Mayor’s Message October 2026
October is one of the most beautiful months here in the Hudson Valley. The Halloween decorations are starting to appear on houses in the Village, and the leaves are starting their spectacular annual show. For locals and visitors alike, there is an interactive map where you can track the progression of the fall foliage here in New York. NYS Fall Foliage
The Village of Rhinebeck is one of many municipalities facing challenges in recruitment of volunteer firefighters and EMS workers. We are investigating a program offered in New York State called LOSAP Length of Service Award Program, which is an IRA-like plan designed to recruit, retain, and reward active volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.
WHAT IT IS
LOSAP stands for Length of Service Award Program — a deferred, retirement-style benefit for volunteer firefighters and EMS members.
· Created under New York law and a 1996 federal tax rule written specifically for volunteer emergency responders.
· It is not a salary. It’s a delayed thank-you for years of unpaid, on-call service.
RHINEBECK’S PLAN WOULD WORK
· Proposed as a Defined Contribution plan — it works like an IRA, not a traditional pension.
· The Village would contribute up to $1,200 a year into each qualifying volunteer’s account.
· Funds are paid out at age 65. The beneficiary would be paid $1,200 for each year of qualifying service plus any interest accumulated.
WHO QUALIFIES
· Active volunteer firefighters, as defined by the bylaws of the Village of Rhinebeck Fire Department .
· A volunteer must earn 50 points a year — through attendance at calls, drills, and training — to receive credit for that year.
· Volunteers already serving could receive credit for up to 5 years of qualifying past service, if they continue to qualify during the year the program starts. Failure to qualify in that year forfeits their credits.
· Auxiliary, social-only, and life members are not active volunteers according to RFD bylaws and are thus not eligible.
WHY THE VILLAGE IS CONSIDERING IT
· A volunteer department costs residents far less than a career, paid department.
· A modest deferred benefit rewards the residents already showing up for Rhinebeck.
PROPOSED TIMELINE
Date Milestone
-By mid-November 2026 - Public notice of the vote published
(30 day notice required)
-No later than week of Dec 14, 2026 - Residents vote on the proposition
-January 1, 2027 - Program becomes effective, if approved
For more information on the details please go to: LOSAP.com
The Village is issuing a Request for a quote to find a qualified firm to manage the Village-owned wireless communications tower located at 76 East Market Street (Village Hall). This job includes management of the Village’s agreements with wireless carriers using the tower. Our current management arrangement with Crown Castle will expire in March 2027. Please submit Statements of Qualifications by October 30, 2026 to: Martina McClinton,Village Clerk.
The Village of Rhinebeck Treasurer, Karen McLaughlin has compiled and presented us with a year-end report on our fiscal year which ran from June 1st, 2025 to May 31st, 2026. Here are some excerpts which explain the method she used, and conclusions:
Unlike the private sector, municipal success is not measured by profitability or shareholder value. The true bottom line is the quality of life experienced by residents. While that outcome can still be measured in meaningful and tangible ways, achieving it is uniquely complex.
Operational challenges never stop. Water line breaks, staffing issues, budget pressures, resident concerns, and unexpected emergencies all demand immediate attention. Municipal leaders manage today’s priorities while continuing to invest in long-term financial sustainability, strategic planning, infrastructure, organizational development, and community growth. Great municipal leaders understand the importance of priorities and process.
Let’s start with the process, the process used to identify challenges and successes is charting financial activity and identifying changes and trends. We will look at expenses, revenues, long-term debt, Capital Reserve Accounts, Investments, Fund Balances, and the opportunity for long-term strategic planning. Although the village’s finances are currently favorable, there remain challenges to consider:
· The labor force is changing. Finding and retaining good employees has been and will be a challenge.
· Aging infrastructure and equipment.
· Cost and availability of goods, supplies and services.
We have maintained adequate fund balances; we continue to monitor expenses and budget responsibly; and we are always looking for safe, viable sources of revenue that in turn stabilize the village tax rate.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Karen at KMcLaughlin@villageofrhinebeck.gov, comments, or for an explanation. To see the full report go to: Financial Overview
In order to maintain the water mains, The Rhinebeck Water Department flushes them out every year. It’s part of routine maintenance that keeps the drains, and our water, clean. However, the process itself can cause some temporary discoloration or drops in water pressure. The flushing process involves running a lot of water through the drains at high speed which loosens iron and manganese that have accumulated. End result: cleaner water for the year. Forewarned is forearmed. You can check the following schedule for your neighborhood:
2026 Rhinebeck Water Department flushing schedule is as follows:
· OCTOBER 12,13,14,15,16 All areas on the north side of East and West Market Streets, plus Old Post Road, Mt. Rutsen Rd., Village Green Apartments, Wells Manor and The Woods.
· OCTOBER 19,20,21,22,23 All areas on the South side of East and West Market Streets, Route 308 East, Violet Hill Estates, Hilee Road and Closs Drive.
· OCTOBER 26,27,28,29,30 All areas in Rhinecliff will be done on Monday, Tuesday and possibly on Wednesday, as well as Rhinecliff Road, River Road and the Gardens.
The Rhinebeck Village Compost program has been a huge success, but there is a price to be paid. We received a lot of complaints about the odor coming from the dumpster next to the Municipal Parking Lot. We tried various mitigation techniques to manage the smell, but the compost continued to do its thing and decomposition does cause some odor. The Village Board has decided to change the drop-off location. The question is where to put it so it is convenient for people to use, yet not too close? All ideas and suggestions are welcome:
Factors to consider:
· Accessibility for pedestrians
· Distance from residences/odor complaints
· Vehicle access
· Safety
· Dumpster logistics (ability for farm's truck to maneuver the pick-up and drop-off)
· Cost (for lighting, concrete pad, signage, etc)
· Visibility
Note that this is the smallest dumpster compatible with the farm's truck. Pickup happens early Monday morning.
Happy Anniversary!
Please join me in celebrating our employee anniversaries
· Mechanic Scott Minn- 31 years
· Chief Water Operator Bryan Alix- 13 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
Gary Bassett
Mayor Village of Rhinebeck