Legislative Council approves 1‑year renewal for Bethel office lease at $70,200

The Alaska Legislative Council on April 15 approved renewal number 1 of the lease for the Bethel Legislative Information Office for $70,200 for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

JC Kestel, procurement officer for the Legislative Affairs Agency, told the council the initial lease was a five‑year term with five one‑year renewal options and that the agency seeks approval to exercise the first one‑year option. "The original lease agreement between Bethel Native Corporation and the Legislative Affairs Agency was for a 5 year lease term with 5 1 year renewal options," Kestel said.

Senator Tobin asked whether the lease locks in heating and electrical costs given recent volatility in fuel and generation costs in rural communities. Kestel replied that the lease rate is locked in for the year but is subject to annual CPI adjustments for variable costs.

Chair Hannan removed her objection to consideration and directed Ms. Truitt to call a roll vote. The motion passed on the roll call, 11 yeas, 0 nays.

The renewal preserves the legislature’s office presence in Bethel for another year and leaves four remaining one‑year renewal options under the original agreement. No further conditions or contingencies were specified in the council’s motion.