Rhinebeck trustees adopt 2025–26 budget, raise water and sewer rates and approve major purchases

The Village of Rhinebeck Board of Trustees adopted its 2025–26 general fund, water and sewer budgets at a meeting on April 8, approving a package of spending and revenue measures that the board said keeps the village under the tax cap while addressing capital needs.

The board approved a general fund budget totaling $3,432,240, with $1,000,473.67 in non‑tax revenue and $1,958,569 to be raised by taxes. The board said the village’s current total assessment is $797,180,914, which the trustees said translates to a tax rate of $2.46 per $1,000 of assessed value. Trustees also adopted a water budget presented at $1,293,280 (funded entirely by user fees) and a sewer budget of $856,400.

Trustee concerns over affordability surfaced during debate. Trustee Lydia said, “we really need to be cognizant of the economy and that we do have vulnerable citizens,” noting that households who pay rent may see increases passed through by landlords and that multiple changes in utility and fee structures could compound hardships for some residents.

Why it matters: the budgets include rate and fee changes and set the village’s near‑term spending priorities, including planned infrastructure upgrades and grant‑funded projects. The approvals also clear the way for capital purchases and committee reorganizations that affect how planning and public‑works projects will be implemented.

Key budget changes and items

- General fund: $3,432,240 total appropriations; non‑tax revenue $1,000,473.67; $1,958,569 to be raised by taxes. The village cited continued reliance on grants and an increase in fire protection revenue. - Water fund: budgeted at $1,293,280, raised entirely by user fees; trustees approved a rate increase of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons (from $7.00 to $8.00 per 1,000). - Sewer fund: budgeted at $856,400; trustees approved…