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Albany council adopts 2026 garbage-rate increase after brief debate over affordability
Summary
On Nov. 19 the Albany City Council approved a 2026 garbage-rate adjustment after a councilor objected that residents are struggling with cost-of-living pressures; staff and other councilors said the increase is small and that Republic Services administers low-income discounts.
The Albany City Council voted Nov. 19 to adopt a 2026 residential garbage-rate adjustment after a short debate over timing and affordability.
Councilor McLeod objected to raising garbage rates at this time, saying residents face rising costs and basic services should not be increased now ("I don't wanna see us raising rates for them right now"; SEG 037–046). Other council members responded that the proposed change is modest and noted Republic Services — the contractor referenced in the packet — administers a low‑income discount program separate from the city (SEG 053–056). Councilman Jimin moved to adopt the rate adjustment "as stated in the packet," the motion was seconded, and the council voted in favor (SEG 059–087). The mayor declared the motion passed.
The council record in this meeting does not include a detailed numeric tally in the audio transcript; the motion passed following an oral roll-call-style set of "ayes." The packet materials referenced during the discussion (cited by staff and council) are the official source for the exact rate amounts and the staff recommendation.
City staff indicated the rate adjustment follows the schedule included in the council packet; no additional budget appropriation was indicated during the discussion. Council members asked only clarifying questions during the debate and did not amend the proposal on the floor. The council's action takes effect per the municipal process described in the staff packet.
