Residents raise concerns during public hearing on tax cap override
Some Village of Akron residents appeared before the Village Board at their April 6 meeting with concerns over rising assessments, increased taxes, and their proposal to pass a local law allowing the tax levy relating to the 2026-2027 Village Budget to exceed the state tax levy cap.
While voicing understanding for the rising costs pushing the village budget, they noted that residents are being pushed from multiple directions. One resident suggested cutting services rather than increasing taxes.
The Village Board is working to keep any increase in the levy to the lowest point possible and passed the tax cap override law to protect the village from fines if they cannot stay within the cap, which Village Treasurer Sarah Michel noted had not been received from the state prior to the meeting.
Assessment updates are conducted by the Town of Newstead assessor and recent letters to residents explained updated assessments and how property owners can submit information to the assessor if they believe the new assessments to be in error.
Tax rates are determined by dividing the total number of dollars a taxing entity needs to raise from property taxes to meet its budget into the total assessed valuation within that taxing entity to determine the tax rate. That can result in a tax rate decrease or increase with the impact on the homeowner determined by the percentage their assessment is of the total valuation within the village, town, school, or county.
The tax rate to support the Village of Akron budget will be determined once the budget and total assessed value in the Village is finalized.
East Ave. projects
Mayor Brian Perry reported that Erie County Legislator Chris Greene is coordinating a meeting with county and village personnel involved in moving the water/sewer line and road reconstruction projects on East Avenue forward.
Action items
Board members approved the purchase in the amount of $13,944.00 from FM Communications for radios for the police department, funded through a technology grant.
Approved the purchase in the amount of $5,586.36 from Regional Heavy Equipment and Truck Center for the repair of the International 4700 Electric Boom Truck.
Approved the proposal for Professional Services from MRB Group for the East Avenue Water Main Replacement project in the amount not to exceed $483,400.00.
Approved the proposal for Professional Services from MRB Group for the East Avenue Sewer Main Replacement project in the amount not to exceed $648,700.
Approved a Declaration of Support for the Read to Lead Initiative developed by ACS Student Audrey Garverick and supported by the ACS Board of Education.
Approved a Bike Bus event from the Country Falls Car Wash on East Ave. to Exchange St. to Main St. and down Bloomingdale Ae. With the help of School Resource Officers leading the way and following up the rear with patrol cars.
Approved payment of $23,284 to Millhurst for the new roof on the Russell Park shelter, funded from a grant from Chris Greene, with the Akron Lions Club funding the electrical and other improvements for the structure.
Approved $6,000 for DPW software.
Set a public hearing regarding the Tentative Budget for April 20, 2026.
Building Permits
Building permits were approved for window/door at 28 Eckerson Ave., door at 35 Mechanic St., Office walls, 18 Newton Ave., Sanitary sewer at 10 Marshall Ave., roof at 91 East Ave., roof at 83 Skyline Dr., boiler at 22 Flint Ave., temporary signs various locations Akron Boy Scouts, driveway, 5 Bloomingdale Ave., roof 6 Kibler Ave., roof/windows 38 Min St. upper, fence 25 Hoag Ave., temp signs various locations Friends of Limerick Inc., pavers, 2 Sunset Blvd.
Dumpster Permits
Temporary dumpster permits issued for 91 East Ave., 110 Skyline Dr., 52 Cedar St., 6 Kibler Ave, and 14 Madison Ave.
Four month permit for 10 Washington St., annual permit for 42 Jackson St.