Rye Brook presents tentative FY2025–26 budget; public hearing opened and closed, trustees to vote May 13

Village Manager Chris Bradbury presented the tentative fiscal year 2025–26 budget to the board on April 8. The proposed general‑fund budget totals about $27.8 million, with a tax levy of roughly $20.0 million and an average village tax (homestead) increase of about $233 per average homestead property. Bradbury said the tentative levy increase is approximately 3.05%, under the state tax‑cap limit, and the budget preserves staffing levels, funds capital reinvestment and keeps an estimated 23.5% general‑fund balance.

Department heads and the treasurer outlined priorities including public safety staffing, reinvestment in roads and equipment, and continuation of community programs (senior services, recreation, after‑school care). Bradbury said retirement costs and state mandated pension contributions remain major drivers of the budget. He also listed capital projects and grant pursuits (CHIPS, FEMA/NRCS, CDBG) and said the budget was prepared in coordination with department heads and the treasurer and that the village submitted the tentative budget on March 20 as required.

The board opened the public hearing, heard a resident’s comment requesting an expedited update to the village’s senior partial‑tax‑exemption code to raise income limits and clarify definitions of income, and then closed the hearing. Trustees and staff agreed to consider the resident’s request; staff said advancing a change by May 1 would be tight but possible if the board chose to schedule special action. The trustees will consider final adoption at their next meeting (May 13, 2025).