Rules Committee backs sending Hudson Valley Shakespeare funding request to county executive and audit for action

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Managing Director Kendra Eklund asked the Rules Committee to consider a county contribution for lighting along the ADA‑accessible pathway to the organization’s new open‑air theater and restored grounds at the former Garrison Golf Course. Eklund described the long-term capital project — ecological restoration of the property, construction of a permanent open‑air theater, pedestrian pathways and picnic lawns — and said the grounds will be open to the public even when performances are not scheduled.

Legislators and the managing director discussed the organization’s role as a cultural and economic asset, the need for ADA access so people with mobility limitations can reach the site, and the regionwide draw of the venue. Several legislators noted previous small contract agency awards through the county’s outside‑agency process and that the county cannot make unrestricted grants to private entities; the request was framed as a contract for services or a county contribution that fits within statutory procurement rules.

Committee members moved to forward the request and supporting materials to the county executive and to the audit committee for the next meeting so the administration could prepare any necessary fund‑transfer paperwork. That procedural motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Later in the meeting, when a resolution to reinstate an intermunicipal agreement and a separate funding action were considered, the committee recorded a subsequent voice vote on the final paperwork; one legislator recorded an abstention on a related resolution. Eklund said she will invite legislators to opening night once the construction and scheduling are firm.

The committee discussion made clear that any county contribution would need a written contract describing deliverables and compliance with county procurement and anti‑donation rules before funds could be transferred.