RED HOOK TOWN BOARD PRELIMINARY BUDGET MEETING October 28, 2020 A special budget meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Red Hook, Dutchess County, New York was convened by Zoom Videoconference due to COVID-19 pandemic stay in place rules at the Town Hall, 7340 South Broadway, Red Hook at 7:00 p.m. Present :
Supervisor Robert McKeon Councilmember William O’Neill Councilmember Christine Kane Councilmember William Hamel Councilmember Jacob Testa Town Clerk Deanna Cochran Also Present: Town Bookkeeper Ann Conway Supervisor McKeon opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisor McKeon reviewed the 2022 Preliminary Budget • Rates have been reduced to offset the 4% increase in assessments for residential properties. • Additional funding is included for expansion of recycling capabilities. • Interior work is planned for St. Margaret’s. • ARPA monies should be allocated to expand/ modify municipal buildings to provide more protection in the event of future outbreaks. • The Town should build out the trail network and other recreational opportunities. • Supervisor McKeon reviewed the highlights of the 2022 budget including some of the completed projects of 2021and some of the grants the Town received in 2021 Public Hearing – Preliminary Budget for 2022 Supervisor McKeon opened the Public Hearing. Supervisor McKeon read the comments sent via email from Robert and Angelyn Hann, Barbara Sanchez, and Linda Keeling regarding the budget for the Highway Department. • Supervisor McKeon responded to these comments: • He explained Highway Superintendent Theresa Burke submitted many requests including increasing staffing. More staffing is not possible at this time due to the cost of salaries, benefits, and health insurances. • Supervisor McKeon reviewed some Highway Equipment purchases made in 2016, 2017 & 2019. • Supervisor McKeon explained some of the shared services between the Town and the Village of Red Hook.
Supervisor McKeon explained his proposal to make changes to the revenue and growth factors due to expected reduction in sales tax revenue from Dutchess County. Supervisor McKeon proposed to lower the State Aid Mortgage Tax by $10,000 and the Snow Removal – Salt amount by 10,000.
On a motion by Supervisor McKeon seconded by Councilmember O’Neill to close the Public Hearing Adopted Ayes 5 McKeon, O’Neill, Kane, Hamel, Testa Nays 0 Bookkeeper Ann Conway confirmed the 2022 Preliminary Budget came under the tax cap. Supervisor McKeon reviewed the Town taxes.
On a motion by Councilmember O’Neill seconded by Councilmember Hamel to adopt this budget. Adopted Ayes 5 McKeon, O’Neill, Kane, Hamel, Testa Nays 0 On a motion made by Supervisor McKeon seconded by Councilmember Kane to adjourn the meeting. Adopted Ayes 5 McKeon, O’Neill, Kane, Hamel, Testa Nays 0
Respectfully Submitted
Deanna Cochran, Town Clerk