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Albany council narrows local fuel-tax outreach to 5' and 7.5' cents per gallon, targets November 2026 ballot timing
Summary
After extended discussion, councilors directed staff to use two rate options for public outreach — 5 cents and 7.5 cents per gallon — and indicated a preference to pursue a November 2026 election timeline while advising staff that final decisions would return to council. The council also signaled opposition to a short sunset provision.
Albany City staff presented options and asked the City Council for direction Wednesday on whether to pursue a local fuel tax to fund street maintenance. After nearly two hours of discussion, councilors agreed to narrow outreach to two proposed rates and indicated a preferred election window and policy approach for public engagement.
Director Chris Bailey (presented as "Director Bailey" in the meeting packet) told councilors the city has completed extensive outreach and technical work on street condition and funding and asked whether staff should focus outreach on one or two cents-per-gallon options. Bailey said internal analysis and ODOT sales data suggest Albany would generate about $400,000 in revenue per penny.
Council direction: Councilors coalesced around…
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