Utility Infrastructure Bond Proposition

At a glance

• What: Ordinance 2026-36 would have put a general obligation bond of up to $9,400,000 for water and wastewater improvements, including the Mendenhall Wastewater Treatment Plant, on the October 6, 2026 ballot.
• Where it stands: On July 27, 2026 the Assembly referred it to the Assembly Finance Committee for the FY28 budget process by unanimous consent, as the City Manager recommended. An amendment to keep it on the 2026 ballot failed 1-6.
• Next: Finance Committee consideration during the FY28 budget process.

Background

The Assembly's utility rate structure requires cash from outside the utility to maintain infrastructure; costs above the bond would come from Water or Wastewater fund balance. Reviewed by the Assembly Finance Committee on June 3, 2026.

Debate

Mike Riederer suggested bonds and mill rate increases are separate and should perhaps be presented separately. Mr. Brooks moved to refer, then objected and offered Amendment 1 to place the bond on the 2026 ballot, citing poor utility infrastructure and this year's Blackerby water main failure. Deputy Mayor Smith objected, citing the Manager's view that the utility division could not spend the funds within a year given current projects. Amendment 1 failed 1-6 (yes: Brooks). The referral then passed by unanimous consent.

Sources

• Assembly regular meeting minutes (Meeting 2026-15), July 27, 2026: https://juneauak.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=13275,plainText=false)
• Assembly regular meeting minutes (Meeting 2026-12), June 8, 2026: https://juneauak.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=13131,plainText=false)

Log

2026-07-27 - Regular Assembly Meeting

Referred to the Finance Committee; ballot amendment failed 1-6.

2026-06-08 - Regular Assembly Meeting

Introduced on the consent agenda.