Dobbs Ferry board appoints Michael Neppel as village administrator

Mayor Nell told the board the village completed a national search and conducted multiple interviews before selecting Michael Neppel to succeed long-serving village administrator Robbie Muter. The board moved to add the appointment to the agenda, voted to appoint Neppel as temporary village administrator effective 2026-06-24 and as village administrator effective 2026-07-24, and ratified his employment agreement by unanimous voice vote.

Neppel addressed the trustees and residents, saying he was "deeply grateful for your confidence" and that he comes to the role with "nearly 20 years of experience as an attorney and public administrator in state and local government, including nearly four years as the deputy city manager in the city of Newburgh." He told the board he is eager to work with the mayor, trustees, department heads and community partners.

The mayor explained the start dates reflect an overlap so outgoing administrator Robbie Muter can "download everything" to Neppel during a transition month. The board did not discuss employment terms in detail during the public portion of the meeting; the mayor said he was authorized to execute the agreement.

The appointment is effective administratively under the motion passed at the meeting; Neppel will assume full duties after the month-long overlap when Muter retires. The board took no further personnel votes at the meeting related to the appointment.