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Albany board approves 2025–26 tax warrant; district levy edges up
Summary
The Albany City School District board voted unanimously to approve the 2025–26 tax warrant after a presentation from district staff outlining levy totals, rate changes, STAR amounts and taxpayer payment options; the district reported an overall levy increase of about $1.49 million (1.13%).
ALBANY — The Albany City School District board on the evening approved the 2025–26 tax warrant after a presentation from district staff detailing levy levels, rate changes and taxpayer payment procedures.
District presenter Mister Karas said the district’s budget set the 2025–26 school tax levy and displayed comparisons with the prior year, including a reported overall levy increase of $1,491,006.69, or roughly 1.13 percent. Karas summarized line items, saying, for example, the library levy rose about 4.12 percent and that some components of the school levy had changed since the prior year’s run.
Karas explained how rate changes affect typical homeowners: using a sample assessed value the staff comparison showed a modest net decrease in school taxes for that hypothetical property after reassessment. He also reviewed STAR exemption amounts for homeowners and the district’s schedule for mailing and collecting bills. Bills are scheduled to be mailed Aug. 31; taxes are due through September, and late penalties begin Oct. 1 (3 percent), increasing on later dates as noted in the district’s taxpayer information.
On payment options, Karas told the board the district will again offer in‑person payments at the Harry Gibbons Student Center (75 Waterly Ave) from Sept. 5 through Nov. 15, noon–5 p.m., and reiterated online and credit‑card payment options (with a merchant fee) and an eCheck option with a flat fee structure.
During a technical exchange, a board member asked why the city’s certified tax rolls do not exactly match the warrant totals and whether the city posts the final roll used to run school taxes. Karas said the city’s figures can change late in the process, that the district must set a firm date to assemble the warrant, and that the district can provide the rolls it received on request.
A motion to approve the 2025–26 tax warrant was made by Miss Savage and seconded by Miss Wilson; the board voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
The district’s full taxpayer instructions, charging schedules and payment options are available on the district website at albanyschools.org/taxes.
