City surveying residents about budget priorities as leaders face post-election spending cuts
- Mark Sabbatini
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Locals asked to pick what programs they value most and would target first for reductions, along with if there are new revenue measures they support
By Mark Sabbatini
Juneau Independent
Juneau residents voted for less city spending. Now they’re being asked to provide specifics.
An online 15-question survey posted at the City and Borough of Juneau’s website on Tuesday asks respondents what services they value most and which should rank highest for cuts. It also asks residents to define what values local leaders should use to measure success.
"The goal of this survey is to understand the CBJ services, projects and programs residents prioritize most," explanatory text at the beginning of the survey notes. "Because recent sales tax exemptions mean reduced revenue (funding) for city services, CBJ invites residents to share which city services and aspects of the community they most value and where they are willing to make tradeoffs."
Voters approved a lower cap on property taxes, and exempting food and utilities from sales taxes, during last October’s election. City officials estimate that will result in roughly $12 million in lost revenue in a municipal budget of roughly $200 million (excluding entities such as the Juneau School District and Bartlett Regional Hospital, which brings the total budget to about $478 million).
Juneau Assembly members have stated they intend to prioritize essentials such as public safety and infrastructure over items such as recreational facilities and libraries when crafting a budget this spring for the fiscal year that begins July 1. But they also have discussed getting community input through public meetings and other methods.
Questions in the online survey include asking respondents what area of town they live in and how they feel overall about Juneau’s municipal government. It then asks people to select four or five programs they consider priorities from a 20-item list (with write-ins allowed). Among the categories are "Public safety (police, fire, EMS)," "Schools and K–12 education support," "Recreation facilities (Eaglecrest, pools, ice rink, sports fields, cabins)," and "Water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste services."
Respondents are then asked what four or five items they would target first for cuts on the same list.
The survey also asks residents to select which of 15 values city leaders should prioritze to measure success." The first five are "Building strong partnerships with non-profits, Tribes, and regional organizations," Advancing climate resilience, energy efficiency, and sustainability," Efficient, responsive customer service across all departments, "Keeping taxes stable and low," and "Transparent decision-making and meaningful public engagement."
Beyond cuts, respondents are also asked "Which new or increased revenue options would you would be comfortable with CBJ considering to meet the needs of the community in the future?" Among the options are increasing user fees, property and/or sales taxes (possibly seasonally during the summer), bonds, and "No new or increased taxes or fees should be implemented."
Responses are confidential and will only be reported to CBJ in summary form, according to the website. The survey is being administered through mid-February by Rain Coast Data.
As an incentive the city is offering a prize drawing that offers winners a choice of a 10-visit pass to Treadwell Arena, the Dimond Park Field House, or local swimming pools; five-day Eaglecrest lift ticket; a 12-month Capital Transit bus pass; or a two-night stay at the Hilda Dam Cabin. Entrants must be Juneau residents and complete the entire survey, with one survey person allowed.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
