Rhinebeck board sets March budget workshops and schedules public hearing timeline

The Village of Rhinebeck board approved a schedule of budget workshops in March and began setting dates for the 2025 budget public hearing and adoption.

The board agreed to preliminary budget meeting dates: March 4 at 3:30 p.m. for capital projects and fund balance review; March 6 (time adjusted to 2–4:30 p.m.) for water, sewer and fire; March 20 at 3:30 p.m. for police, court and environmental; March 25 at 4:30 p.m. for highway and general items; and March 27 at 2 p.m. for a full budget review. Members agreed the total budget conversation would run through the schedule and that the public hearing and formal adoption dates would be set to meet the county’s filing deadlines.

Board members discussed logistics, potential conflicts with planning board meetings, and whether department material would be ready. One member urged front-loading topics to allow more time if needed; another noted that reserve-account changes could be deferred into later policy work. The board resolved to finalize dates and times and confirmed the initial schedule by voice vote.

Members noted there is a statutory deadline to file the adopted budget and that additional scheduling adjustments may be made to accommodate absent trustees or procedural needs. The board did not finalize the public hearing/adoption date in the meeting but agreed to continue working with staff (Karen and Aaron) to confirm the hearing schedule.