Press Release: Senators Protect Local Control of Services

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Sen. Rick Halford
State Capitol, Room 111
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4958
Fax: (907) 465-4928

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Sen. Randy Phillips
State Capitol, Room 103
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4929
Fax: (907) 465-4979

For Immediate Release: : February 7, 2001

Contact: Senator Rick Halford at (907) 465-4958
Senator Randy Phillips at (907) 465-4949

JUNEAU -- Senators Rick Halford (R-Chugiak) and Randy Phillips (R-Eagle River) introduced legislation on Tuesday that would ensure local control of service areas.

"Service areas are a valuable tool because they allow individual communities to provide the level of service that their residents want and need," said Halford. "Using private contractors, local road boards, have provided good service at lower mill rates. Also, fire protection service areas such as those covered by the Chugiak and South Fork Volunteer Fire Departments, provide excellent service at a much lower cost to taxpayers."

Service areas are separate authorities within a borough or municipality that have the ability to provide services to a defined region. They can range in size from a few streets to an entire community and are effective in tailoring appropriate levels of service for the region and levying commensurate mill rate charges. Chugiak-Eagle River, South Anchorage, Girdwood, Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Borough have all used service areas successfully.

"Local service areas offer a model for privatization of government functions to achieve improved service at a lower cost to taxpayers," said Halford.

People from the Kenai Peninsula to Fairbanks have spoken out strongly in favor of protecting service areas. Senate Bill 75 would prohibit the abolishment or alteration of a local service area by a municipality without a vote of the residents within the affected area.

"The road, fire protection and parks and recreation service areas are strongly supported where I live because they work," said Halford. "SB 75 would guarantee that this local alternative to a less efficiently managed, centralized, 'one sizes fits all' service provider won't be taken away without a vote of the people."

SB 75 is similar to House Bill 13, legislation previously introduced by Rep. Con Bunde (R-Anchorage).

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Attachments:

Sponsor Statement for HB 13

| Sen. Halford's Page | Sen. Phillips' Page |

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