What you need to know:
- The Mat-Su Assembly unanimously rejected a proposed 7-cent-per-gallon fuel tax after voters opposed it in an advisory election last month, ending months of debate
- Assembly member Michael Bowles is drafting a ballot measure that would ask voters to replace the borough’s property tax with a 7% sales tax — a move he says would shift the burden of funding local services from property owners to all consumers.
- Bowles plans to introduce the measure in time for next fall’s election and is working with borough staff to ensure it meets legal requirements.
- Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.
PALMER — The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly voted unanimously this week to reject a 7-cent-per-gallon fuel tax, ending six months of heated debate on the issue — but a new sales tax proposal may be on the table next year.
The assembly voted down the fuel tax proposal Tuesday after residents soundly rejected it in last month’s election.
And while Borough Manager Mike Brown said he has no plans to introduce additional taxes or alternative revenue measures, a proposed sweeping tax update could be coming from a newly elected Assembly member…