The Town Board of Red Hook, New York, is currently examining a proposed budget of $5.25 million for the fiscal year 2026, reflecting a significant 9.87% increase. This increase translates to an additional $471,742 compared to the previous budget. Discussions regarding the spending plan took place during a meeting held on October 22.
A key component of the budget is a $2.41 million property tax levy, which would see a 3.56% increase of $82,946. Supervisor Robert McKeon highlighted that a substantial portion of the increase stems from four grants totaling $343,560.
Key Budget Allocations and Changes
Among the notable changes in the budget are police costs, which are set at $142,500, marking a 16.33% increase of $20,000. Supervisor McKeon emphasized the importance of competitive salaries to retain officers, stating, “We’ve got a very good crew there and I want to make sure that they are not attracted to positions outside of our community because the pay scale is not competitive here.”
The budget also anticipates $80,000 in revenue from cannabis sales tax, with half of that amount directed to the village. McKeon expressed some uncertainty about this estimate, noting, “I never thought I’d be trying to predict the budget line for cannabis. Yes, it is more than I anticipated that it would be, but it’s new. So, I don’t have a lot of confidence in that number.”
Additionally, the budget outlines $75,000 in anticipated expenses related to the eminent domain lawsuit involving the Red Hook Boat Club. McKeon refrained from detailing whether these costs include attorney and consultant fees, suggesting that a negotiated settlement could alter the funding sources.
Salaries and Other Budgetary Changes
The proposed budget includes salary increases across various town positions. The supervisor’s salary is suggested to rise by 2.75% to $64,196, while Town Board members would see their salaries increase to $10,342 each. The town clerk’s salary is set to increase to $66,498, and justices would earn $21,269 each.
Other key budgetary adjustments include:
– Sales tax revenue projected at $720,000, up 5.88% or $40,000.
– Bond payments slightly decreasing to $442,383 by 0.03%.
– Road improvements budgeted at $412,800, increasing by 0.06%.
– Snow removal costs decreasing to $367,187, down 0.77%.
Revisions to the budget will be made public in advance of a 7 p.m. hearing scheduled for November 5 at Town Hall, located at 7340 S. Broadway. The Town Board continues to work towards finalizing a budget that meets the needs of the Red Hook community while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
