Credit: Patrick Grego
The Pine Plains Town Board approved the town’s 2025 budget on Wednesday, Nov. 20, while addressing a range of issues, including housing initiatives, grant opportunities, staffing changes and sustainability programs.
The $2,721,673.25 town budget allocates funding for salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and community programs. Anticipated revenues include $745,076 from state aid and fees, with $304,747 to be withdrawn from the town’s savings. The remaining $1,671,850.25 will be raised through property taxes. Alongside the budget approval, the board advanced a motion to hire a grant writer and announced plans to post a job listing on the town’s website, underscoring its commitment to securing additional resources for town projects.
Housing concerns also featured prominently during the meeting. Board member Jeanine Sisco highlighted the coming deadline for the second wave of funding for the state’s Plus One ADU Program, which provides grants to homeowners to create accessory dwelling units as a response to the region’s housing shortage. Pine Plains is collaborating with Hudson River Housing and the Tri-Town Coalition — representing Pine Plains, Amenia, and North East — to submit an application ahead of the Jan. 15 deadline. Grant awards are expected to be announced in February 2025.
The meeting also included updates on environmental efforts. Sisco updated the board on Dutchess County’s composting initiative, which offers discounted compost bins to residents for $62 through the county’s waste management program. The program aims to promote sustainability by encouraging household composting. Gail Mellow, chair of the Conservation Advisory Council, shared intentions to create a natural resources inventory for the town, a key initiative for the council.
Shifting focus to infrastructure, Highway Superintendent Carl Baden reported progress on several projects. Electrical work at the town dog kennel has been finalized, and snowplows and sanders are being readied for the winter season. However, Baden also noted continued delays in the delivery of a highway truck ordered in early 2022, with the manufacturer now projecting delivery in mid-2025. Board members voiced frustration, questioning the company’s compliance with the contract and refusing to authorize further payments until the truck is delivered.
Recreation Director Brian Coons announced the launch of the basketball season, which, he said, has seen strong community participation. The board accepted the resignation of Andy Anderson as camp director and assistant recreation director. Additionally, discussions included the creation of a new full-time laborer position to oversee landscaping and building maintenance for the town. The position, which would also support the highway department as needed, will fall under civil service regulations. Board members agreed to hold a workshop to define the role’s responsibilities, though a date was not set.
The next Pine Plains Town Board meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 19.
