Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

A lot of people in the borough have had their property tax increased, including me. I see one way to claw some of that tax burden back. This October, Skagway voted to increase their permanent citizens’ senior or disabled veterans property tax exemption from $250,000 to $350,000. Kenai is already exempting $300,000. The exemption in Haines is only $150,000. I would think that Haines should “get with the times” (if our tax assessments have to “get with the times” as explained to us) and raise our senior or disabled veterans property tax exemption at least to the current Skagway standard of $250,000. This feels like something the assembly could just vote in. Or does a referendum have to be voted for? I’m technically not a senior, just feel like I’m getting there, but I would benefit. I don’t know enough people to create a referendum signature page, if needed, but I would like to assist. Seems like a way for the government to be helpful. Is this controversial? I can’t tell anymore.