Author: kfskadmin

A one-dollar-a month surcharge on local phone bills is one step closer to becoming a reality. The Petersburg City Council Monday approved the new charge in its second reading. That’s despite questions and concerns from members of the public and the city council over the size and equity of the surcharge, meant to defray some of the costs of upgrading and operating the city’s enhanced 911 emergency communications system.

A non-profit organization is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to maintain recreation cabins on the Tongass National Forest. Friends of the Tongass Cabins is a relatively new organization seeking to help the government agency keep the over 150 remote cabins open and in good shape.

A new report published by the Petersburg Economic Development Council this month says there are some warning signs with Petersburg’s economy this decade, but also notes the town is faring better than some of its Southeast neighbors. The PEDC economic trends study compiles data from state and federal sources on population, employment, sales and other economic indicators.

The Petersburg City Council Monday took the first step toward raising the cost of phone service in town. The council approved the first reading of an ordinance adding a one-dollar-a-month surcharge for phone lines and cell phone accounts in Petersburg. The charge would help the city pay for enhanced 911 emergency communications systems. The council also approved the first reading of a new local law on dangerous and vicious dogs.

The city of Petersburg is looking into alternatives for heating city-owned buildings. Petersburg’s city council Monday agreed to seek a consulting firm to look in replacing oil boilers with electrical heaters, as well as geothermal heat or other alternative energy possibilities. The council also approved the guidelines for an auction of 20 city lots in late September and may be purchasing land for more parking space in South Harbor.