Albany County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Albany County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
County banking services contract
M&T Bank won a three-year deal to handle county banking after an RFP, with yields of 3.5% on money market and 2.5% on checking and no service fees if balances are maintained.
New legislative chambers audio-visual system
The county is buying roughly $97,000 in AV equipment for the new chambers at St. Joseph's using ARPA money that must be spent by year's end. Legislators demanded the system be tested before payment, after audio problems plagued the old chambers.
Public Defender grant budget amendment
The Public Defender's Office got approval to shift Distribution #11 grant funds to cover assistant public defender vacancies before the grant term ends December 31, 2026.
State aging services conference and senior resources
The chairwoman attended a state Department of Aging conference and is sharing resources — including memory journals and info on benefits, hearing aids, and meal programs — that legislators can pass along to senior constituents.
Marine patrol funding on the Mohawk and Hudson
A $15,000 state reimbursement covers marine patrol overtime, with the county chipping in $3,750. Extra patrols are expected this summer to help escort large military ships coming up the river for the 250th anniversary.
St. Rose campus energy pilot
Five county-owned buildings on the former St. Rose campus will get free energy monitoring devices under a pilot with EcoLong, giving the county data to cut energy waste. Legislators want clarity on contract language about performance savings and revenue sharing.
Lawson's Lake playground grant
The county will apply for a state PLAY grant to build a new playground at the upper camp at Lawson's Lake, with swings, slides and all-natural equipment. Public access is a grant requirement.
Employment for people with disabilities
The county renews its contract with New York Industries for the Disabled, which employs people with disabilities to clean the Judicial Center and Family Court. Legislators asked whether the program could expand to IT and records work.
Fire Advisory Board membership
The Town of Guilderland's seat on the county Fire Advisory Board is changing hands, with Eric Adams recommended to replace Bill Adams. The board advises on fire service matters countywide.
2026 Arts and Culture Grant Program
A local law creating a county public art fund was tabled again at its sponsors' request.
Fare Payment Modernization and Fare Policy
CDTA hasn't raised fares in 15 years — $1.50 base, $1.30 with a Navigator card — but still doesn't take credit cards or open payment. Open payment is called out in the transit development plan as a goal for the next five to ten years.
Airport Authority and Civil Service leadership
Steve Heider returns to the Airport Authority Board, where questions linger about the slow pace of the airport's CEO search. Hannah Black, who runs civil service for the county and about 30 other jurisdictions, was confirmed for a six-year term.
Countywide Data Inventory Project
The county is hiring UAlbany's Center for Technology in Government to catalog every information system county departments use — a first step toward breaking down data silos and smarter decision-making. The cost grew to $325,000 because of a possible 5-7% price escalator.