ALBION — Repairs to the historic chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery are moving forward thanks to a partnership with the Orleans County Historical Association, while village residents will see higher water and sewer bills starting next year to fund infrastructure improvements. During Wednesday’s Board of Trustees workshop meeting, the board unanimously approved a quote of $94,875 from Easton Specialties Inc. of Honeoye Falls to replace the chapel’s slate roof and repair its gutters and downspouts. The project comes at no direct cost to village taxpayers. According to Resolution 2025-10, the Orleans County Historical Association raised the necessary funds through private donations to cover the repairs. The roof replacement is estimated at $83,985, with an additional $10,890 for the gutters and downspouts. The Main Chapel, located on Route 31, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Village officials have noted in past meetings that the structure had failed to receive necessary maintenance due to budgetary constraints. While the Historical Association is taking the lead on the contracting, the Village Board retains ownership of the chapel and must approve all materials and contracts before work begins. The resolution ensures the village is protected from liability, with the Association indemnifying the municipality during the project. Other bids for the roofing work came in significantly higher, with quotes of $114,220 from Spring Sheet Metal & Roofing LLC and $111,875 from Leo J. Roth Corp. Water and Sewer Rates on the Rise In a move that drew public concern, the board also approved a schedule of rate increases for water and sewer usage, as well as base charges, effective January 2026. The board opened the public hearing on the rate increases at 6:10 p.m. Business owner Jim Scibetta spoke during the forum, expressing his displeasure with any rate increases. Deputy Mayor William Gabalski and the board explained that the increases are necessary to cover debt service on current capital projects at the water treatment plant, as well as to fund infrastructure upgrades throughout the village. The approved rates show a gradual increase over a three-year period. For 2026, the water rate per 1,000 gallons will rise to $4.88 for residential customers inside the village, with base charges for a standard ¾-inch meter set at $52.08. By 2028, that usage rate will climb to $6.14 per 1,000 gallons, and the base charge will increase to $76.56. Sewer base charges will also see an immediate bump in January 2026, with a ¾-inch meter base charge set at $33.60. Board members noted that Water Treatment Plant Chief Operator Levi Boyer will review the numbers to see if adjustments are needed for large-user rate options before the bills are finalized. Floodplain Management The board also adopted Local Law #3 regarding FEMA Floodplain regulations following a brief public hearing. The vote was unanimous. The law brings the village into compliance with federal flood management requirements, which is essential for residents to maintain eligibility for federal flood insurance and disaster assistance. Departmental Notes During department head reports, Trustee Joyce Riley questioned Recreation Director John Grillo regarding park maintenance. Riley suggested that park supervisors should be responsible for cleaning up after programs and setting up tables, rather than relying on Department of Public Works employees. Grillo noted that he no longer requires the tables for park programs. In other business, resident Lee Thompson inquired about the status of sidewalks on East State Street, a topic likely to be revisited in future infrastructure discussions. The board voted to surplus a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado from the Department of Public Works inventory. Votes on the chapel, local law, and utility rates were 4-0, with Mayor Angel Javier Jr. absent. Trustees present included Deputy Mayor Gabalski, and Trustees Joyce Riley, Greg Bennett, and Timothy McMurray.