Assembly to consider property tax increase

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly will vote Monday on a motion that would increase the borough property tax rate from 5 mills to 5.5 mills.

The motion is a first reading of the mill-rate ordinance. If it passes, it will need a second vote before the tax increase becomes official.

A mill is one dollar for every $1,000 dollars of assessed property value. For example: currently, a home that is valued at $200,000 is taxed $1,000 by the borough. If the increase is adopted, that would go to $1,100.

Also Monday, the Assembly will hear a progress report on the Ketchikan Shipyard, presented by officials from the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority.

Monday’s meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in Borough Assembly chambers at the White Cliff building. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.