Troy to Vote on USDA Crow Management Contract
The City Council will decide on November 5, 2026, whether to approve a $13,000 agreement for bird relocation.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in City Hall
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The Troy City Council is scheduled to vote on November 5, 2026, regarding a proposed $13,000 contract with the USDA to manage local crow populations. Mayor Carmella Mantello introduced the plan as a response to concerns about bird feces on city infrastructure.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to mitigate public health issues linked to bird waste, though some residents argue that the noise from the USDA hazing methods may be more disruptive than the birds themselves. City officials are evaluating the move by reviewing strategies used by neighboring communities like Watervliet.
The proposed $13,000 contract would fund USDA services using pyrotechnics, lasers, and noise devices to deter birds. Council members have reported receiving few citizen complaints about the crows, suggesting a disconnect between administration concerns and resident feedback.
The players
Carmella Mantello
She is the current Mayor of Troy who proposed the bird management contract to address sanitation concerns.
United States Department of Agriculture
This federal agency provides wildlife management services including the use of pyrotechnics and laser devices for crowd control.
Troy City Council
This local governing body is responsible for voting on the proposed $13,000 municipal contract.
The details
Mayor Carmella Mantello has advocated for the contract, pointing to photographs from 2025 showing sidewalks covered in bird feces. The city has consulted with neighboring Watervliet, which currently utilizes USDA services for similar relocation efforts.
Timeline
The mayor shared photos of affected sidewalks in 2025.
A reporter observed crows near City Hall on October 28, 2026.
The USDA is scheduled to meet with the City Council on October 29, 2026.
The City Council will cast its vote on the contract on November 5, 2026.
Peak crow population levels are historically observed in December.
Political Context
The proposed contract follows the established precedent of neighboring Watervliet, which already employs the USDA for avian control. Opposition is centered on the potential for noise pollution, as residents have expressed concern that the abatement methods are more disruptive than the birds.
The vote determines whether $13,000 in city funds will be allocated toward bird hazing efforts. Residents near City Hall may experience increased noise levels from pyrotechnics and lasers if the contract is approved and implemented.
The takeaway
City leaders must balance sanitation concerns regarding public infrastructure against the potential for noise disturbances in residential areas. Residents should monitor the upcoming council vote to determine how municipal funds are prioritized for wildlife management.
What happens next
The USDA will meet with the City Council on October 29, 2026, to discuss technical methods before the formal vote on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRGB.
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