The Albion Village Board took significant steps regarding both village history and future finances during their workshop meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 25, voting to dissolve the Historic Preservation Commission and approve a tax levy that exceeds the state-mandated cap. The meeting, held at Village Hall, was attended by Mayor Angel Javier Jr., Deputy Mayor William Gabalski, and Trustees Joyce Riley and Timothy McMurray. Trustee Greg Bennett arrived shortly after 6:30 p.m. **Dissolving the Historic Preservation Commission** In a move that alters the village’s approach to architectural oversight, the Board voted unanimously to remove Chapter 173 from the Village Code. This action officially dissolves the Historic Preservation Commission and removes the associated section from village law. The vote was 4-0, with Trustee Bennett excused at the time of the vote. A public hearing was opened at 6:00 p.m. and closed at 6:09 p.m. before the Board moved forward with the removal. The decision comes as a surprise to some residents, given Albion’s reputation for its 19th-century architectural heritage and its location along the Erie Canal. Historically, such commissions have been tasked with reviewing changes to historic structures to maintain the character of the community. With this removal, oversight of building renovations and demolitions will likely fall solely under standard village zoning and code enforcement regulations. **2026-2027 Budget and Tax Levy** Following the discussion on historic preservation, the Board opened a public hearing regarding Local Law 2-2026, which proposes a tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c for the upcoming fiscal year. The tax levy limit, often referred to as the tax cap, restricts the amount municipalities can raise property taxes without specific voter or legislative approval. By voting to override this limit, the Board allows for a higher tax levy to accommodate the 2026-2027 budget. The Board voted 4-1 to approve the local law. Mayor Javier cast the lone vote against the measure. Trustees Riley, Bennett (who had arrived by the time of the vote), Gabalski, and McMurray all voted in favor. **Infrastructure and Cemetery Repairs** Department heads presented several budget adjustments requiring immediate funding. The Board approved the use of reserve funds to cover specific capital improvements: * **Water Treatment Plant:** An expenditure of $26,475 was approved to repair a low-service pump. This will be funded by the Water Treatment Plant equipment reserves. * **Cemetery:** A total of $7,800 was approved from Cemetery reserves for maintenance. This includes $2,500 for "pointing" (mortar repair) on a residence house located at the cemetery and $5,300 for an overhead door replacement with a remote. * **Fireworks Reserves:** The Board voted to increase revenue lines by $1,150, collecting funds from the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home ($250), Paul Digenova ($500), and Lynn Burgess ($400). These funds will be added to the reserves for the July 3, 2026, fireworks display. **Election Preview** With local elections approaching, the Board adopted Resolution 2026-02, setting the official parameters for the General Village Election. The election will be held on **Wednesday, March 18, 2026**, at the Village Hall, 35 East Bank St. Polls will be open from noon until 9:00 p.m. The resolution confirmed the nominations for the upcoming cycle: * **Mayor:** Joyce A. Riley (Democrat and "Vote for Albion" party lines) is facing off against Timothy F. McMurray Jr. (Republican party line). * **Trustee:** Candidates include Jami Allport (Republican), Kevin P. Sheehan (Republican), and Issac Robinson ("Vote for Albion"). Village Clerk Tracy VanSkiver advised residents that the village will not hold a separate voter registration day. Voters must register with the County Board of Elections by March 6, 2026, to be eligible to vote. **New Business and Development** The Board also formally accepted notification of a new business application. Karen Rogers, doing business as Exercise Express at 126 N Main St, has submitted a notification for an adult-use cannabis dispensary license. The Board’s acceptance of this notification is a procedural step in the licensing process. Additionally, the Clerk advised the Board of potential housing development on vacant village-owned land located behind the Tops Market. The Board moved into executive session at 6:57 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, returning to open session at 7:25 p.m. before adjourning.