To the Editor:
After again hearing that the economic health of our community is a second priority, I feel compelled to offer a few facts that we all live with and could live with for some time. As reopening occurs and business and fisheries get going they will be burdened with still more regulation, more forms, more signing that we will obey the rules. State and now probably increased local government regulation will be required.
As we go down this road here are a few local facts to consider. Our city manager reported last quarter sales tax revenue is down 50%, and this is an early quarter. The summer quarters are going to be impacted by probably much reduced fishery prices, an almost total loss of cruise ship tourism, a hamstrung charter and marine transportation fleet. Our workers, captains and crews will be required to spend more time tracking this disease. What this means is : The sales tax revenue for FY 2019 in Wrangell was $2,600,000, at 7% tax, this translates to $37,000,000 in taxable sales occurring in Wrangell in a year, not including above cap revenue also lost. Working through it, that means being 50% down that our community businesses will lose $18,500,000 in taxable sales this year, or if they were open 25 days per month the loss number would be $61,666 per day. This simple computation shows we have and are facing very serious economic trouble if excessive restriction continues.
I do not see enough attention from our leadership concerning this looming economic disaster. Recently one of our leaders expressed that the city will be 'OK' because disaster funds are forthcoming from the state of Alaska, that is true. The disaster relief scheduled will be about a million more than normal sales tax revenue. I am glad that "THE CITY" will be OK. That they will meet payroll, insurance cost, fund retirements and most other expenses.
What concerns me is that no mention was made of the $18.5+ million in revenue that will not flow through and to the businesses and citizens of this town. We all need to make our living, our expenses, loan payments, mortgage and rent payments, pay our employees and provide for our families and households.
Although important, it's not just about making sure the city government survives. If our leadership has any advice on how we will be able to meet our obligations with a 50% reduction in revenue I would at least like them to share those with us. If they see it. With all respect to our volunteer leadership, government spending will not replace the private sector economy, I hope it never does. Pick up your heads, look down the road and deal with the whole problem, not only the safety and government survival but community health and overall well being also.
We have all been diligent and lucky, our citizens deserve much credit for this too. It's time to reopen as best we can let our citizens go back to work.
Mike Lockabey
To the Editor:
I don't often praise someone for doing a job they are paid for, however, these are certainly different days any of our generation have seen. I am writing to say "Thank you" to Ethel Lane, the manager of the Wrangell Senior Apartments as she has risen with the spirit of caring and sharing during our crisis. She has made the people at the Senior Apts. feel as connected and comfortable as possible in this hard time as well as coordinating with our charitable community members to donate face masks, treats, flowers and dinners. She also is working with the Senior Center to deliver lunches to the tenants to reduce exposure and has made every tenant a personal face mask. During hospital stays she works with hospital staff so tenants can get things from their apartments that are needed. I know Ethel is not the only hero in Wrangell right now but she is the Wrangell Senior Apartment's hero and on the behalf of the Wrangell Senior Board of Directors we say "Thank you."
Board President Bill Privett
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