Voters Approve Budget and Elect Three Trustees
Albany voters approved the Albany Public Library 2026-27 budget May 19 with a final tally of 2,412 to 646. The $9,661,856 million budget was approved by 79% of the voters.
The estimated homestead rate for 2026-27 is $1.32 per $1,000 of assessed value. The owner of a home assessed at $250,000, for example, will pay about an extra $40 in library taxes.
“The approved budget erases our deficit and stabilizes our fund balance for rainy-day capital needs. This vote protects current branches, hours, and services, as well as library jobs,” said APL Executive Director Andrea Nicolay.
“The Board of Trustees and I are fully committed to responsible long-term financial planning that maximizes this community’s investment in libraries. Albany recognizes and values that the library is for everyone, no matter your age, stage, identity, or income, and that a strong library makes our city stronger,” Nicolay said.
Also today, voters selected three members for the library’s Board of Trustees.
• Kathryn Bamberger with 1,263 votes was elected to a full five-year term
• Kayli McTague with 1,251 votes was elected to a full five-year term
• Matthew Reed with 908 votes was elected to a partial one-year term
They will replace expired terms held by Jah-Raii Gause, Sarah Macinski, and Brigitte Pryor on the nine-member board.
The vote totals for the nine trustee candidates were:
1. Kathryn Bamberger with 1,263 votes
2. Kayli McTague with 1,251 votes
3. Matthew Reed with 908 votes
4. Sarah Macinski with 865 votes
5. Leslie Dykeman with 751 votes
6. Smriti Sinha with 750 votes
7. Lori Kochanski with 701 votes
8. Jenna Kersten with 515 votes
9. Kenneth Louzier with 443 votes
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.