Mayor’s Message for January 2021

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year. I am so happy to report that the COVID19 vaccine has already been administered to some of our first responders and health care workers at Northern Dutchess Hospital. As the phased distribution ramps up, and more people become eligible for the vaccine, we can begin to move towards the end of the COVID19 pandemic. For more information about the distribution plan please go to: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ In the meantime, we all must continue to wear masks, socially distance, and wash our hands. With Dutchess County cases still showing an uptick, now is not the time to let our guard down. Residents should continue to consult the County’s webpage for up to date information and also what to do if you test positive. We are all continuing to work overtime to find ways to protect people from the devastation caused by the pandemic. Last week the Governor signed the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act which adds to New York State’s efforts to protect tenants and homeowners from economic hardship caused by the pandemic. Our local businesses are facing a grim winter with COVID restrictions still in place, and we are all working hard to help minimize the damage. Local governments have a hard road ahead in 2021, as we will likely face another round of belt tightening due to possible State budget cuts, and reduced revenues. Rhinebeck Village Treasurer Karen McLaughlin recently completed a 6 month fiscal review for the 2020-2021 budget season. She reports we will need to monitor our budgets more frequently than ever, analyze trends in order to anticipate issues, and make proactive changes through this fiscal year as we plan for the 2021-22 budget. We already know the tax cap this year will be 1.31% . The State’s Property Tax Cap limits the amount local governments and most school districts can increase property taxes. The Village of Rhinebeck has a contract to provide part-time Police protection to the Town as well as Student Resource Officers to the Rhinebeck School District. We recently updated our contracts based on an analysis by the Treasurer. We set the new rates at $65/hour. Officers supplied to the Courts will increase to $49/hour. Our Fire Department rescue truck is now 28 years old, and we have found a replacement for this vital piece of equipment as our bid ($579,904) was approved. It’s a Rosenbauer Aluminum FX Fire Apparatus body with a four door chassis which we are acquiring from Garrison Fire/Rescue. It will be a great addition to our department and increase the safety of all our residents. Every day of the year, our all volunteer Fire/EMS Department is standing by 24/7 to serve the Village and a portion of the Town of Rhinebeck. We are so very fortunate to have this wonderful dedicated group of people. The Village Board recently approved their choice of a slate of officers for next year. These are all highly qualified people who are ready to lead in any situation. Congratulations to each one of them and thanks for their willingness to serve in these vital roles: Chief – Kyle Eighmy, Assistant Chief – Bryant Knapp, Peter Fraleigh - 1st Captain, Todd Leary - 2nd Captain, Sheldon Tieder - 1st Lieutenant, Blake McMichael - 2nd Lieutenant, EMS captain – Chrissy Eighmy, EMS 1st Lieutenant. – Jeff Cotter, EMS 2nd Lieutenant – Talal Jabari, Fire Police Captain – Tim Day, Fire Police 1st Lieutenant - Frank Dietrich. It is with sadness that I report that a Life Member of the Fire Department, William “Bill” Stroka recently passed away. Bill joined the Department in 1976 and was an active member for 44 years. Our condolences to his family as we all thank him for his service to our community. The Village board has temporarily re-structured the Building-Planning and Zoning Department (see chart below) to allow it to continue operations as we determine who will be appointed to cover the vacancies. If you need an appointment or have other business with the Department, please call the Building Clerk Ryan Dowden at 845-876-1922 and he will see you get to the right person. I’ve always said retirement is one of the hardest decisions anyone has to make, but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a new phase of life. This past month, we had two long time employees make this decision. Mike Wolff, a 28 year veteran of the Highway Department as Highway Foreman has retired and will be enjoying time here and at his home in Tennessee. And John Raimando, after serving our community for 21 years, has also made the decision to retire. John served on the Highway Department, as well as the maintenance of Village Hall and the Police Building. Both Mike and John are like family and while we are happy for them, we will all miss them. December Anniversaries include: - Deputy Clerk Krissy Denu - 11 years - Sgt. Peter Dunn - 19 years - Officer Steven Hanaburgh - 35 years Congratulations to all of them for their service to the Village. 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