Borough assembly passes budget once again after rolling back school funding changes

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly has once again passed a budget for the fiscal year beginning in July.

The budget ordinance originally passed earlier this month, but came up for reconsideration after outcry regarding the removal of about $12 million in funding for borough schools.  The original amendment was made by Assembly Member Rob Yundt, who cited the school district’s large reserve accounts and the need for roads near schools in his reasoning for the change.  Yundt said the funds could be used to make needed road upgrades without incurring bond debt for the borough.

Yundt’s amendment came late in the budget process, after all public testimony.  The timing of the amendment led to sharp criticism from some Mat-Su residents with ties to local schools, including School Board Member Ole (OH-lee) Larson.  Part of the plan for those large reserve accounts is the construction of new facilities for Mat-Su Central School.

On Monday, the assembly and school board held a joint meeting. A deal was struck, in principle, that would lead to the roads being funded and the new Mat-Su Central buildings being put out for a bond vote.  Current rent for Mat-Su Central is over $550,000 per year.  The plan is to use the money that would go for lease payments to pay down any bonds sooner.

While any school bonds would require a vote from the public, multiple members of the Assembly said they would help garner support.  They believe the new plan will save borough taxpayers money in the long run.

Assembly Member Yundt as well as Mat-Su School Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani referred to the new arrangement as a “win-win.”

On Tuesday, Yundt reversed his earlier amendment, and the budget was passed again.