According to Smith, members of the Budget Committee have indicated that tuition increases would have to be considered as part of any deal to keep Maple Lawn open. The Budget Committee makes recommendations on the city's budget to the full City Council, which must approve it by the end of June.

Maple Lawn is funded in part through the Parks and Recreation budget. The proposed city budget says that the direct costs for the preschool are expected to be more than $480,000 over two years. The preschool's revenue, however, is forecast at $210,000, leaving a deficit of more than $270,000 over the next two years.

At its meeting Wednesday night, the City Council approved the increased fire and ambulance fees as part of an effort to avoid layoffs at the Fire Department and identify other sources of funding for the city. The increased fees will generate about $900,000 over two years, Albany Fire Chief John Bradner said. The $132,000 tentatively earmarked for Maple Lawn would come from those fees.

The Budget Committee is set to meet again on Tuesday, May 14, at 6:30 at Albany City Hall. Public comment will not be taken at that meeting, but written comment can be sent to Smith at her email address, marilyn.smith@cityofalbany.net. Residents can watch the meeting live on Comcast Channel 23 in Linn County and Channel 28 in Benton County.

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