🏛️ Board of Trustees
Albion Board Schedules Tax Levy Hearing, Adjusts Water and Sewer Fees
The Village Board moved forward with a tax levy override hearing for late February and approved budget adjustments for water and sewer costs, including a $165.92 break for a resident. Trustees also streamlined administrative hurdles for property owners participating in the Main Street revitalization program.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Scheduled public hearing for tax levy override (Local Law 2-2026) for Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
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Approved approximately $12,060 in budget adjustments, including $10,149.61 for salt invoices.
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Granted a $165.92 sewer break request for resident Charles Robers.
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Adopted Resolution 2026-01, allowing Main Street grant recipients to sell properties without prior Village consent.
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Authorized G&G Municipal Grant Writing to apply for a Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant for a new streetsweeper.
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Set tentative dates for departmental budget hearings from Feb. 25 through March 9.
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Approved a $100 weekly stipend for Pollution Control Plant Chief Operator Aric Albright for assisting with an outgoing aide.
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Accepted 19 applications for the Water Treatment Plant trainee position.
The Albion Village Board took steps Wednesday evening to prepare for the upcoming budget season, scheduling a public hearing to potentially override the state’s tax levy limit.
During the workshop meeting at Village Hall, Deputy Mayor William Gabalski presided over a board that included Trustees Joyce Riley, Greg Bennett, and Timothy McMurray. Mayor Angel Javier Jr. was absent.
The board unanimously voted to schedule a public hearing for Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. regarding Local Law 2-2026, which would allow the village to override the tax levy limit. This procedural move is often used by municipalities to circumvent the state’s tax cap, which limits the annual growth of property tax levies to 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.
The hearing will coincide with the first of several scheduled budget workshops. The board set dates throughout late February and early March to review departmental budgets, including sessions for the Police Department, Department of Public Works, and Water Treatment Plant.
Main Street Grants Eased
In a move to facilitate real estate transactions in the business district, the board adopted Resolution 2026-01. The resolution modifies the terms of the New York Main Street Grant program, which provided funding for commercial property maintenance and revitalization.
Previously, owners of these properties were required to obtain prior written consent from the village before selling during a five-year regulatory period. The new resolution removes that hurdle, allowing for the "free and fair transfer" of properties.
Trustee Timothy McMurray moved to adopt the resolution, which was seconded by Trustee Bennett. The resolution states that while the requirement for village consent to sell is removed, all other covenants and conditions of the grant—such as maintaining the property in good condition—remain in effect and "run with the land," binding future owners.
Fiscal Adjustments
The board approved several financial adjustments, including the payment of $10,149.61 to American Rock Salt Company. In a shift of administrative procedure, the board also voted to approve payments to the salt company on a weekly basis going forward, rather than waiting for larger monthly or periodic approvals.
Additionally, the board approved a $165.92 sewer break for Charles Robers. Sewer breaks are adjustments granted to a sewer bill, often due to leaks or extraordinary circumstances.
In other financial news, Trustees Riley and Bennett introduced a motion to allow G&G Municipal Grant Writing to apply for a Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant. If secured, the funds would be used to purchase a streetsweeper for the Department of Public Works.
Personnel and Policy
The board addressed personnel matters regarding the Pollution Control Plant. Following a brief executive session to discuss contracts, the board returned to open session and voted to allow Chief Operator Aric Albright to assist an outgoing aide.
To facilitate this, the board approved the creation of a reserve account to handle revenue generated by the outgoing aide’s services. Albright will receive a weekly stipend of $100 from this revenue once it is received.
The board also received 19 applications for a Water Treatment Plant trainee position, which will be kept on file for one year.
Resident Input
During the public forum, resident Jeff Holler addressed the board, reminding trustees of the availability of grants for a comprehensive plan. A scheduled speaker regarding chickens within the village was a no-show.
The meeting adjourned shortly after 7:05 p.m. The next scheduled major action will be the tax levy hearing on Feb. 25.
Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2026-01-28,
Village of Albion, NY.
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Related Board of Trustees Meetings
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Key Actions & Decisions
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