Resolution 18-032(S)(A) Requesting the Alaska State Legislature Work Together to Find New Revenue Sources to Solve the State Fiscal Crisis and Fund Necessary Programs in the Capital Budget.

CITY OF HOMER

HOMER, ALASKA
                                                                                                                                                                Mayor/Council

RESOLUTION 18-032(S)(A)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, REQUESTING THAT THE ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE WORK TOGETHER TO FIND NEW REVENUE SOURCES TO SOLVE THE STATE FISCAL CRISIS AND FUND NECESSARY PROGRAMS IN THE CAPITAL BUDGET.

WHEREAS, The State of Alaska is facing a fiscal crisis that has resulted in cuts to programs and personnel that have a direct impact on the ability of municipalities to provide essential services; and

WHEREAS, The Alaska State Legislature has not funded a robust capital budget in years and has accumulated a long list of deferred maintenance and infrastructure projects; and

WHEREAS, The Governor’s proposed capital budget includes a number of necessary programs that are contingent on the passage of an employment payroll tax; and

WHEREAS, The programs that are contingent on passage of a payroll tax provide important services to the City of Homer and its residents such as:

Match for the Municipal Harbor Facility Grant Program – The City of Homer has used this 50% match program to replace floats, ramps and power pedestals at the Homer Harbor. It provides critical assistance to municipalities to be able to maintain what was once State infrastructure.

Match for Code Blue – The City of Homer recently was able to replace an old ambulance with 40% Code Blue funding. This program provides assistance to municipalities to replace critical emergency response equipment.

Funding for Weatherization Program – Many Homer residents have been able to take advantage of this program to lower their energy bills. Preserving this opportunity for families and homeowners across Alaska will help them face tough economic times.

Funding for the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Senior Citizens Housing Development Program – This program provides competitive grants to municipalities and other agencies to support the development of housing for senior citizens, the fastest growing segment of the Alaskan population including here in Homer.  Homer Senior Citizen’s Inc. has utilized these funds in the past to build senior rental housing, allowing our elder residents to remain in Homer as they age.

Highway Match to Maximize Available Federal Funds – Roads are critical infrastructure and leveraging Federal dollars to promote the development and maintenance of the Federal Highway System should be encouraged.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Homer, Alaska, encourages the Alaska State Legislature to work together to fund the necessary programs in the Governor’s proposed capital budget and solve the fiscal crisis by finding new sources of revenue.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 27th day of March, 2018.

CITY OF HOMER

                                                                                                                _____________________

                                                                                                                BRYAN ZAK, MAYOR

ATTEST:

___________________________

MELISSA JACOBSEN, MMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal note: N/A