Valdez takes comment Tuesday on proposed $96.8 million budget with more for schools

The Valdez City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed $96.8 million 2027 city budget Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 pm during its regular meeting, the city announced Thursday.

The proposal would raise the city's contribution to Valdez schools to about $14.7 million from about $11.7 million this year, according to the agenda packet. That increase of about $3 million would fund the schools to the maximum the state's statutory formula permits, a budget overview slide in the packet says.

The school board has asked the city for $15.1 million, up nearly 29% from this year and more than the proposed contribution.

The proposal also sets aside $6.5 million for special litigation out of $7.5 million for legal costs. It would add $205,000 for economic development, including more for Gold Rush Days and a hatchery group.

The budget sets city spending for the calendar year that begins Jan. 1. Valdez's budget process begins in July, and the council is scheduled to adopt the 2027 budget at its first regular meeting in December, according to the city.

The hearing is a chance for residents to ask questions and give feedback, the city said. More material, including podcasts, is at valdezak.gov/CityBudget.

The city's October notice had listed the hearing for 6 pm, before the regular meeting. The agenda posted Friday lists it at 7 pm.

Earlier that evening, a 5:30 pm council work session will cover the city's federal lobbyist and the planned $50 million renovation of Valdez High School, including preliminary design concepts.