Albany council adopts hazard mitigation plan, schedules annexation hearing; clerk of court sets new qualifying dates

The Albany Town Council on July 13 unanimously adopted Resolution No. 004-2026, approving the town's Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved routine minutes and financials and scheduled a public hearing on an annexation ordinance.

Clerk of Court Jason Harris introduced himself to the council and said qualifying for the November election has been changed to Aug. 5–7. The announcement was made near the start of the 6:00 p.m. meeting at Albany Town Hall.

Councilwoman Kim Stewart moved to approve the June 2026 meeting minutes; Councilman Don Onofry seconded. The council recorded unanimous approval, with Councilwoman Kim Stewart, Councilman Jerry Glascock, Councilman Gerald Stilley, Councilman Don Onofry and Council member Thomas voting yes.

Councilwoman Stewart then moved to approve the June financials; Councilman Onofry seconded. That motion also passed unanimously.

Mayor Eileen Bates-McCarroll introduced an annexation ordinance and announced a public hearing on the measure will be held Aug. 10, 2026, at 5:45 p.m. The announcement did not include details of the proposed annexation; the hearing provides an opportunity for the council to receive public comment.

Later in the meeting Councilman Gerald Stilley moved to adopt Resolution No. 004-2026, the Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Councilman Jerry Glascock seconded. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

Councilman Stilley moved to adjourn; Councilman Glascock seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

Officials noted present included Mayor Eileen Bates-McCarroll; Council members Kim Stewart, Jerry Glascock, Gerald Stilley, Don Onofry and Thomas; Town Clerk Kimberlee “Joey” Cooper; Clerk of Court Jason Harris; local law enforcement representatives and Fire District 1 Chief Joe Foster.