Haines to vote on measure to reduce a property tax break for seniors and disabled veterans – Alaska Public Media

Haines to vote on measure to reduce a property tax break for seniors and disabled veterans  Alaska Public Media

Voters chose to double the property tax exemption in 2024. The ballot initiative seeks to restore some tax revenue by reducing the exemption. Haines seniors saw major savings in 2025 after voters decided to double a property tax exemption for seniors and disabled veterans. Now that exemption could change again – but in the opposite direction. The state of Alaska requires all municipalities to exempt the first $150,000 in value on eligible primary residences from property taxes. In 2024, Haines voters boosted that exemption to $300,000. Next month, local voters will weigh in on Ballot Initiative 1, which would drop that exemption to $200,000. Outgoing Haines Mayor Tom Morphet championed the initiative. He said he thinks there’s good reason to give seniors more of a break, particularly amid surging home values.

He just didn’t agree with doubling the amount. “I just thought that the $300,000 break was excessive and unfair, quite frankly, to the younger members of our community who pay a full amount and also aren’t entitled to some of the other breaks that seniors get,” Morphet said. With a median age around 50, Haines is Alaska’s oldest borough. Nearly 30% of the population is age 65 or older, according to census estimates. Worry for younger residents and families has been a major theme of Morphet’s tenure. He’s repeatedly