Kenai adopts $42.1M budget with swim team grant, airport upgrade

Kenai City Council adopted a $42.1 million budget for fiscal year 2027 on June 3, approving three amendments that fund a swim team grant, airport billing automation, and council chambers technology upgrades.

The council approved $46,402 for Peninsula Piranha Swim Team utilities if the team reaches an agreement with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District to operate the Kenai pool. Sarah Castamore, the team's treasurer, thanked the council for considering the amendment.

A second amendment allocates $70,000 for an automated airport billing system expected to capture $130,000 in currently missed revenue from airport activity. City Manager Eubank said the administrative assistant and airport manager monitor landings and transient parkings only during normal business hours, missing evening and weekend activity.

The council also approved $180,000 for council chambers audio-visual upgrades. Council Member Grimmie said the current infrastructure is dated and does not offer the accessibility residents expect.

The final budget totals $42,110,296 across all funds, up from the $41,633,894 draft. The budget passed 5-0. The council meets next on June 17.