In a surprising turnaround, City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to provide grant funding to the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association for a conference the group is holding in Unalaska in September. When the initial request for $75,000 was presented in February, councilors were divided on whether it was appropriate for the City to donate money to the event.

Then-councilor Dick Peck said at that meeting, “I don’t recall in my tenure of eight years on the island that we’ve ever funded any activities of this nature.”

By last night’s meeting, the focus had shifted to how much the City should contribute. Councilor Zoya Johnson started by suggesting that a reception would be adequate.

“If the conference does happen and we have the visitors in the community – do what we do for every conference that comes to this community – have a community reception.”

Then Councilor Dennis Robinson suggested using the bed-tax fund.

“That bed tax is here to provide for – in my mind – for issues just like this. Bringing people to our community, whether they’re tourists or whether they’re coming here to have a conference. When they come here to have a conference, they’re going to dump a bunch of money. They’re going to be spending money here and it’s good for businesses in the community.”

Robinson suggested giving $25,000 in addition to a community reception. Other councilors added language specifying that the funding is contingent on the conference actually taking place in Unalaska.

The event is scheduled for September 11-16. APIA says registration details are forthcoming.