Borough TightensTax Exemption Rules

Jay Barrett/KMXT

Snowbirds in Kodiak will have to spend as much time on the island to qualify for a property tax exemption as they do to qualify for a Permanent Fund Dividend check. That was the decision of the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly at its last meeting.

Under state law seniors and disabled veterans can apply for a property tax exemption, if the local government implements one, as the Kodiak Island Borough has. Borough Assessor Tom Anderson explains:

— (Tax 1 23 sec "Residency standards … per calendar year.")

Assemblywoman Judy Fulp had sought to amend the ordinance to reduce the residency requirements to just 90 days, because she said not everyone collects a PFD.

— (Tax 2 47 sec "I personally know … they can’t qualify.")

Assemblywoman Pat Branson said the exemption requirements for residency are lenient enough:

— (Tax 3 47 sec "I know people like to … tax exemptions for seniors.")

Borough Manager Rick Gifford explained that not applying for or getting a permanent fund doesn’t automatically disqualify someone from getting the property tax exemption:

— (Tax 4 13 sec "You know they can check … to get the information.")

Fulp’s amendment failed on a 5-1 vote against, while the ordinance passed by the same margin, with Fulp voting no.

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