Author: Joe Viechnicki, KFSK

Absentee ballots have flipped the outcome for the House district 35 race to represent Petersburg, Sitka and other island communities of Southeast Alaska.

Petersburg officials are hoping for temporary repairs to the electrical system at Petersburg’s swimming pool. That could restore heat and electricity to that part of the community center but won’t allow the borough to re-open the pool to customers.

Rates for garbage service in Petersburg may increase, whether or not the borough continues or reduces its collection of recycled materials. That curbside collection is costing the municipal government more than trash disposal. But a consultant told the borough assembly this month that garbage rates should be boosted under all options for recycling.

Petersburg utility customers and local businesses will be able to apply for more of the borough’s coronavirus relief money. The borough assembly Monday approved CARES Act funding for a second round of business grants as well as a utility subsidy for residential customers.