Albany Common Council Meeting - October 19, 2026

The Albany Common Council held a lengthy meeting on October 19, 2026, addressing a wide range of issues including a public hearing on the proposed 2027 city budget, a controversial resolution requesting state authority to impose a commuter tax, several administrative resolutions for federal transportation reimbursements and police department restructuring, and public comments on housing safety, parking, and racial justice. The meeting was marked by intense debate over the city's fiscal crisis, with council members presenting starkly different views on revenue generation and spending cuts.

Public Hearing on 2027 Budget

• Former Councilmember Judy DeShea (8-year council veteran, former finance chair) testified that the city's fiscal situation has deteriorated from crisis to disaster. She urged the council to reject the mayor's revised budget submitted on October 6 (which she argued was illegal under charter), to avoid salary cuts (which she said council lacks authority to do), to require separate legislation for any new revenue, and to approve no new borrowing. She noted the city has already exceeded its debt limit.
• Resident Karen Kaniff called for eliminating new non-charter positions, a moratorium on raises, and requiring city employees to contribute more to health care and retirement. She also questioned 18% raises given to some staff.
• Resident Keith Irish requested detailed franchise fee breakdowns, questioned cuts to PEG equipment funding (from $10,000 to $1,000), and supported a non-resident income tax or broader PILOTs for nonprofits. He also criticized the PEG board's transparency.
• Marlon Anderson (former mayoral candidate) argued the only solution is a municipal bailout from state and federal officials, leveraging the mayor's political capital. He urged sending the budget back if unacceptable.
• John Coutrew advocated for reparations, enforcement of frontage fees on large nonprofits like Albany Med, and criticized the mayor's caution on immigration issues.
• Sharon Molloy requested a parking permit solution for Sherman Street residents due to business-related parking pressures.
• Alexis Williamson (First Ward Democratic leader) questioned why the treasurer (who admitted mismanagement) remains in charge, and suggested starting cuts in the mayor's office and reversing recent raises.
• Nancy Goode and Gregory Bell spoke in strong support of the proposed rental occupancy permit (ROP) law update.

Discussion Items

• CPRB Legal Services Resolution (114-1026R): J.R. Picciardo, chair of the Community Police Review Board, explained the board selected Vasquez Attorneys as the cheapest qualified option after an RFP process (other bidders were disqualified). The resolution passed unanimously (14-0).
• Transportation Reimbursement Resolutions (103-9226R & 104-9226R): Bill Trudeau, Department of General Services, presented two projects: Central Avenue design ($1.014M total, $121K eligible for reimbursement) and Frisbee Avenue construction ($3.135M total, $2.978M eligible). Both were federally funded. A clerical error in the 2024 resolution required correction to allow reimbursement. Councilmember Brody expressed concern about the city's $250K share, but Trudeau explained the process is driven by DOT timelines. Both resolutions passed unanimously (14-0).
• Police Department CART Program Resolution (115-1026R): Chief Cox described creating a non-sworn Director of CART position, funded by a $1M state downtown surge grant, by eliminating one senior crisis caseworker slot. The director oversees day-to-day operations and coordinates with the street psychiatry initiative. Coverage is 8 a.m. to midnight, Monday–Friday. The resolution passed 14-0 after a brief discussion about public safety and budget discipline.
• Commuter Tax Resolution (113-1026R): Councilmember Johnson introduced a resolution requesting state authority to impose a 0.3% tax on non-resident workers. Supporters (Johnson, Ballorin, Lumpkin, Robinson, Anane, Hoey) argued it addresses decades of structural deficits and the unfair burden on the 44% of property owners who pay for services used by 100,000 daily commuters. Opponents (Brody, Flynn) noted the mayor and all state delegation members have rejected it, it would hurt low-income workers and businesses, and the council lacks legal tools to implement it without state approval. Councilmember Farrell voted present, preferring collaborative letters. The resolution passed 9-2 (with two no votes and one present).
• Budget Financial Update: Councilmember Keegan, finance chair, reported the council is facing a $42.5M hole (borrowed funds that must be repaid), with an additional $13M in unrealistic revenue and $7.7M if the council does not pass the full tax levy. She outlined that zeroing out all contracted services only yields ~$28M, but many contracts may be legally required. She urged realistic cuts and warned against irresponsible zeroing of essential lines like utilities and fuel.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions Passed (all unanimously except commuter tax):
  • 114-1026R (CPRB legal services) – 14-0.
  • 115-1026R (CART director position) – 14-0.
  • 103-9226R & 104-9226R (federal transportation reimbursement) – 14-0 each.
  • 110-1026R (Community Media Day) – voice vote.
  • 111-1026R (Free Speech Week) – voice vote.
  • 112-1026R (Fire Prevention Week) – voice vote.
  • 113-1026R (Commuter tax request) – 9-2 (2 no, 1 present).
• Local Law R (ROP update) was amended and held for aging; will be voted on at next meeting.
• Resolution 116-1026R (renaming Delaware Avenue for VFW) was introduced and referred to General Services committee; will be discharged if no meeting is held.
• Emergency budget meetings were scheduled for November 23rd and 30th to ensure adoption by the December 1st deadline.
• Councilmember Johnson called for a full investigation into past administration's financial decisions, including bringing Mayor Sheehan and former Budget Director Darius Shahinfar before the council, citing questionable actions during the years of highest revenue.