CHAPTER 2.08: MAYOR
Section
2.08.050 Procedure for election
2.08.060 Compensation and reimbursement
2.08.070 Absence; deputy mayor
2.08.080 Vacancy in the office of mayor
Statutory reference:
For provisions regarding the mayor’s powers etc., see A.S. 29.20.220 – 29.20.280
2.08.010 OFFICE ESTABLISHED.
There is established the office of mayor. Executive duties of the borough shall be vested in the mayor.
(Ord. 94-001AM, § 3 (part), 1994; Ord. 84-34, § 5, 1984; Ord. 73-9, § 2, 1973)
2.08.020 TERM OF OFFICE.
(A) The mayor’s term shall be four years. The qualified candidate succeeds to the candidate’s elected office the first Monday following the certification of the election and acceptance of the oath of office.
(B) No person shall hold the office of mayor for more than two terms, for life. For purposes of this section, service for more than one-half of a term is considered a full term. This limitation applies to all former and current mayors except that it shall not prevent the current mayor as of the date of voter ratification of the ordinance codified in this section from holding the remainder of their term and to serve one additional full term.
(Ord. 24-009, § 2, 2024; Ord. 22-026, § 2, 2022; Ord. 11-056, § 2, 2011: Ord. 94-001AM, § 3 (part), 1994; Ord. 81-82, § 5, 1981; Ord. 73-9, § 2, 1973)
2.08.030 ELIGIBILITY.
A person is eligible to hold the office of mayor if the person is a qualified borough voter and has been a borough resident for one year immediately prior to the election for that office. The mayor may not hold a position as assembly member or borough employee, except as provided by statute.
(Ord. 94-044AM, § 2, 1994; Ord. 94-001AM, § 3 (part), 1994; Ord. 73-9, § 3, 1973)
2.08.040 DUTIES.
(A) The mayor shall:
(1) preside at all assembly meetings. The mayor may take part in the discussion of matters before assembly, but may not vote, except that the mayor may vote in the case of a tie;
(2) act as ceremonial head of the borough; and
(3) sign documents on behalf of the borough upon assembly authorization.
(4) [Repealed by Ord. 94-001AM, § 3 (part), 1994 and recodified as MSB 2.08.040(B)]
(5) appoint members of boards and commissions subject to confirmation by the assembly.
(B) The mayor may veto any ordinance, resolution, motion or other action of the assembly, and may, by veto, strike or reduce items of appropriation ordinances. A veto shall be exercised before the next regular assembly meeting and shall be accompanied by written explanation of the reasons for the veto. A veto may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the assembly within 21 calendar days following the veto, or at the next regular meeting, whichever is later. The veto does not extend to:
(1) the manager plan of borough government;
(2) the actions of the board of equalization;
(3) the actions of the board of adjustment; or
(4) the appropriation items in a school budget ordinance.
(Ord. 23-067, § 2, 2023; Ord. 94-001AM, § 3 (part), 1994; Ord. 92-046AM, § 2, 1992; Ord. 79-82, § 2, 1979; Ord. 73-9, § 4, 1973)
2.08.050 PROCEDURE FOR ELECTION.
The position of mayor shall be filled in the same manner as that of assembly members, except that the mayor shall be elected at large.
(Ord. 73-9, § 5, 1973)
2.08.060 COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT.
(A) The mayor shall receive a salary of $65,000 per year. Reimbursement shall be provided for mileage and expenses which are reasonable and necessary in connection with assembly meetings and regular borough functions. The mayor shall be included in the borough employee health insurance plan, life insurance plan, and, unless a waiver executed by the mayor is in effect, in the borough retirement plan.
(B) The deputy mayor shall receive a salary of $15,100 per year.
(C) [Repealed by Ord. 09-057, § 2, 2009]
(D) [Repealed by Ord. 92-139AM, § 5, 1993]
(E) The borough shall bear the mayor’s travel expenses while on official business. The mayor’s travel expenses shall be approved by the adoption of the annual budget. However, the mayor is authorized to travel to points other than those referenced in this proposed travel list submitted to the clerk at budget time pursuant to subsection (F) of this section. In any case, the mayor’s travel may not exceed the amount appropriated in the mayor’s annual budget without prior approval of the assembly. Travel of less than 100 miles one way from the point of origin of the travel does not require assembly approval.
(F) The mayor shall submit a list of proposed travel to the clerk at budget time.
(Ord. 21-040, § 2, 2022; Ord. 19-091, § 2, 2019; Ord. 09-057, § 2, 2009; Ord. 07-092, § 2, 2007; Ord. 02-012, § 2, 2002; Ord. 94-001AM, § 3 (part), 1994; Ord. 93-070 (sub1), § 2, 1993; Ord. 93-068, § 2, 1993; Ord. 92-139AM, §§ 4 and 5, 1992; Ord. 92-059, § 2, 1992; Ord. 91-114AM, §§ 2 and 3, 1991; Ord. 88-251, § 2, 1988; Ord. 87-51, § 3, 1987; Ord. 81-19, § 2, 1981; Ord. 79-83, § 2, 1979)
2.08.070 ABSENCE; DEPUTY MAYOR.
The mayor, subject to assembly approval, shall designate an assembly member to act as mayor during the mayor’s temporary absence or disability. In the mayor’s absence, the deputy mayor shall preside at all regular and special meetings and perform the duties assigned by the mayor or assembly.
(Ord. 94-001AM, § 3 (part), 1994; Ord. 73-9, § 7, 1973)
2.08.080 VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR.
(A) A vacancy in the office of the mayor occurring within 180 calendar days prior to a regular election shall be filled by appointment by the assembly. The person appointed shall serve until the next regular election and until a successor is elected to serve the balance of the term. If an assembly member is appointed the assembly member shall resign the assembly seat. If a vacancy occurs more than 180 calendar days before a regular election, the assembly shall call a special election to fill the unexpired term.
(B) The assembly shall, by two-thirds vote, declare the office of mayor vacant only when the person elected:
(1) fails to qualify or take office within 30 calendar days after election or appointment;
(2) unless excused by the assembly, is physically absent for 90 consecutive calendar days;
(3) resigns and the resignation is accepted;
(4) is physically or mentally unable to perform the duties of office;
(5) is convicted of a felony or of an offense involving a violation of the oath of office;
(6) is convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor described in A.S. 15.56;
(7) is convicted of a violation of A.S. 15.13; or
(8) no longer physically resides in the municipality.
(Ord. 97-040, § 2, 1997; Ord. 94-001AM, § 3 (part), 1994; Ord. 73-9, § 8, 1973)