RED HOOK TOWN BOARD TENTATIVE BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING October 22, 2025 A special budget workshop meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Red Hook, Dutchess County, New York was convened in person at the Town Hall, 7340 South Broadway, Red Hook at 7:55 p.m. Present:
Also Present:
Supervisor Robert McKeon Councilmember Bill Hamel Councilmember Christine Kane Councilmember Julia Solomon Councilmember Jacob Testa Town Clerk Deanna Cochran Town Bookkeeper Ann Conway Highway Superintendent Theresa Burke
Supervisor McKeon opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Budget Workshop – Discussion: Supervisor McKeon reviewed the tentative budget [General A Town Wide – Appropriations]. Supervisor McKeon stated the Court Clerks were budgeted for 18 hours a week each. Supervisor McKeon recommended $1,000 be split from Dog Control General and moved to Dog Park – Repair/Maintenance. Supervisor McKeon suggested the Superintendent of Highways – Clerical line be increased to $19,138 to provide 14 hours per week. Supervisor McKeon recused himself from discussion on the Community Action/RH Responds line as he is a County Community Action Board Member. Town Bookkeeper Ann Conway stated the Town usually received a letter requesting $9,000 of funding and asked the Board if they are comfortable providing it in 2026 when it is requested. The Board agreed. Supervisor McKeon rejoined the meeting. Councilmember Kane asked if the Board would need to vote on this budget line separately when adopting, due to his conflict of interest. Supervisor McKeon stated he would get a legal opinion on this. Supervisor McKeon stated the Bond lines will hopefully be paid off if Local Law No. A (Proposed) of 2025 is approved and CPF funds can be used in such a manner. Supervisor McKeon reviewed the tentative budget [General A Town Wide – Revenues] with no changes to the tentative budget. Supervisor McKeon reviewed the tentative budget [General B Town Outside – Appropriations]. Supervisor McKeon suggested the Red Hook Police Protection line be raised to $120,000. Supervisor McKeon recommended the Building Inspector – part-time Secretary line be reduced to $20,078, as he anticipates a slowdown in the department with the Traditions at Red Hook project wrapping up by summer 2026. Town Bookkeeper Ann Conway stated the Building Department requested $2,000 be move from Building Inspector – General to Municity General Expenses and another $2,000 be moved to Building Inspector Vehicle Expenses, as the vehicle needs new tires. Supervisor McKeon asked the Registrar of Vital Statistics line in appropriations and revenue be reduced to $3,000. Supervisor McKeon stated the Planning – Payroll line is being reduced to $19,852 and the Planning - General line is being increased to $20,000. Councilmember Hamel suggested the Economic Development line be returned to the Contingent Account. Supervisor McKeon reviewed the tentative budget [General B Town Outside – Revenues], changing the Building Permits line to $110,000. Supervisor McKeon reviewed the tentative budget [Highway DB Fund – Appropriations]. Highway Superintendent Theresa Burke stated the Road Improvements – Chips Equipment line should be removed from appropriations and revenue, as it is based on rollover funding that may not exist. Supervisor McKeon reviewed the [SF Fire Fund - Appropriations] and recommended the Tivoli Contract Line be increased by $7,000, reducing the Tivoli Fire Capital, to better reflect the increased coverage by the fire company. Supervisor McKeon recommended the Board consider amending the contract with Tivoli Fire Company to reflect this increased amount. Supervisor McKeon reviewed the remainder of the tentative budget with no changes. 10:06 pm On a motion by Supervisor McKeon seconded by Councilmember Hamel to move the tentative budget to preliminary Adopted Ayes 5 McKeon, Hamel, Kane, Solomon, Testa Nays 0
On a motion by Supervisor McKeon seconded by Councilmember Kane to set a public hearing for the 2026 preliminary budget on November 5th, 2025 at 7:00 pm Adopted Ayes 5 McKeon, Hamel, Kane, Solomon, Testa Nays 0 On a motion by Supervisor McKeon seconded by Councilmember Kane to close the budget workshop Adopted Ayes 5 McKeon, Hamel, Kane, Solomon, Testa Nays 0
Respectfully submitted
Deanna Cochran, Town Clerk