HVNY News + Notes (12/4/23)
A public hearing on the 2024 budget with legislative amendments to increase the salaries of the Dutchess County Executive and other government officials, will take place on Monday, December 4, 2023 beginning at 7pm on the 6th floor of 22 East Market Street in Poughkeepsie. As mentioned here last week, as of January 1, 2024, Sue Serino, who was elected Dutchess County Executive in November, is now poised to make $185,500 annually, a 18-percent increase from the former county executive’s salary of $157,424. The county clerk will receive a 26-percent increase next year, the Chair of the Legislature will get a 56-increase, and Legislative Leaders will get a 81-increase in salary., All 2024 Executive Budget documents, as well as a live stream of the Executive’s presentation, are available online for review at dutchessny.gov/2024budget. But note: These salaries are amendments to that initial 2024 budget, approved during the November 15 meeting of the Legislature’s Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee. Following the public hearing on December 4, the legislators will vote on adopting the 2024 budget on December 7, 2023. Both meetings take place at 7pm in the Legislature’s Chambers, located at 22 Market Street in Poughkeepsie.
Medicare open enrollment season ends December 7, 2023. Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227 for more information.
Orientation for ‘Friendly’ Callers scheduled for this week – Check in with an older adult in Dutchess County for the holidays with the Office for the Aging’s Friendly Calls program. Volunteers call registered participants once a week for 20-30 minutes. Orientation for new callers will take place on Monday, December 4 at 10am, Tuesday, December 5 at 2pm and Thursday, December 7 at 2pm. Space is limited. To join, email bjones@dutchessny.gov or call 845-486-2555.
Baldwin Vineyards in Pine Bush, “home of the famous strawberry wine,” announced it will host a Farewell Weekend, December 16-17, 2023 after 42 years in business. “The decision to close our winery was a difficult one, but we take comfort in the countless memories we have shared with each and every one of you.” The winery’s final day of operation will be December 31, 2023.
Due to the weather last weekend, the Town of East Fishkill tree lighting has been postponed to Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 5-7pm. Registration required at eastfishkillrecreation.com
NYS will sink $100mil into potholes and other fixes on roads around the state that have been “impacted by extreme weather.” The Mid-Hudson region will see $17.4million –
$4.1 million to resurface Route 45 from East Eckerson Road to the Palisades Parkway in Ramapo, Rockland County.
$8.0 million to resurface Route 42 from Wilson Road to the Sullivan County line in the Town of Deerpark and Route 207 from Vance Road to Route 300 in the Town of New Windsor, Orange County.
$2.0 million to resurface Route 115 (Salt Point Turnpike) from West Road to the Taconic State Parkway in the towns of Pleasant Valley and Clinton, Dutchess County.
$2.5 million to resurface Route 208 from Edgewood Drive to Route 44/55 in the towns of Gardiner and New Paltz, Ulster County.
$516,000 to resurface Route 52 from Schoolhouse Road to east of Willy Avenue in the Village of Jeffersonville, Sullivan County
$321,000 to resurface Route 97 from the Orange County Line to one-mile east of Van Tull Road Spur in the Town of Lumberland, Sullivan County.
Still happening:
WANTED: Arbor Day Photo/Artwork: Submit your photo or artwork for the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest by December 31, 2023. Visit the NYS DEC website to find more details about the contest.
