Assembly should approach cost‑cutting with a scalpel rather than a chainsaw

Juneau Assembly members and administrative staff discuss the city’s proposed budget for next year during a Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at City Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Scott Spickler

I was one of roughly two dozen-plus volunteers who collected signatures last summer on behalf of the Affordable Juneau Coalition. Our goal was to place three propositions on the ballot that we believed would help address the high cost of living in Juneau by: removing tax on food for all residents, capping property taxes at nine mills, and returning to the more efficient and less expensive in‑person voting method Juneau used prior to the COVID era. The voting method proposition missed the ballot by only 15 signatures.

During those long days talking with people across every age group, background and neighborhood, one message came through loud and clear: gratitude. Residents consistently thanked us for taking the time and energy to bring these issues forward. Many shared that Juneau has become increasingly difficult to afford, and they felt the Assembly was not fully recognizing the financial strain households are under. The election results reflected the same sentiment we heard repeatedly at our booths.

A number of residents also expressed frustration that, despite the community voting "no" twice on a new City Hall and "No" on the new performing arts center, the city is continuing to pursue those projects. Many signers of the petitions also asked how much staff time and money had been spent on the performing arts center without voter approval.

My personal motivation for gathering signatures was simple: to help young people starting out in life by giving them even a small financial break. Juneau is losing many of its young adults because of the high cost of living and the lack of attainable housing. The Affordable Juneau Coalition estimated that a family of four could save around $1,000 per year on groceries if food were exempt from sales tax. That money would stay in residents’ pockets rather than in multiple city accounts that many feel lack transparency. Property owners could see some relief as well, depending on assessments, and renters might benefit since landlords typically pass increased costs on to tenants.

I’m concerned that the CBJ is choosing the most visible recreational services and venues for potential cuts as a way to punish residents that voted for the propositions. Last fall an Assembly member warned that snow plowing and street repairs might be delayed if the measures passed. Now the field house, pools, hockey rink, Eaglecrest, and other facilities are being discussed for possible reductions or closures. These are exactly the kinds of amenities that help keep families here — and losing them will only accelerate the departure of young people. Regarding Eaglecrest, the city should be pursuing an equitable arrangement now for Goldbelt to take over operations, or even ownership, which would eliminate annual CBJ subsidies while generating sales tax revenue and possibly property tax if a land purchase or trade were negotiated fairly.

There are other areas worth examining before cutting community services. For example, I understand the city manager’s office employs three media staff. Have past managers had that level of staffing? That seems like a reasonable place to begin evaluating efficiencies. Is the CBJ budget process fully transparent? An outside audit could help clarify long-standing carry‑forward practices and identify unnecessary spending. In reviewing grant requests from nonprofits and JEDC, we should look closely at their financial reserves, staffing levels and overall effectiveness. Public funds should go to organizations that demonstrate clear, meaningful outcomes for the community.

Enforcement of existing ordinances also matters. The last report I saw indicated nearly $2 million in delinquent sales taxes owed to the city, with many non‑responders. That is public money, and it should be collected. Additionally, how many businesses are exempt from collecting sales tax? Ensuring all businesses operate on equal footing would support fairness and strengthen the budget. It’s worth asking whether this is receiving the attention it deserves.

The Assembly should approach cost‑cutting with a scalpel rather than a chainsaw. Thoughtful, targeted adjustments — not broad, high‑impact cuts — will help keep Juneau livable for the people who call it home.

• Scott Spickler is a retired business owner and longtime Juneau resident.