Deborah Johnston

This document outlines the strategic goals for the City and Borough of Juneau for 2022. The plan is structured around five key pillars: ensuring adequate and affordable housing for all residents; fostering a vibrant and diverse local economy; maintaining a sustainable budget and organization to deliver cost-efficient services; promoting community wellness and public safety to create a safe and welcoming environment; and sustaining a resilient social, economic, and environmental habitat for present and future generations.

The assembly meeting covered several legislative and administrative items. Key topics included the declaration of a local emergency due to a glacier outburst flood, approval of funding for school roof repairs, and a resolution supporting the home-porting of United States Coast Guard cutters. Additionally, the clerk provided a staff report regarding the certification of the seasonal sales tax initiative petition and the ongoing signature review for the mill rate cap initiative petition.

The committee meeting included a review of the annual audit for the city's various entities, including discussions on internal controls, financial statement preparation, and accounting software transitions. The external auditor presented findings regarding material weaknesses in financial reporting, specific adjustments made to bond and tax accrual records, and issues related to lease accounting. The committee also touched upon the timing of the audit process and plans for improving financial reconciliation and review procedures for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting focused on the introduction of ordinances, specifically addressing concerns regarding potential double taxation. Discussion also involved the public input process for amendments to the tax cap on single goods and services, with testimony provided by the general manager of a local mine regarding the economic impact on the mining industry. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the importance of fully funding staff positions at the local city museum to ensure the protection and sharing of cultural history.

The meeting included two proclamations recognizing National Infrastructure Week and Older Americans Month, with presentations from the Juneau Commission on Aging. Public participation featured testimony on development plans for the Telephone Hill neighborhood, concerns regarding communication between the assembly and residents, and suggestions for alternative funding mechanisms for city infrastructure projects, specifically through cruise ship passenger fees and potential dock leases.