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Albany commissioners review budget revisions adding police drone funding and an extended-day program
Summary
The City of Albany Commission on June 3 discussed several revisions to the proposed fiscal 2026 budget, including a $200,000 addition for a police drone initiative and a proposal to add an extended‑day recreation program at five schools that would add roughly $372,000 in expenses offset by program revenues.
The City of Albany Commission on June 3 discussed several revisions to the proposed fiscal 2026 budget, including a $200,000 addition for a police drone initiative and a proposal to add an extended‑day recreation program at five schools that would add roughly $372,000 in expenses offset by program revenues.
Steve, finance director, told the commission the original proposed budget was about $342 million and that the adjustments under discussion included the drone funding and the extended‑day program. He said the extended‑day program cost would be offset by revenues from participants if implemented.
The budget discussion also reiterated recent steps the city has taken on personnel costs for organizational development and pay adjustments for police. Steve said the starting officer pay for fiscal 2025 was $51,850; with a proposed 3% across‑the‑board increase, that starting range would rise to about $53,405. Commissioners noted the city has increased starter pay in recent years and discussed continued recruitment and retention challenges.
Commissioners asked for additional detail on the extended‑day plan. Finance staff and recreation staff said the program would place city-run extended-day services inside five schools (Lake Hart Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Live Oak Elementary, Morningside Pre‑K and Magnolia Pre‑K) using a combination of existing supervisors and part‑time hires. Steve told the commission the projection was about $375,000 in program revenue against $371,000 in program costs; staff described the initiative as roughly break‑even on current assumptions.
Several commissioners said they wanted assurance the programs would reach areas with the greatest need and suggested coordinating with the school system and exploring grants or other funding options. The commission also asked staff to return with refined options for hotel‑motel tax allocations and capital funding priorities.
No final vote on the budget revisions was recorded at the work session; staff said they would return with more detailed budget options and contract clarifications before formal adoption.
Ending: Staff will bring detailed options and contract updates to the commission for further consideration before finalizing the fiscal 2026 budget.
