Sitka City Assembly Meeting Summary for November 25, 2025

The regularly scheduled meeting of the City and Borough of Sitka Assembly convened on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, to address departmental reports, public testimony, and key legislative items. The Assembly received presentations on the critical early childhood care crisis, conducted budget review discussions for Planning, Assessing, and Finance departments, and deliberated on a property tax exemption request and a collective bargaining agreement. The session concluded with strategic directions regarding the recruitment for the Municipal Administrator position.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The Assembly unanimously approved the minutes of the November 10, 2025, Assembly meeting.
• License Renewal: A retail marijuana store license renewal application for Island Girls Cannabis LLC was approved.
• Supplemental Appropriations (First Reading): Two items were approved for first reading: (1) replacement of harbor outboards for the 32-foot Munson, and (2) E911 phone consultants for Fiscal Year 2026. These items are scheduled for second reading on December 16th.
• Board Reappointments: The Assembly unanimously reappointed Devin Calvin (Tourism Commission), Joshua Batter (Ports and Harvest Commission), and appointed Adam Vail (Sustainability Commission) to three-year terms.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Early Childhood Coalition Presentation: Rachel Roy and Ellen Hughes presented a video regarding the city's child care crisis. They expressed that child care is a workforce issue rather than just a family issue, noting that many able-bodied individuals cannot work due to lack of affordable care. They highlighted the "$300,000 stabilization grant" provided to Sitka child care centers and the recent passing of an Alaska child care tax credit. Position: The speakers advocated for innovative partnerships, employer engagement, and government support to build supply, emphasizing that "this isn't just an individual component, it's a component that requires the community's effort."
• SCORE Project Presentation: Brian McLaughlin, representing SCORE (Sitkans for Community Outdoor Recreation Enhancement), introduced the community-led initiative to build an all-weather fitness and athletic complex. The group stated their project is broken into four phases, currently in phase two (feasibility studies) for the Laura Molar and Kim Sham Fields. Position: McLaughlin expressed strong support for the project as a "community project for the community" aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation infrastructure.
• Center for Community Presentation: Jacqueline Young and Brian O'Callan argued for an optional community purpose property tax exemption. They highlighted that their reimbursement rates have not kept pace with wages, having increased only 2.5% to 3% every five to seven years despite other wages rising significantly. Position: The applicants requested the exemption to "save a little bit of money on taxes so that we can continue providing services," stating they are facing "substantial grant reductions" and cannot "continue providing services at that rate."

Discussion Items

• Property Tax Exemption for Center for Community:
  • Assessment: Assessor Larry Reeder confirmed the organization qualifies for a mandatory exemption if they had a school affiliation, but currently qualifies for an optional community purpose exemption for 42% of the property (approx. $5,681 annually), as they do not operate a hospital or school.
  • Assembly Deliberation:
    • Support: Several members expressed support, noting the organization provides vital, non-governmental services (early learning, disability support, senior care) and that the financial impact is minimal compared to the community benefit. Assessor Reeder recommended a "yes" vote based on the community purpose criteria.
    • Opposition/Concern: Councilor Kevin Tor expressed concern that granting exemptions to entities serving statewide populations (not just Sitka) creates a slippery slope and reduces the tax base for the school district, for which 100% of property taxes are allocated. He emphasized the need to protect the entire community in a "zero sum equation."
    • Action: The Assembly voted in favor of the exemption with a stipulation to review the code for renewal procedures to ensure accountability for future use changes.
• Firefighters Union Collective Bargaining Agreement (2025-2028):
  • Details: HR Director Josh Brant Hoover presented the ratified agreement, which includes wage increases (ranging from $2.10 to $2.50/hour for new rates), an 8% professional pay adjustment for paramedics, and a one-time $500 lump sum signing bonus.
  • Deliberation: Assembly members acknowledged the cost of living pressures on firefighters. Councilor Katie raised a specific concern that an 8% bonus for paramedics might encourage all staff to become paramedics, potentially leaving drivers without personnel.
  • Clarification: The Fire Chief responded that while the professional pay is appropriate for the training and higher billing rates associated with paramedic work, the actual program and need for paramedics will be re-evaluated in the future given changing state and federal standards.
  • Outcome: The Assembly unanimously supported the agreement, viewing it as a necessary cost of living adjustment.
• Municipal Administrator Recruitment:
  • Strategy: The Assembly discussed the recruitment process, job description edits, and starting salary for the new Municipal Administrator.
  • Salary Debate: Councilor Tim expressed hesitation due to the high cost ($200k start), while Kevin and others argued that market competition and the complexity of the role necessitate a competitive salary to attract quality candidates without capping the top end.
  • Compromise: The Assembly agreed to set a starting salary range of $200,000 with no maximum cap to allow flexibility for highly qualified candidates. They also set a "first review" date approximately 60 days post-advertising.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 25-26 (First Reading Approved): Approved a property tax exemption for the Center for Community at 700 Catlettian Avenue, covering 42% of the property (approx. $5,681 annually) for a community purpose exemption. The vote was 5-1 (Opposed: Councilor Tor).
• Firefighters Union CBA (Approved): The 2025-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement with IAFF Local 5168 was approved 6-0.
• Director Recruitment Direction: The Assembly authorized the release of job advertisements for the Municipal Administrator with a base pay of $200,000, no cap, and a 60-day first review cycle.
• Budget & Personnel Updates:
  • Planning & Community Development: Building permit position filled; housing land feasibility study Phase 1 nearing completion; cruise dock zoning change in progress.
  • Assessing Department: Continuing the five-year residential reappraisal cycle (now extending to a six-year cycle); zero appeals filed this year.
  • Finance: City remains on stable financial footing with 30% of FY26 budget utilized; 2025 audit expected by end of January.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned with no executive session held.