29 Committee of the Whole meeting, dozens of residents packed the Assembly chambers to oppose proposed closures affecting Eaglecrest Ski Area, the Dimond Park Aquatic Center, and other community facilities.

Assembly Member Michelle Steininger (D-District 1) said the Assembly Finance Committee's most recent packet shows the unrestricted projected balance of the general fund at almost negative $1 million at the end of fiscal year 2027. She noted the figure will change based on decisions made during the budget process.

Resident Brock Tabor, speaking on behalf of recreation facility users, said coaches, parents, and organizers across town recognize the need to raise fees.

"Many of us are acutely aware of the fiscal challenges ahead," Tabor said. "We're all acutely aware of the fact that we're going to need to raise fees, and that's going to be hard."

Tabor urged the Assembly to seek innovative solutions to preserve facilities that make Juneau livable for families. He referenced a 1% for Juneau proposal he had submitted to the newspaper. He asked the Assembly to consider community-generated revenue ideas.

Reserve fund debate

The Assembly debated whether to use the Restricted Budget Reserve or general funds for emergency expenses. Several members expressed concern about depleting reserves without a repayment plan.

Assembly Member Christine Woll (D-District 2) moved to fund a $558,000 appropriation for the Natural Resources Conservation Service View Drive buyout program from general funds rather than the Restricted Budget Reserve. She argued the reserve should only be tapped with a plan to replenish it. The appropriation would fund appraisals and cost estimates for a possible NRCS buyout program for flood-affected View Drive properties, not the buyouts themselves.