Unalaska, AK – The city council discussed a number of budget issues at Tuesday's meeting. The first involved the PCR community center expansion project. The expansion will cost the city about $1.7 million more than they originally anticipated, putting the total predicted cost at just under $4.1 million. Director of Public Works Nancy Peterson wanted the council to know about the increase before the project goes up for bid this week. Though the council did not make a binding decision, they showed support for the expansion even with its expanding budget.

The fiscal year 2011 budget might also grow in certain places. The council approved their budget goals, which call for a zero percent growth in operating expenses not related to personnel. However, city manager Chris Hladick said he anticipates an increase of about $500,000 dollars in the budget to pay for city-wide salary increases and potentially more if health insurance costs go up.

The city also incurs costs to pay for legal expenses. In FY 2009, which ended in June of last year, the city spent just under $79,000 in legal fees and costs. The city attorney, Brooks Chandler, said this is remarkably low for a city of our size with a large budget and many projects. Included in the total was $13,000 for geothermal negotiation advice, $11,000 toward the civil suit against the federal government for a PCB clean-up reimbursement, and $10,000 for water and sewer permitting issues.

Later this year, the city will also spend money in an attempt to make money. Council members Katherine McGlashan, Dennis Robinson, and Zac Schasteen will travel to Juneau in March with the mayor and the city manager to meet with members of the legislature, the department of transportation, and others. They will also host a seafood reception. The trip is aimed at bringing more money to the community for capital projects, like paving Ballyhoo Road and finishing construction of the new powerhouse.