Sitka voters to decide charter change on initiative and referendum power

Sitka residents will vote on a proposed change to the city charter that governs initiative and referendum powers.

The Sitka City and Borough Assembly considered Ordinance 26-13 at its May 12, 2026 regular meeting. The ordinance proposes to amend Section 6.01 of the Home Rule Charter and puts the question to voters at the regular election on October 6, 2026.

Section 6.01 reserves the powers and rights of initiative and referendum to the people. Charter amendments in Sitka must be approved by voters before taking effect.

The meeting agenda does not specify what changes the proposed amendment would make to the initiative and referendum process. The ordinance appeared under the New Business First Reading section of the agenda.

The Assembly met at 6 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers at 330 Harbor Drive.

The May 12, 2026 agenda included several other significant items. The Assembly considered adopting budgets and capital improvement plans for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Ordinance 26-11 covers the General Fund, Internal Service Funds, and Special Revenue Funds. Ordinance 26-12 addresses Enterprise Funds and proposes amendments to rates in Title 15 of the Sitka General Code, along with moorage rates and other harbor fees.

The Assembly also considered two code amendments. Ordinance 26-09 would add Chapter 1.36 to Title 1 of the Sitka General Code, establishing procedures for accepting donations to the city. Ordinance 26-10 would add Chapter 14.35 to Title 14, creating a process for naming public places.

Under Special Reports, the Assembly received a Sitka Child Care Needs Analysis Report from Southeast Childhood Collective, presented by Blue Shibler. The Assembly also received Department Quarterly Reports for Harbors and Public and Government Relations. The Assembly discussed next steps on the child care report.

The Assembly held an executive session to discuss municipal administrator recruitment.

Detailed information on agenda items is available on the city website at https://sitka.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or by contacting the Municipal Clerk's Office at City Hall, 100 Lincoln Street, or by calling 907-747-1826. A hard copy of the Assembly packet is available at the Sitka Public Library. Regular and Special Assembly meetings are livestreamed through the city's website and aired live on KCAW FM 104.7.