The biggest headline in the borough’s draft budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1 is the proposed 24% reduction in the property tax rate, though a substantial drop had been expected. This year’s comprehensive assessment review of every piece of property in Wrangell resulted in a significant boost in taxable value for most homes and businesses. Borough officials had said the intent was fairness — assessing all property by the same standards — not raising revenue. The proposed cut to the tax rate follows through on that pledge.
Aside from the $2 million in property tax revenues anticipated for the next fiscal year — out of a total general fund budget of $7.3 million in property tax, sales tax, state and federal revenues, and interest on savings — there are a couple of smaller numbers worth paying attention to.
The draft budget shows a $78,000 increase in spending on marketing and community development, with most of that for a new employee dedicated to marketing. Within the Department of Economic Development, the Wrangell Convention and Visitor Bureau has approved spending $12,000 to get the town on a 3D map. Not just any map, but an interactive app for smartphones to provide visitors — and locals, too — a topographical map of the island, showing roads, points of interest with information, businesses and public facilities.
The app is intended to make it easier for independent travelers to enjoy their time here by giving them more information — exactly the type of visitors the town needs to fill hotel, lodge and bed and breakfast rooms, eat and shop.
It’s money well spent. Wrangell needs to attract more visitors, new businesses and particularly new residents to help fill the multiple job vacancies that are holding back the community.
There doesn’t seem to be an employer in town that isn’t looking to hire, as worker shortages are forcing cutbacks in hours and services — just look at the Senior Center. The borough owns the building and Catholic Community Service operates the center.
Unable to hire a cook and a driver, while also dealing with cuts in federal funding to the Southeast nonprofit, the center has eliminated its hot lunch program. No more coming to the center to eat and share company. The meals are all to go. And rides for seniors have been cut to only the minimum, focusing on medical appointments. Before the cutback, the center typically provided 40 to 45 rides per day.
The borough last year budgeted $13,000 in assistance for the Senior Center. The draft budget for the next fiscal year includes $15,000. The assembly and borough officials should ask Senior Center management if a little more money could help restore the level of services the community’s elders need.
— Wrangell Sentinel
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