Albany Delays Gas Tax Vote Until 2027

City Council cites soaring gas prices as reason to postpone potential ballot measure

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:19am

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A photorealistic painting of a lone gas pump on a dimly lit urban street, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the challenges of funding infrastructure during an economic downturn.The Albany City Council's decision to postpone a potential local gas tax vote reflects the political challenges of proposing new fuel levies during a time of record-high prices at the pump.Albany Today

The Albany City Council has decided to delay any potential vote on a local gas tax until at least May 2027, citing the current high prices at the pump. Councilwoman Steph Newton proposed postponing the issue, and the rest of the council agreed, suggesting they wait to gauge voter sentiment after an upcoming statewide referendum on gas tax increases.

Why it matters

A local gas tax in Albany could provide much-needed funding for street maintenance and repairs, but the council is wary of putting the measure on the ballot during a time of record-high gas prices that may make voters resistant to any additional fuel taxes.

The details

The Albany City Council had previously been considering calling an election on a city fuel tax in November 2026, with various rates from 5 to 10 cents per gallon under discussion. However, Councilwoman Steph Newton proposed postponing any vote until at least May 2027, and the rest of the council agreed, citing the current high gas prices. The council is also considering enacting a monthly street service fee that could be used for road work, which they can implement without a public vote.

  • The Albany City Council discussed the gas tax proposal on April 7, 2026.
  • A formal vote on whether to schedule a gas tax election is tentatively set for the council's May 13, 2026 meeting.
  • Oregon voters will decide a statewide referendum on gas tax and fee increases on May 19, 2026, which could provide insight into Albany voters' sentiment on fuel taxes.

The players

Steph Newton

An Albany City Councilwoman who proposed postponing any vote on a local gas tax until at least May 2027.

Peter Troedsson

The Albany City Manager, who told the council that a discussion of a local gas tax is scheduled for their May 13 meeting.

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What they’re saying

“With the price of gas soaring, would Albany voters this year approve a local fuel tax? Not a chance.”

— Steph Newton, Albany City Councilwoman

What’s next

The Albany City Council is scheduled to discuss a potential local gas tax at their May 13, 2026 meeting, and may decide at that time whether to put the issue on the ballot for a public vote.

The takeaway

Albany's decision to delay any vote on a local gas tax until at least 2027 reflects the political realities of proposing new fuel taxes during a time of record-high gas prices. The council wants to wait and see how voters respond to an upcoming statewide referendum on gas taxes before risking a local ballot measure that may be rejected.