Red Hook board authorizes bids, bond authorization for $1.67M water-tank rehabilitation

The Red Hook Town Board on Tuesday authorized the next steps toward rehabilitating the Town——Water District No. 1 storage tank, approving an order after public hearing and a bond authorization that set the project————maximum cost at about $1.67 million.

Supervisor Robert McKeon said the town——has received an engineer—s preliminary report (updated in 2025) that recommends rehabilitation rather than full replacement and estimates a total project cost of roughly $1.672 million. "We—ve been notified that we—re awarded $2,563,000" for a separate sewer initiative, McKeon said earlier in the meeting when discussing grants; for the tank project he confirmed the water district would contribute $400,000 from reserves and the remainder would be financed under local finance rules.

The board voted to "order that the facilities of the district shall be so improved" and directed attorneys and staff to prepare definite plans, specifications and cost estimates. A separate bond resolution authorized borrowing not to exceed $1,272,600 after applying the proposed reserve draw.

Water-board members and residents pressed the board on the choice to rehabilitate rather than replace the 1989 tank, with questions about coating life and longer-term system costs. Town-appointed water board members said inspections, including diver reports and five-year exterior/interior checks, found the tank in reasonably good condition and that a high-end coating could extend useful life by at least a decade. One water-board member said the cost of a new tank was "over twice as much" as rehab and noted other near-term system needs that argued for a smaller, manageable loan.

Several residents urged waiting for a commitment from Bard College, which historically contributed to the tank, before closing the public hearing. The town asked Bard College to consider a $400,000 contribution toward the rehabilitation; McKeon said Bard would need to discuss the request with its board and appropriation calendar. Councilmember Christina voted against closing the public hearing on the grounds that Bard————————————————————s contribution remains unknown, but the motion to close and the bond authorization nevertheless carried.

The board emphasized that the current action authorizes preparing bid documents and financing options rather than committing to a final contractor or a specific assessment. If bids exceed the authorized maximum or funding assumptions change, the town said it can reject bids and revisit funding and scope. The water board said it hopes to issue requests for proposals early in the year and complete painting and related work in early summer, weather permitting.

Next steps: staff will prepare bid specifications and cost estimates, the town will seek Bard's response on any voluntary contribution, and the board will review returned bids and the financing plan before awarding a contract.