Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Albany commissioners prioritize bike education and crossing guards in sugar-sweetened beverage tax recommendation
Summary
The Transportation Commission recommended that the City Council fund elementary bike-education (~$25,000) first and direct remaining sugar-sweetened beverage tax revenue to the crossing guard program, while commissioners warned the tax is an unsustainable long-term sole funding source for crossing guards.
The Albany Transportation Commission voted to recommend that the city allocate estimated sugar-sweetened beverage tax proceeds first to the bike safety education program and then apply remaining funds to the crossing guard program.
Staff told the commission the city expects roughly $225,000 in sugar-sweetened beverage tax proceeds and summarized last year’s allocations (bike education, crossing guards, Albany Swims and Move and Groove). Staff noted the bike safety program — delivered by nonprofit Cycles of Change — would cost roughly $24,000 for one-day sessions across three elementary schools, a 3% increase from last year.
Several commissioners pressed for clarity about long-term funding for the crossing guard program. "I have concerns… it's not sustainable that a majority of our sugar sweetened beverage tax money is going to that," one commissioner said, noting the tax revenue could decline over time as consumption changes. Staff clarified the tax deposits into the general fund and that the measure prescribes a process for annual recommendations to council.
Commissioners discussed targeting the dollars where they are most impactful: a motion passed directing staff to recommend funding the bike safety program at approximately $25,000 for fiscal year 2026–27 and to apply remaining funds toward the crossing guard program, with the commission urging Council to consider longer-term funding solutions.
There were no public commenters for this item. Commission roll call recorded unanimous support for the recommendation to council; details of final dollar allocations will be determined as actual tax receipts are finalized and the recommendation is presented at a council study session.
