ALBION — Village residents will likely see increases to their water and sewer bills later this year as the Board of Trustees moves to address the municipality's debt service obligations. During a brief regular meeting on Wednesday, August 13, the Board voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing for September 24 to discuss the specific rate hikes. The meeting is set for 6:00 p.m. at Village Hall. According to the meeting minutes, the Board discussed the necessity of the increases to cover debt service, though the specific dollar amounts for the rate hikes have not yet been determined. Deputy Mayor William Gabalski, who presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Angel Javier Jr., indicated that the board aims to establish the increase amounts by their next meeting on September 10 or sooner. The Board, consisting of Gabalski and Trustees Greg Bennett and Tim McMurray, tackled several financial resolutions regarding budget adjustments. Notably, the village received a significant infusion of state funds related to environmental mitigation. The Board approved a budget adjustment to accept a second payment of $53,785.30 from a PFAS settlement. PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," have been a subject of litigation and remediation costs for municipalities nationwide. In additional financial matters, the Board authorized the payment of nearly $126,300 in total monthly bills, including general operations ($89,924.68), water ($27,862.54), and sewer ($8,496.80). They also moved to appropriate funds for police overtime and electrical construction work performed by CIR Electrical Construction. On the personnel front, the Board accepted the resignation of Delores Hansel, a Part-Time Clerk, effective August 29. They also addressed rising operational costs by approving a 5.62% increase in health insurance premiums for village employees covered under Univera Healthcare. The new rates, effective September 1, will raise the cost of a family plan from $1,506.82 to $1,595.52 per month. Economic development and housing were also on the agenda. The Board moved forward with pursuing state funding to improve local housing stock by approving G & G Municipal Consulting to write a grant for the Vacant Rental Rehabilitation Program. Additionally, the Board acknowledged an intent to apply for a microbusiness license from Hydro-Grow NY, operated by Richard Stacey, located at 162 South Main St. Looking toward future budget cycles, Village Clerk Tracy A. VanSkiver advised the Board that now is an opportune time to reach out to surrounding local municipalities regarding contributions to the Village’s Recreation Program. With the towns beginning work on their 2026 budgets, inter-municipal funding discussions are likely to take place in the coming months. The Board chose not to move forward with an "Urban Farms Community Gardens Grant" opportunity and tabled a discussion regarding PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreements until their next meeting on August 27. The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.