City of Dillingham

The Dillingham City Council met for nearly three hours on June 5 to discuss a range of topics — from the budget to harbor repairs to the city manager position. KDLG's Christina McDermott attended the meeting and has the updates.

The Dillingham City Council and school district have been in the throes of budgeting for next fiscal year. Over almost hour of public testimony at the last city council meeting, people supported increasing the education budget from $1.4 to $1.7 million, but some city officials are concerned about funding other municipal projects.

Without an additional $400,000 from the city, the school says arts, music and sports could face cuts. But city officials say they've deferred paying municipal bills to continue funding the school in recent years.

The Dillingham City School District is requesting extra funding this year to keep up with rising costs. But the city already pays more than it has to.

From hazard mitigation to animal control, the Dillingham City Council tackled a lot at its meeting last week.

Congressionally directed funds will go toward projects in Chignik Lagoon, Dillingham, and Naknek.

Ahead of Dillingham’s Oct. 4 municipal election, KDLG is talking to candidates about why they’re running and what they want to focus on if elected. Incumbent Michael Bennett is running for city council Seat B against challenger Ronald Johnson.

Former council member Bill Rodowalt resigned from seat B in December. Michael Bennett was one of five residents to submit a letter of interest. He will serve until the seat is up for grabs in October's local election.

Both candidates have experience in city management and have worked at multiple levels of government.

The Dillingham Canvassing Committee counted 68 absentee, special needs and question ballots Thursday, Oct. 7. Only two votes seperate challenger Perry…