More Information on Consolidation of the Town and Village Justice Courts
As elected officials our responsibility to you is to provide better services at the best value. Both the Village of Rhinebeck Board and the Town Board have voted to move forward on the idea of consolidating the functions of the two municipal courts to increase efficiency and save money. Here are the details and reasons behind the consolidation plan.
Right now, both the Town and Village of Rhinebeck operate municipal justice courts. Under New York State law, the Town is required to have a local justice court, while the Village is not. The two courts are located across the street from each other and are served by the same Justices.
The Town and Village of Rhinebeck jointly agreed to study the feasibility of consolidating the Village Justice Court to create a single “town-wide” court. The Dutchess County Municipal Consolidation and Shared Services Grant Program paid for the study.The Laberge Group, A Planning, Engineering and Architecture firm, specializing in Government Operations and Efficiency, conducted the feasibility study. The research found a number of benefits could be attained under consolidation:
*Increased court operating efficiencies would streamline the court sessions and meet demand
*Cost savings for the Village and overall Town
*Improved office operations with full-time staff at one place
*Improved services with coverage and accessibility
*Consolidation of court resources: one office, one secure computer system and one set of monthly reports to the state
*Better court security with increased Police coverage and security enhancements like metal detectors and secure entrances
*Possibility for court facility improvements with grants
*Continuity of jobs
The study concluded that a “one-stop-shop” for our courts will benefit all of our community by eliminating duplication of the courts. The study also found that we could consolidate the two courts without having to upgrade the facilities, as the existing space works. Later, the Town could request and apply for grants to make additional improvements if it is determined that would better serve court officials and the public.
For the study, researchers spoke with Town and Village officials, Treasurers, Court Staff, and Judge Kane. Judge Sanchez chose not to participate. The final study outlined the operation of the courts, and projected the specific costs of operating two courts versus consolidating into one.
Under the plan, both our Justices would retain their positions in the Town-wide court. The two part-time clerks for the town and the Village’s full-time clerk would be converted to two full-time positions maintaining court clerk staff at current level enabling full-time coverage Monday-Friday.
The study found that the savings to taxpayers would be substantial. The Village of Rhinebeck would save approximately $45,840. The Town’s expenses would increase, however the increased efficiencies and savings means taxpayers would be spending approximately $26,000 a year less than the combined cost of the current Village and Town Justice Courts.
The Town of Rhinebeck was the lead agency for the study and unanimously approved the consolidation at their meeting on September 14th. The Village of Rhinebeck met on September 21st and voted 4-1 to approve the resolution. We all value and appreciate the service provided by our Courts and Court officials, and the study concludes that these changes will benefit them, as well as the public. Under the new plan, Judge Kane and Judge Sanchez will still have gavels in hand as they continue to serve our community.
Wear masks when in public spaces and continue to use social distancing! 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 to MayorBassett@VillageofRhinebeckny.gov