Mat-Su Assembly Holds First Budget Hearing

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assemby held its first public hearing in Wasilla tonight on the proposed 2019 Borough budget. 

Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle asked the Borough for continued support for a planning grant for $225,000. Wasilla City funds a "drug officer" in efforts to reduce opioid trafficking. Cottle also asked for support for Youth Court and SART, Sexual Assault Response Team, and the teens' homeless shelter My House. Wasilla City Council Member Stu Graham reminded the Assembly of the benefits of the programs.

Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Bonnie Quill asked for continued support for the MSCVB, noting that the budget is $30,000 less due to a new building lease. 

Meadow Lakes Community Council President Patti Fisher asked for inclusion of Seldon Road Extension in a future road bond package. She said Beverly Lakes Road, with its 47 blind driveways, is dangerous and cannot handle the traffic that was added onto it. She called Seldon Road a major corridor from the northwest to Palmer.

Manager John Moosey and Mayor Vern Halter brought up federal transportation grants called Build, formerly Tiger grants, for rural projects less than $25 million. Moosey said the Assembly may want to add a match for such a grant in the budget. 

Deputy Mayor Matthew Beck moved to continue the public hearing on the proposed 2019 Borough budget to Thursday at 6 pm in the Assembly chambers in Palmer at 350 E. Dahlia Ave. 

For more information contact Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.