Village budget subject of public hearing tonight

RHINEBECK, N.Y. >> Village trustees this evening will take comments on a proposed $2.35 million 2017-18 budget that would increase spending over the current year by $33,040, or 1.42 percent.

The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Village Hall, 76 E. Market St.

Under the proposal, the village property tax levy would increase by $26,290, or 1.66 percent, to $1.61 million. The amount exceeds the state tax levy limit by $211.

Salaries for elected officials in the budget included the mayor, unchanged at $16,000; four trustees, unchanged at $6,400 each; and two village justices at $18,350 each, up $500, or 2.8 percent.

Other changes in the budget include:

• Employee benefits at $433,454, down $16,846, or 3.74 percent.

• Police expenses at $427,521, up $25,421, or 6.32 percent.

• Highway Department at $377,300, down $14,500, or a 3.7 percent.

• Fire Department at $247,076, up $1,294, or 0.53 percent.

• Debt service at $167,983, up $15,731, or 10.33 percent.

• Buildings and maintenance at $56,829, up $2,385, or 4.38 percent.

• Street lighting at $45,000, up $3,000, or 7.34 percent.

• Building Department at $36,005, up $4,207, or 13.23 percent.

• Unallocated insurance costs at $30,772, up $5,000, or 19.4 percent.

• Planning costs at $29,795, up $692, or 2.38 percent.

• Attorney costs at $28,000, down $6,500, or 18.84 percent.

• Zoning expenses at $21,860, up $526, or 2.47 percent.