2022 Spending Plan To Expand Town Programming While Staying Under The Tax Cap and Fiscally Conscious To Residents Following COVID-19 Pandemic

WAPPINGER NY – During the November 15, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Wappinger Town Board, Supervisor Richard L. Thurston, Senior Councilman William H. Beale, Councilwoman Angela Bettina, Councilman Christopher Phillips, and Councilman Al Casella unanimously voted to approve the Town’s 2022 Final Budget.

Supervisor Richard L. Thurston called the 2022 Budget process a “team effort” going on to thank the Town’s various department heads and elected officials in assisting to craft this fiscally responsible budget. Supervisor Thurston said that “From the beginning of our budget process it was my goal to minimize the tax impact on the residents of the Town of Wappinger. This was accomplished here tonight.”

The Town’s 2022 spending plan lowers the Town inside Village Residential Tax Rate (A Fund) to $1.84 per thousand of assessed value and also lowered the Town outside Village Tax Rate (B Fund) to $0.73 per thousand of assessed value. “We have cut taxes to give taxpayers a break on their Town of Wappinger taxes during these troubling times. I have honored my commitment, and, all the while, have continued to expand our core services to the community. Further, we have strengthened the Town’s support for public safety, our youth, seniors, veterans, and more.” Supervisor Thurston went on to say.

A few highlights within the budget include actively improving parks across Wappinger with new equipment and capital improvements, increased funding for Town seniors, additional recreation programming and events, a newly created budget line for Town veterans services and historical society, and continued support to Town youth sports organizations. The Supervisor also thanked the Town’s representatives on the County level “Thanks to the efforts of our Dutchess County Legislators Joseph D. Cavaccini, Lisa Paoloni, and Donna Bolner; and the financial grants and assistance that they helped deliver to Wappinger, we were able to more effectively apply our resources to improving the quality of life of our residents.”

“With this solid financial ground, we are actively enhancing our quality of life.” said Supervisor Thurston.

Additional highlights includes money for further capital projects within the Highway Department such as the annual plan to pave and reconstruct 7 miles of Town roads.

First Ward Councilman William H. Beale, who is the senior member of the Wappinger Town Board, stated, “Throughout this unprecedented  public health emergency, the town has maintained essential services while ensuring fiscal oversight and accountability. As a result, the town remains on solid fiscal ground with the lowest town taxes per capita in Dutchess County.”

Councilman Christopher Phillips, Third Ward, said that “Our 2022 Budget is a true testament to our Town’s commitment to enhancing your quality of life. From supporting our Wappinger Patrol police presence through our partnership with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office to providing funding for capital projects with our Highway Department and Buildings & Grounds; the Town is working to make Wappinger a place you are proud to live in.”

Fourth Ward Councilman Al Casella went on to say “This budget is fiscally sound and prudent. It keeps all essential services intact . The budget takes the Town Tax Rate from $1.86 in 2021 to $1.84 in 2022 , so a $1.1% decrease and the B fund Rate goes from $.76 to $.73 or a $3.8% decrease. In addition, funds were added to recreation, parks, senior programs, and town personnel . We are in a strong financial position entering 2022 with excellent cash flow and a  AA + bond rating. . I want to thank the Town Board for working together and putting this fiscally responsible budget in place for 2022.”

The 2022 Wappinger Town Budget can be found HERE or is available for review within the Office of the Town Clerk.