Tourists walk from the Celebrity Solstice towards town. (Emily Files)

Tourists walk from the first cruise ship in Skagway’s 2015 season, the Celebrity Solstice.

The Skagway Borough Assembly is set to introduce its fiscal year 2018 budget ordinance at a meeting this week.

Last week, assembly members combed through the spending plan presented by borough manager Scott Hahn. Some members expressed concern about continuing with current spending patterns.

The budget will go through public hearings and assembly workshops before adoption.

Cruise passenger vessel taxes make up a significant part of Skagway’s budget. That money is restricted to projects and services that benefit cruise ship visitors. The borough commissioned an updated study from consultant Jim Van Altvorst to review whether Skagway’s usage of CPV funds meets regulations. Van Altvorst will give a presentation at Thursday’s meeting.

There are two resolutions on the agenda related to a water well project. The cost of the project has increased. So, one resolution allows the borough to apply for a larger state grant than it originally asked for. The other resolution dedicates a higher amount of cruise ship passenger taxes to repay the loan debt. The need for the water well was triggered by demand from cruise ships visitors, which is why the borough is using CPV funds to pay for it.

The assembly will also consider an ordinance prohibiting mayor and assembly participation in executive sessions by telephone. The ordinance says allowing telephone participation in executive sessions could compromise the confidential nature of the meetings.

The assembly will continue its review of contracts with consultant Chad Gubala. Gubala oversaw the now-stalled Gateway Port Project. He also does construction oversight at the public safety facility project.

The meeting is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. in assembly chambers.