Mayor’s Message August 2026
We all experienced the extreme weather of the past month. The following graphics serve as an important reminder of how our weather patterns are becoming more extreme and erratic.
The first half of July was hotter than normal by as much as 8°F in the Northeast, according to the Cornell University Regional Climate Center.
By mid-July, as many as 800 wildfires were burning in Canadian forests, and smoke blanketed our area, creating unhealthy air quality, as this map from the EPA shows:
Then, July 29th we were hit with unprecedented storms causing localized flooding. We were fortunate to have only received 5 inches, unlike our neighbors to the north who were hit with a 100 year storm. This photograph of Asher Dam shows the high volume of water that we had during and after the storm.
The New York State Department of Transportation has twice postponed the planned paving in the Village Center on East Market Street from the light to the Mobil Station. The current plan is to pave August 16th to the 17th from 6PM to 6AM. Just in time for the Dutchess County Fair.
We have gotten the grant to add a Level 3 Fast Charger to the Municipal Parking Lot. The charger will be located just north of the existing chargers across the entrance to the lower parking area (see the diagram below). Our application was for one L3 Charger at a total cost of $165,000, with a match from the Village, we have received the award for a total of $137,626. We are still waiting on approval of the procurement record from the OSC. Contracting can not begin until this approval is received. This is one more way we can do a small part in combating climate change and make NY climate-ready for the future.
The Village Police Department applied for a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Law Enforcement Technology Grant. We are asking for money to purchase 4 laptop computers to replace outdated ones in patrol vehicles, 1 desktop computer, 5 battery operated flare kits (traffic safety), 15 Guardian Safety lights - red/blue lights that the officer wears for nighttime roadway stops/calls. Approximately $75,000,000 is expected to be made available to fund LE Tech and applicable equipment/software for local law enforcement agencies of New York.
The Village Board has approved the police contract with the United Public Service Employees Union for part-time officers effective June 1st, 2026 to May 31st, 2029. This contract award increases salaries and shifts differentials as an incentive for working non-standard hours, weekends or holidays. The new salary schedule reflects a $1.00/hour adjustment to offset the reduction in the maximum sick leave accumulation from 13 days to 7 days, and an annual 3% wage increase. The Rhinebeck Village Police are public servants. Supporting local law enforcement involves community engagement and commitment and we are happy to have them.
So far, we’ve received 50 applications for Hometown Hero Banners, 18 will be hung in the Municipal Lot the week of August 3rd. Three of these honorees are also family members of current and/or past Village employees.
Village Clerk, Martina McClinton, says it’s been an honor to sit with applicants and talk about their loved ones who have served our country. Hearing their stories and seeing their pictures has been very special. After Phase 1 is complete, the next step is a pole inventory which will be reviewed by Central Hudson. We are still collecting applications. Applicants should submit the application form along with the honorees photo, a copy of their discharge papers, proof of residency and payment of $200.
Building, Planning and Zoning Fee Schedules are under discussion to add transparency and clarity. The fee schedule is supposed to be updated annually at our organization meeting, and this is the first time we’ve addressed it since June 2022. Fee Schedules. The Village Board wants to identify in the fee schedule the residential projects that are eligible for reduced amounts if the homeowner qualifies for the Partial Tax Exemption for Real Property of Senior Citizens and for Persons with Disabilities and Limited Income.
Our Wastewater Dept has new personnel. On 7/14/26 we hired LoriAnne Calciano and on 7/28/26 we hired Joshua Post. Both are starting as Wastewater Operator Trainees.
Cybersecurity Alerts for Wastewater and Water Systems have been in the news due to a significant increase in cyber threats against facilities which use Programmable Logic Controllers to manage operations. At our facility, the panel communications with the operations panel without a connection to an outside network. The only time we need to connect is for service and support, in which case it is protected by a firewall, and two factor authentication.
I cannot say how grateful I am to everyone who pitched in or attended the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Indepence, and the 260th anniversary of the historic Beekman Arms! Because of all of you, this wasn't just a successful event; it was a wonderful day that brought our community together. Thank you for your generosity and your community spirit. I am truly grateful to be part of such an amazing Village.
Happy Anniversary!
Please join me in celebrating our employee anniversaries
Police Officer Joe Safford – 4 years
Police Clerk Danielle Rector – 17 years
Police Officer Ken Scattergood – 28 years
Police Officer Dan Kaelin – 31 years
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or comments. You can reach me by phone 845-876-7015 ext 308 at Village Hall or via email: MayorBassett@Villgeofrhinebeck.gov