On Dec. 9, 1986, the finance committee of the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly reviewed a sales tax ordinance that had already been talked about much before the meeting. The group took over an hour to review and edit the sales tax principles, rejecting some propositions like exempting food purchases.
In the Alaska Senate, rumors about the possible resignation of Kotzebue Sen. Frank Ferguson caused chaos in the Legislature. With the legislative election over and a new session coming up, Sen. Jan Faiks of Anchorage was working to reorganize the Senate in her favor. Part of her plan was to add Sen. Ferguson to her coalition.
On Dec. 10, 1986, Gov. Steve Cowper’s transition budget committee officially submitted its preliminary report on Alaska’s finances early that morning, projecting that the state will finish off the fiscal year in debt after overspending revenue by about $606.9 million. The estimated deficit was a whole $200 million more until the auditors realized that they had miscounted municipal grant obligations, thus making the deficit worse than it was.
The financial auditors of the Department of Administration weren’t the only ones scratching their heads. Alaskans from all over the state had received Alaska Permanent Fund dividend checks with the signature of Gov. Cowper, despite the checks’ date of issuing being Nov. 26, days before Gov. Cowper was officially sworn into office. Despite the error, state officials assured residents that their $556.26 check was legitimate.
Even with all of the budgetary issues facing the state, Juneau residents found a way to spread the winter holiday joy. The 4-H Community Toy Drive gave parents a chance to choose both new and used toys for their children, and with the help from both locals and community organizations alike, kids received new toys for the winter.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
