The Albion Village Board took action Wednesday evening to address critical infrastructure and public safety equipment, voting to fund a major repair at the water treatment plant and financing a new police vehicle. During the workshop meeting held at Village Hall, Trustees unanimously authorized the use of $56,523 from the water contingency fund and water fund balance to purchase a low-service pump from the vendor Koester. The equipment is necessary for operations at the Water Treatment Plant. Public safety expenditures sparked more debate among the board. The Trustees voted 4 to 2 to approve the financing of a 2025 Chevy Tahoe for the Police Department through Municipal Leasing Consultants for a three-year term. The resolution allows the village to enter into a lease-purchase agreement not to exceed $78,269.22. The vote split the board, with Mayor Angel Javier Jr. and Trustee William Gabalski voting against the resolution, while Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett, Trustee Joyce Riley, and Trustee Timothy McMurray voted in favor. Following the vote on the new vehicle, the Board unanimously approved a motion to auction off the police vehicle currently being replaced. The proceeds from the sale are earmarked to pay down the financing of the new Tahoe. The Board also opened the floor for a public hearing regarding a proposal to purchase a "full-size rendering" and future full-size reindeer statues. The statues are part of an effort to brand Albion as the home of the original Santa Claus School and its founder, Charles Howard. Three residents spoke in favor of the idea, describing it as a positive step for the village. Trustee Riley expressed strong support for the branding initiative. However, fiscal caution was a recurring theme. While Trustee Bennett stated he favored the concept, he highlighted the "budget constraints the Village is enduring at this time." To alleviate financial concerns, Trustee Riley agreed that 100% of the funds for the reindeer rendering would be raised through donations, meaning no tax dollars would be used for the purchase at this time. In other department head reports, the Board discussed police vehicle logistics and the need for an updated quote on equipment boxes for the fleet. Mayor Javier also requested that the Police Chief budget for body camera replacements in the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year. The Board addressed several smaller housekeeping items, including allowing the Department of Public Works to surplus eight air bottles previously held at the Fire Department. The Board also looked ahead to future regulations regarding animal control. Mayor Javier instructed the Village Attorney to reach out to New York State officials regarding regulations necessary for veterinary services when handled by the Village Animal Control Officer. A report on these regulations is expected at the June 11, 2025 meeting. Discussion regarding a potential internet tower at the Water Treatment Plant was briefly mentioned by a resident from North Shores. Two significant items were tabled until the next meeting on March 12: the review of department head goals and a discussion regarding the MRAP vehicle. The Board also approved meeting minutes from February 12 with several technical corrections regarding invoice amounts and hirings.