City of Kenai

If approved, the proposal would exempt the first $75,000 of their residential property’s taxable value from the city’s property tax.

Thursday’s announcement comes on the heels of a lackluster sockeye season in the Kenai River, and as the river’s king fishery remains closed outright due to poor runs.

City officials say 1,435 property owners would be eligible for Kenai’s residential exemption if it passes. City Manager Terry Eubank says the new exemption could cost Kenai around $442,202 per year that would otherwise go to the city’s general fund.

Families packed the streets of Kenai last weekend to celebrate America's 250th birthday at the city's annual Fourth of July parade.

Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank says the changes are rooted in complaints from city property owners.

Council members added roughly a quarter of a million dollars in one-time spending during their Wednesday meeting.

The project is backed by $16.7 million in federal grants and local matching funds.

The Kenai City Council last week agreed to spend $97,641.61 on the initiative, which includes decontaminating the city fire trucks.

The Fox Air lease is contingent on additional research on the company by the city, which received a letter raising concerns about Fox Air’s service.

City Manager Terry Eubank says he’s met with other city managers and the borough mayor to talk through possible solutions, and that Kenai’s all-age nonprofit swim team has been proactive. Starting July 1, the school district will stop funding the pool.