Soldotna’s city council earlier this month adopted its biennial budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 with flat sales and property taxes.
A letter by Soldotna City Manager Janette Bower and Finance Director Melanie Imholte, included in the budget document, says that the budget approved this month “reflects our continued commitment to fiscal responsibility, high-quality public services, and strategic investment in the future of our community.” The budget was developed in collaboration with city departments and reviewed by the council at work sessions in May.
The city expects to generate more than $10 million in each of the next two years in sales tax, “the single largest revenue source” for the city. Property taxes will bring another roughly $390,000.
The new budget includes new and expanded positions related to the soon to be opened Soldotna Field House, as well as some reorganization of the Soldotna Police Department.
The city expects to generate more than $18 million in operating revenues while spending nearly $20 million — the letter notes a sharp increase of nearly $1 million in year-over-year projected operating revenue owing to the field house.
The draft budget also says that the city’s mill rate of 0.5 and its 3% sales tax will remain flat for the next fiscal year. The council separately approved those values during the same June 11 meeting.
Before the budget was approved, two successful amendments by Jordan Chilson and Chera Wackler added additional funding to the Central Area Rural Transit System and the Soldotna Little League.
The budget was approved by a unanimous vote.
The full budget document and a recording of the June 11 meeting can be found at soldotna.org.
Reach reporter jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
