Funding measure clears second reading
The vote gave Ordinance 2026-22 its second-reading approval. The measure would amend the fiscal 2027 budget to cover the offer's first-year raises. Alaska News reported that it would provide about $246,000 for union wage increases in addition to a 2.5% increase already included in the budget.
Assembly Member Donna Marsh sought to put off consideration until Nov. 16. Her motion drew support from Bob Martin and James Valentine but failed with the Assembly split 3-3. Marsh then cast the only vote against advancing the ordinance. She had been sworn into office that evening, according to Alaska News.
Union representatives raise voting and staffing concerns
The Petersburg Municipal Employees Association had not held a membership vote on the offer by the Oct. 20 meeting. Speaking for the association, Molly Tybur urged the Assembly to wait, Alaska News reported. "We do not feel one side should be able to force anything on the other and call it an agreement," she said.
Tybur also described staffing shortages: eight experienced borough employees left within 30 days during summer 2026, police and dispatch had gone close to a year without a job applicant, and limited staffing forced the library to close for a week.
Police Chief James Kerr had raised staffing concerns in June. He told a borough advisory board that the department had five vacancies and expressed hope that the borough and union could raise wages, according to Alaska News.
Wastewater employee Zane Browning, who spoke on his own behalf, argued that the dispute should go through arbitration. He said the borough instead "has opted to force the contract that they prefer."
Contract approval remains separate
The previous agreement between the borough and the Petersburg Municipal Employees Association expired June 30, 2026. Petersburg Pilot reported in September that bargaining had reached an impasse and that both parties had agreed to mediation.
Borough Manager Steve Giesbrecht told the Assembly that the union had had the offer for some time. Assembly members had also reviewed it during three closed sessions, according to Alaska News.
Borough staff described arbitration as the next step, while saying its outcome would not be binding and the Assembly would retain final authority. A staff member said a mediator had determined that both parties negotiated in good faith and that the borough was acting within its rights under state law.
Staff characterized the funding ordinance as a placeholder, not the final contract approval. The Assembly must hold a separate vote on the union contract before it can take effect. The ordinance's third and final reading is expected Nov. 2, 2026, according to Alaska News.
