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Albany commissioners spar over new utility convenience charges as manager promises support for seniors
Summary
Commissioners debated a recently implemented 50¢ paper-billing charge and proposed credit-card convenience fees after staff said the FY26 budget authorized charges the city had delayed implementing; City Manager Terrell Jacobs apologized for delayed communication and outlined steps to help seniors and roll out an app for usage monitoring.
A dispute over small new utility fees dominated public comment and commission discussion at the Albany City Commission's March 2026 meeting.
Commissioner Diana Brown pressed city leaders over a 50-cent paper-billing charge and broader convenience fees she said were appearing on constituent accounts and social media. Brown said the fees disproportionately harm seniors and people on fixed incomes and criticized the city for the way the change reached the public: "Why should we pay 50¢ for them to receive a bill?" she asked, saying many older residents lack digital access and would be…
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