It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Monday February 9, 2026
Palmer City Manager Kolby Zerkel discussed city issues with host Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City last Friday. The discussion included a proposed sales tax increase, the new library, and airport and golf course land use.
Zerkel explained that a temporary sales tax increase is on the City Council agenda for the council meeting tomorrow night. The revenue would help fund construction of the new library. It would increase the sales tax to 4% for about a year and half. It would run from April 1 of this year to the end of October next year. The sales tax is currently 3%.
Palmer City code allows the council to change the sales tax rate. A vote of the citizens is not required. The Council may take action after the public hearing. They may continue discussion on the proposal at a later meeting. Zerkel noted Palmer has not raised taxes in about 30 years. She emphasized revenue may need to grow in the future as city services expand alongside community growth.
Construction of the new library building is expected to begin this spring. Zerkel has created an executive committee consisting of city staff and the library director. The committee will review design decisions, identify cost-saving opportunities, and coordinate any changes that require council approval.
Discussions continue on moving city council meetings to the meeting space in the new library. Zerkel supports the idea. She notes it would increase public access and free space in City Hall for offices. The decision rests with the council.
Zerkel also discussed land use issues related to the Palmer airport and the city golf course. The city has begun the process of requesting a federal release from certain aviation land-use obligations with the Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAA has directed the city to complete a comprehensive land-use and revenue compliance review in 2026 and finish an airport master plan before any final determinations are made.
These steps will evaluate long-term aviation needs, safety, and development requirements. The process to release golf course land from aviation use is expected to take several years.
The city is awaiting a response from the golf course operator regarding the contract review that includes provision for the sale of alcohol.
Zerkel also described ongoing city operations. These include infrastructure maintenance, human resource matters, requests for proposals, the parking and pedestrian study, and preliminary discussions on possible annexation by the city.
She noted that annexation conversations are in early stages and no formal council direction has been issued. Any progress would involve public input and transparency.
Finally, Zerkel praised public works crews for snow removal efforts during an inconsistent winter. She encouraged residents to report missed areas.
She closed by wishing everyone a happy Valentine’s Day.
The full episode of Inside the City is on Big Cabbage Radio under podcasts.
The Palmer City Council meets tomorrow night in the Council Chambers. The full agenda is on palmerak.org.
Learn about glaciology in the Mat-Su with Joe Moore on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Mat-Su Health Foundation building in Wasilla. Join retired soil scientist Joe Moore on all things glacial.
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This Page Two article was written by Mike Chmielewski– and read by Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday February 9, 2026.