Mayor’s Message September 2023
I hope everyone enjoyed the Labor Day holiday. The national holiday was created in 1894 to honor U.S. workers. In 2023 the fight for workers’ rights continues and a day to honor those who are the heart of this country’s accomplishments is as relevant as ever.
Of course, Labor Day also signals the end of summer and back to school for many students. Wishing the very best to our students, teachers, and parents as they gear up for the new school year.
Last month’s Village Board meeting highlighted a presentation by Treasurer/CFO Karen McLaughlin on the closeout of the 2022 to 2023 budget in June. The Village budget remains balanced as to expense vs. revenue and we remain in good financial shape, as you can see in the detailed report can be found on the Village website: Financial Condition of the Village
Karen provided the following overview:
2022-23's Challenge- 2023-24's Charge
“2022-23 year’s challenge was the increased cost of supplies, equipment, fuel, and electricity, as well as the availability of these items.
2023-24 year’s charge will be “adaptability” the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions and the capacity to be modified for a new use or purpose. “
As Mayor, I take our commitment to overseeing our financial status seriously. I want to thank both Karen and Krissy Denu for their diligence in working with the board and our staff. We have many projects currently in process which a much larger staff would typically manage. These projects are:
● Water System Upgrade
● WWTP & Sewer Upgrades
● Police & Fire Radio Communications
● Comprehensive Plan
● Tree removals and replacements
● Center Street water and street upgrades
● ADA sidewalk and access improvements
● Composting
● Energy Upgrades to Village Hall
● Fire Station upgrades and equipment
● Technology Computer upgrades
● Autism Supportive Community Awareness
As you know, this Village Board is very busy securing grants and moving forward with items that support, sustain, and promote the Village of Rhinebeck.
Another part of our financial picture is the revenue the Village receives from the NYCLASS INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS. With interest rates continuing to rise, local government investment pools like NYCLASS continue to be an excellent investment option for cash management needs. Interest compounds daily, they are self-collateralized and offer convenient liquidity. The interest from our investments earned for the fiscal year from these accounts is as follows:
● GENERAL FUND - $45,698
● WATER FUND - $20,274
● SEWER FUND - $13,461
This total interest earnings of $79,461 was possible by maintaining a balance between the cash requirements of the operating funds and a balance to invest, generate a profit, and provide liquidity.
We also monitor our fund balance in the general, water and wastewater accounts. We ended the fiscal year in good condition with adequate fund balances in all accounts.
The Comp Plan Committee, led by Trustee Lydia Slaby, is in the process of reviewing data in order to complete the draft update by June 2024. The Committee generally meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-9PM in Village Hall. The public is invited to all meetings. Agendas and minutes are posted as approved, and you can learn more about the plan at: Comprehensive Plan.
Thanks to the many residents who have contributed to this process. And to the team which includes Tighe and Bond Engineering, Chair Matt Johnston, Elijah Bender, Deirdre Burns. Rachel Cavell. John Clarke, Jeff Cotter, Ernesto Martynek, Eleanor Pupko, Steve Rosenberg, John Traver and Louis Turpin.
A green light for our Center Street Project! Mobilization for the construction is set to start on September 5th with “Buckets in the ground” the next week. Merritt Construction will be starting on the southern part of Center Street and working north, updating the drainage, milling and paving. Merritt won the job with a bid of $385,680, after our engineering firm Tighe and Bond deemed theirs the lowest bid that met all the requirements. The bids ranged from $385,680 to $1,462,710.The project is funded by our ARPA funds, Water fund and Chips (NYS funding). Starting September 11th and for the duration of the project, there will be no parking on Center Street, however everyone who lives there will be accommodated so they can get to their homes. Village Hall will be open. The parking lot behind Village Hall will be closed with all Police/EMS/Fire entering and exiting on East Market.
The long awaited repair of the pedestrian bridge which crosses the Landsman Kill on Route 9 will begin September 19th. New railings will be installed on the bridge so it can be reopened as a public walkway. This will be a temporary fix, as the pedestrian bridge is due to be replaced by the NY Department of Transportation in 2025.
Congratulations to Matthew Green, Water Plant Operator Trainee, who is celebrating his first year with the Village Water Department.
Steven Leung, Village of Rhinebeck Police Officer, is retiring. We thank Steven for his commitment to serve the Village, and as a School Resource Officer (SRO). His service to our community has been greatly appreciated and we wish him well in his next chapter.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or comments. You can reach me by phone 845-876-7015 ext 2 at Village Hall or via email MayorBassett@Villgeofrhinebeckny.gov
Mayor Gary Bassett