Utqiaġvik hears a marijuana tax rise from 8% to 10% tonight, and voters decide Oct. 6

Utqiaġvik residents get their say tonight on a proposal to raise the city's marijuana sales tax from 8% to 10%, and on the same night the City Council will introduce a separate measure to suspend the general sales tax for five years.

The Utqiaġvik City Council meets Aug. 27, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Chambers at City Hall, 2022 Ahkovak St., its regular fourth-Thursday slot. Ordinance 03-2026 would amend Section 4.23.020 of the city code to increase the marijuana sales tax levy. Mayor Asisaun Toovak introduced it at a special meeting on Aug. 6 and set tonight as the hearing date. Residents can attend in person or join by phone, and the agenda opens with a public concerns period on any subject.

The council can act after the hearing, because the agenda lists the item under public hearing and consideration. But the increase is not the council's to make alone. State law requires voters to ratify any sales tax increase, and the ordinance directs the city clerk to put it on the Oct. 6 city election ballot. A yes vote sets the rate at 10%, a no vote leaves it at 8%.

The suspension measure is larger than its title suggests. The code already suspends the city's sales and use tax through June 30, 2027, and Ordinance 04-2026 would carry that through June 30, 2031, still taxing imported alcohol and vaping products. It is listed for introduction only, with its own public hearing set for Sept. 24.

The agenda also carries two administrative appointments: Resolution 11-2026 would appoint Maria C. Ortilla as finance director, and Resolution 12-2026 would appoint Lupe Takafua as executive director. The council will also review bids for the Piuraagvik locker room renovation.