The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly will take another look Monday at a proposed areawide tobacco tax.
The Assembly approved the tobacco tax ordinance in first reading during its last meeting. A second vote by the Assembly is needed before the ordinance is officially adopted. Even then, though, it would be placed in front of voters for ratification before implementation.
The ordinance as it stands calls for a tax of $3 per pack of cigarettes, or 75 percent of the wholesale price of other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The Assembly agreed during its last meeting to dedicate at least half of the net proceeds of the tax to smoking cessation programs.
There could be some changes made to that ordinance, though. Assembly members asked borough management to bring back some options for Monday’s meeting, including a reduced tax and a sunset clause.
And City of Ketchikan officials have asked the Assembly to reconsider dedicating 50 percent of the net proceeds for smoking cessation programs. The original proposal, which representatives of both local governments worked on together, called for 15 percent for smoking programs. City officials also object to the voter-ratification clause.
Also Monday, the Assembly will consider a motion establishing Oct. 3rd as a tax-free day in the borough.
The Assembly 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.
