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Charter Review Commission

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1. Why was the charter commission started? What was its goal?

The Charter Commission was empaneled in 2015. This bi-partisan commission was formed as a direct response to persistent and ongoing problems encountered by both the administration and the Common Council that could be traced to structural issues inherent in the city’s charter. As a result, representatives from both the executive and legislative branches at the time requested that the commission be formed to study these recurring problems and to suggest revisions that would correct them. The commission, Anne E Saylor, Patrick J. Watson, Scott L. Volkman, Peter C. McGinnis, Carmen M. McGill, Ronald J. McGaw, Michael C. Petronio and Jode Susan Millman, Esq. was empaneled and charged with completing its work and presenting its findings and recommendations to the Mayor, Common Council and the public.

2. What has the Commission done prior to making its recommendations?

Since it was formed in 2015, the Commission has spent the last year interviewing many former and current city employees, department heads, and elected officials in order to better understand how the City Charter affected their day to day work. From these interviews a clearer picture emerged on those issues contributed to administrative and legislative problems.

It was believed by many of those interviewed that some of these issues could be traced to ambiguities and lack of clarity found in the current City Charter. In addition to conducting in depth interviews, the Commission also, with financial assistance from the Dyson Foundation, engaged the Benjamin Institute at SUNY New Paltz to conduct a comprehensive review of municipal government throughout New York State. The Institute’s report helped provide a strong basis for comparing how similarly sized cities throughout the state are structured, giving the Commission a sense of what works in other small- to mid-sized cities.

3. Will the charter changes solve our problems?

It is believed that the recommendations offered by the City Charter Review Commission will provide the basis for improving city government by eliminating deficiencies and ambiguities in the current City Charter while strengthening both the executive and legislative branches, enabling each branch to do its job better. Fixing these structural problems in the city’s charter can only help the city tackle the tough issues that it faces today.

4. What is a strong vs. weak mayor? What do we have right now?

Until 1994 Poughkeepsie had a Council-Administrator form of government where the Mayor, while elected from all city voters, held the same power as each of the eight member of the Common Council, each elected by voters from his/her wards. This system was widely referred to as a "weak mayor" system. In 1994, the city enacted changes recommended at the time by an earlier charter review commission, that the city adopt Mayor-Administrator form of government. Their goal was to create a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances.

Although many refer to this current system as a "strong mayor" system the commission has found that this term is not accurate. As determined by the Benjamin Institute the City of Poughkeepsie’s current Charter creates a hybrid form of government that exists nowhere else in New York State. Under this charter, the mayor cannot hire or fire department heads; the city administrator does this. Meanwhile, the Mayor appoints the City Administrator, but that appointment is subject to the approval of the Common Council. This often creates confusion about who’s really in charge. The Charter Review Commission’s goal was to essentially carry out the original and recommended intent of the previous commission by creating a true strong mayor. A mayor who can hire and fire the administrator and department heads. Under the proposed system, the buck will stop with the mayor while the laws (and purse strings) will be maintained by the Common Council.

5. What other forms did you consider?

The Commission considered all the standard forms of government including the council-city administrator form. Under such a system the day-to-day operation of the city would be run by a professional but unelected administrator accountable to the council but not the people. The mayor would go back to being just like one of the council people. The Commission determined this would represent a throwback to the previous structure of the late 20th Century and not in the long term interest of the city.

6. How will the mayor’s role change under the proposed system?

Under the recommended changes, the mayor would become a full-time elected official who would no longer step in to break tie votes on the Common Council. This oddity often served to blur the lines between the executive and legislative functions of each branch. The Mayor would also be empowered to hire and fire department heads, providing him/her with the authority necessary to clearly direct the city’s priorities.

7. Why make the mayor full-time?

As was determined through the Commission’s in depth interviews with past mayors and other city officials it is clear that, in order to be effective, the position demands the full time and attention of the office holder. It was also determined that most of the mayors who have served the City of Poughkeepsie over the past 30 years have worked full time for a part-time salary. The discrepancy between the required workload and the pay has limited the pool of people willing and able to run for this office. It is Commission’s hope that aligning the charter with reality will encourage more highly-qualified and experienced people to run for office in the future.

8. Why create a ninth council member? What powers will they have?

Because there are eight wards in the City of Poughkeepsie, there is a need for a tie breaking ninth vote that can establish important legislative priorities and move city initiatives forward. While the Commission considered reducing the number of wards to 5 or 7 wards to create an odd number to address this structural problem but commission members felt the addition of a ninth member would be most acceptable and productive solution to elected officials and the public.

Because he/she would be elected by all city voters, the new at large Council member would serve as the Council Chairperson. They would be responsible for establishing the Common Council agenda by working with other council members, the mayor and the city administrator. They will also have the authority to establish committees which can focus on specific areas like finances and safety.

9. Why make the ninth council member the presiding officer? Why not let the council people pick their own chair?

The Commission felt strongly the Council Chair should be elected by all city residents and therefore represent the interests of all wards. At election time this person would be accountable to all the city residents and not just the residents of one ward. In the other 29 municipalities in Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Valley cities of Kingston and Newburgh, the Council Chair is elected by all the voters. It is important to note, however, that legislative party caucuses and their leadership will be maintained, allowing for both a Majority Leader and a Minority Leader position on the Council. These positions will continue to hold legislative authority in establishing and enacting party priorities.

10. Isn’t it the Mayor’s job to represent all the wards? Why create another position?

The mayor isn’t on the council. Except for the budget, the mayor can’t propose resolutions or laws. The mayor only votes in the event of a tie. Most importantly, except for Mayor’s comments and when he’s asked a question, he is not permitted to take part in conversations at council meetings.

11. What do you say to people who say the council chair will always from the 4th or 8th ward?

By law all wards have essentially the same number of voters so there is no mathematical reason one or two wards should dominate. The commission was very aware that wards vote at different rates. This is one of the reasons it didn’t choose to reduce the number of wards. It wanted to maintain the healthy diversity on our current council.

The Commission also firmly believes that the suggested change ensures that a resident from any ward could be elected to a city wide race if they present a positive, progressive and thoughtful agenda to the public.

12. Won’t this cost us more money which we don’t have?

The changes proposed by the Commissioner will cost the city a total of $73,500 which is.09% of the city’s $82 million budget. The Commission believes the small incremental expense represents an investment in creating a more efficiently run government. Those efficiencies and the resulting benefits that will come from a smoother more focused government will translate into savings and revenues that should vastly eclipse the cost of the investment.

13. We want less government not more?

We’re only proposing one additional part-time position - the Council Chair. The reality is that most of our part-time mayors have been working full time for decades so that really isn’t changing.

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City Chamberlain

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1. How do I make an appointment?

• To schedule an appointment, please visit our Appointment Scheduling Tool

2. How do I obtain a copy of my Birth Certificate?

• We only have birth records for persons born at Vassar Brother’s Hospital
• Please fill out the Birth Certificate Application (PDF) 
• The fee is $10 per copy.

3. Who can obtain copies of a Birth Certificate?

• The person named on the birth certificate.
• A parent of the person named on the birth certificate. The requesting parent's name must be on the birth certificate.
• A spouse, child or others, but only by order of a New York State court.

4. How do I correct a Birth Certificate?

• Please contact the Registrar, 845-451-4202.
• For more information on amendments and corrections of birth certificates, please visit: Public Instructions for Birth Record Corrections/Amendments (ny.gov)

5. How do I obtain a Divorce Decree?

• We do not process or have records of divorce. 
• Divorce decrees are available in the county where the divorce was finalized. 
• For divorce decrees in Dutchess County, please visit Dutchess County Vital Records for more information. 

6. How do I apply for dual citizenship?

• For more information, please visit: New York State Vital Records - Dual Citizenship and Vital Records

7. How do I get a copy of a Death Certificate?

• We only have the death certificates for decedents who have passed away IN the City of Poughkeepsie. This includes Vassar Brothers Hospital, all City of Poughkeepsie nursing homes and private residences.
• Please fill out the Death Certificate Form

• The fee for a certified copy of a Death Certificate is $10/per copy.  

8. Who can obtain copies of a Death Certificate?

• We only have the death certificates for decedents who have passed away in the City of Poughkeepsie. This includes Vassar Brothers Hospital, all City of Poughkeepsie nursing homes and private residences.
• Only surviving parents, siblings or children may obtain copies of Death Certificates. 
• Other people who have a:
  • documented lawful right or claim
  • a documented medical need
  • New York State Court Order

• If you are not the spouse, parent, child or sibling of the deceased you must document a lawful right or claim. For example, you may need a death certificate to claim a benefit. You would need an official letter from the agency saying you need the death record to process the claim.

9. How do I make a correction or amendment to a Death Certificate?

There are many reasons to request a correction or amendment to a death certificate from a simple typographical error to changing confidential medical information. Completing a DOH-299 application and supplying the correct supporting documents are critical steps to ensure that the correction or amendment is done in a timely manner. For more information, please visit New York State Vital Records. 

10. How do I apply for a Dog License?

To apply for a dog license, city residents must submit:

• Driver’s License
• Current rabies certificate
  • The rabies certificate must be the same name as the person who is licensing the dog. 
• Proof that the dog was spayed or neutered (if applicable).  
• a completed Dog License Application (PDF)

 

11. How do I apply for an event?

• Applications received less than 30 days before the event may not be accepted. 
• Community event dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. No dates will be held until a completed application is returned to the City Chamberlain, together with any applicable fees. The application fee must be paid at the time that this application is submitted or it will be returned. This application and fee should be returned to the address listed (in person or by mail) with an attached check or money order made payable to “Commissioner of Finance, City of Poughkeepsie” in the amount of $35.00, which is the application fee. This fee is non-refundable and should not be considered a Permit for the Event*.
• Download and complete the Special Events Applications and Guidelines
• You may email the completed application to the Chamberlain's Office CityChamberlain_Clerks@CityOfPoughkeepsie.com or drop it off at the window, Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30pm. 

*All related event fees must be paid prior to obtaining any event or vendor permits. For more information on Events, please call 845-451-4200.

12. How long will it take for my event to be approved or denied?

Applications will be reviewed carefully by the City. This process takes about 2 weeks. A planning meeting may be required, therefore, all event applications must be fully completed, signed and submitted to the City Chamberlain's Office (62 Civic Center Plaza - 1st Floor - Poughkeepsie, NY 12601) at least thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the event as set forth in Chapter 7 3/ 4, Article VI, Section 7 3/ 4--10(C) of the Poughkeepsie City Code  or will be subject to rejection.

13. How do I apply for a Garage Sale Permit or Yard Sale Permit?

• Please complete the Garage Sale Application (PDF)
• Only the owner of the property may obtain a garage or yard sale permit. If you are not the owner, a letter is required from the owner of said property giving permission to hold the sale
• No garage or yard sales on holiday’s.
• You are only allowed to have 2 sales per calendar year and they cannot be on consecutive weekends. 
• The fee for a garage or yard sale permit is $7.

14. How do I obtain Genealogy Records?

• Please complete and submit a Genealogy Search Request Form (PDF)
• Our genealogy record searches go back to 1881 for any death, marriages or births that pertain to the City of Poughkeepsie ONLY.  Records from 1881 to 1923 are open record.  Records from 1923 to present date – proof of relationship is required.
• The fee is $22.00 for each search and it is NON-REFUNDABLE.  
• No information shall be released from a record unless the person to whom the record relates is known to the applicant to be deceased. 
• No information shall be released unless the record has been on file for a minimum required period: birth records must have been on file for at least 75 years, death records for 50 years, marriage records for 50 years (both parties to the marriage must be deceased). 
• The time periods above are waived if the applicant is a descendant and provides documentation of direct line descent. A party acting on behalf of a descendant shall further provide documentation that the descendant authorized the party to make such application.

15. How long does it take to process a genealogy request?

• Processing time from an application submitted for search will take approximately 8 weeks for both walk-in and mail requests. 

• Genealogy Search Request Form (PDF)

16. How do I obtain a Handicap Parking Permit?

You and your healthcare provider can complete the Application for a Parking Permit or License Plates for Persons with Severe Disabilities (MV-664.1) on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles site.

17. What is the difference between a Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License?

 A Marriage Certificate is a certified copy of an already existing marriage and only for individuals who have already had a completed wedding ceremony. The fee is $10/per copy. 

• Marriage Certificate Application (PDF)

A Marriage License is for individuals who are not currently married. The license is valid for 60 days and has a 24 hour holding period. 

• To make an appointment for your Marriage License, please visit our Appointment Scheduling Tool and select City Chamberlain, then “Marriage License”.

18. How do I obtain a Marriage License?

Marriage Licenses are processed by appointment only. To make an appointment for your Marriage License, please visit our Appointment Scheduling Tool and select City Chamberlain, then “Marriage License”.

• Marriage License fee is $40. 
• Please be aware there is a 24 hour “holding” period after you obtain your Marriage License before you can be legally married. You may not be able to be legally married until the 24 hour waiting period concludes. 
• Download the Marriage License Worksheet (PDF)

19. What do I need to bring with me to my Marriage License appointment?

If you are over 18 and this is a first marriage, please bring a valid form of ID and your completed marriage worksheet, found here: Marriage License Worksheet (PDF)

• Both parties must be present at the time of the appointment
• Forms of ID accepted:
  • New York State ID
  • Driver’s License 
  • Military ID
  • Passports

If this is a subsequent marriage (not a first), please bring certified copies of all divorce decrees and/or death certificates. Copies of decrees and/or death certificates MUST be certified in order to successfully process your Marriage License. 

*All marriage applicants must complete the Marriage License Worksheet (PDF) prior to your appointment

20. How do I schedule a Wedding Ceremony at City Hall?

• The City Chamberlain is the marriage officer for the City of Poughkeepsie. Wedding ceremonies take place at City Hall. 
• To schedule your wedding ceremony, please call the City Chamberlain at 845-451-4225.

21. How do I apply for a Municipal ID card?

Municipal IDs are processed Monday and Friday between 9am – 3:30pm only. City residents aged 14 and older are eligible to apply for the Municipal ID. Applicants must submit a completed application form and a $10 fee. 

For additional information, please visit the Municipal Identification Program page.

22. How do I obtain a Passport?

We do not issue Passports at the Chamberlain’s Office, however we can provide documentation to help you in your application process:

• Birth Certificate Application (PDF) - for persons born at Vassar Brother’s Hospital only

For additional information about passport applications, please visit the United States Post Office or Dutchess County Clerk’s office

23. How do I obtain a Paternity Acknowledgement or Acknowledgement of Parentage?

Please visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for additional information about Acknowledgement of Parentage (LDSS-5171)

24. What forms of payment do you accept?

At the Chamberlain’s office, we currently accept

• American Express
• Discover
• MasterCard
• Visa
• money order
• cash

Personal checks are acceptable only for Dog Licenses. We do not accept personal checks as forms of payment for any other services. 

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Finance

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1. Why is my water bill being estimated?

We can no longer read your meter remotely. There can be a variety of reasons as to why your meter cannot be read remotely. Please set up an appointment with our meter reader to have your water meter programmed using the following link: https://calendar.app.google/Su5qwGAYVZW2MTTZ7

2. How can I make a payment for my water and sewer or sanitation bill?

We offer 3 ways to make a payment:

• Online
• Mail
  • 62 Civic Center Plaza
    Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
    Attention: Finance Department
• Drop Box
  • Located outside of the Police Station Main Entrance, on the corner of Mansion Street and Columbus Drive
  • Drop Box Location: Google Map

Please note: We do not take payments over the phone.

3. Why is the payment website saying "there was a problem verifying the information provided. Please try again"?

When making payments online you will need to enter the account number and name exactly as it appears on the bill. Do not enter any spaces after the name or account number.

4. Why am I being charged a late fee on my Water & Sewer or Sanitation payment when the payment was sent on time using my bank’s Bill Pay?

Bill Pay payments made by banks and credit unions are physical paper checks mailed from payment processing centers.  The envelopes containing these checks do not have U.S. postmarks since these institutions typically utilize pre-sorted first class or bulk mail permits.

Banks don’t guarantee that these payments will arrive on time.  If your payment is not received by the due date, it will be considered a late payment.  Only official postmarks made by the U.S. Postal Service will be accepted as a payment date.  If you use your bank’s Bill Pay service, it’s best to send your payment early.   

To ensure that your payment is on time, please consider using the e-check or auto-pay services available in the payment portal.  E-check is similar to a wire transfer and usually takes 2 to 3 days to process. The fee for e-check is $1.75.

5. When are my utility bills due?

Water Bills - Due Dates:

• January 15th
• April 15th
• July 15th
• October 15th

Sanitation - Due Dates:

• March 15th
• May 15th
• August 15th
• October 15th

6. How can I request a final water read?

To complete a final water read, please email or fax the following information:

• Attorney’s fax/email
• Billing address
• Closing date
• New owners name

Email Water and Sewer Billing

Fax: 845-451-4028

7. Why am I receiving a water bill when no water was used this quarter?

Each meter is assigned a minimum bill. For example, a 5/8 meter is billed the minimum of $72.55 when 0 to 7 units are used. The minimum units and rates associated with each meter size is available on the Finance Department home page.

8. How do I update the name or mailing address for my utility bills?

Please send an email to Water and Sewer Billing instructing us to update the name and billing address. Please include the property address and account number. In the email please advise if the update is for water, sanitation, or both. To update the name into a tenants account the outstanding balance must be paid in full.

9. Will my water get turned off if I don’t pay my water bill?

If the balance for your water account is not paid in full by early December, it will be added to your property taxes for next year. We will not shut off your water. If the sanitation balance is not paid in full by December 31st, it will be added to your property taxes for the following year.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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Industrial Development Agency (IDA)

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1. What is an IDA?

New York State established Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) in 1969. The City of Poughkeepsie Industrial Development Agency is a public benefit corporation of the State of New York, which was created pursuant to Article 18-A, Title 2 Municipal Law of the State of New York.

2. What is the purpose of an IDA?

The IDA was established under New York State law to assist economic development projects that create or otherwise foster employment and improve the municipal tax base. This assistance is provided in the form of one or more tax exemptions or abatements to promote, develop and assist in acquiring constructing, equipping and furnishing of qualified projects and facilities.

3. What are the benefits an IDA provides to applicants?

An applicant’s project(s) may qualify for sales and use tax exemption, mortgage recording tax exemption, and/or real property tax abatement in the form of a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

4. Who can apply for IDA benefits?

A person or entity (an "applicant’) that intends to undertake a project may submit an application on the Agency’s uniform application form. The applicant need not own or lease the property on which the project is to be located at the time of the making of an application but must own or lease such property at or prior to the time any such financial assistance is actually provided. The project for which financial assistance may be sought must comply with the requirements applicable to industrial development agencies under New York State law. The applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Agency’s satisfaction either that the project is not likely to be undertaken without the requested financial assistance (the so-called "but for" test) or, alternatively, explain in writing why financial assistance should nevertheless be provided by the Agency. The grant, denial and/or conditioning of any financial assistance by the Agency is entirely within its discretion. The types of applicants and projects disqualified for receiving IDA tax exemptions can be found in the Agency’s Uniform Tax Exemption Policy (UTEP) on the IDA page on the City of Poughkeepsie website.

5. What is the cost of IDA involvement?

• Application fee of $500
• Cost benefit analysis fee of between $1,000 and $3,000
• At the time of contract execution, a fee of 1% of first $2.5 million of estimated project cost and ¼% of the estimated project cost over $2.5 million
• Annual fee 0.1% of maximum total project costs

6. What is the process to apply for IDA benefits?

• Review the IDA’s Uniform Tax Exemption Policy (UTEP) (PDF).
• Obtain uniform IDA application (PDF).
• Complete application and provide all information requested and all supporting documentation.
• Direct questions regarding application material and process to the IDA Chairperson.
• Applicant formally submits application in electronic form online and in hard copy paper form to the IDA Chairperson together with the IDA application fee.
• Once completed application is submitted, the IDA Board will review the application for completeness, accuracy, consistency of information and may contact the applicant with questions or requests for corrections or additional information.
• After a satisfactory set of application information and material is provided, the IDA will conduct a thorough project analysis, including a cost-benefit analysis conducted, at the applicant’s expense, by a third-party firm selected by the IDA.
• Thereafter, the IDA will hold a public hearing for the applicant to describe the applicant’s project and its expected benefits to the municipality and for the public to provide comment on the project.
• Then, based on the project analysis, the IDA will determine the eligibility of the project to receive tax exemption or abatement benefits and, if eligible, in what amount, based on pre-determined tax exemption schedules plus any additional factors the IDA deems relevant to assessing the project.
• The Chairperson will schedule a meeting with the applicant to review the IDA’s findings and the intended recommendation to the full board.
• Whether the IDA decides to grant benefits to the applicant or not, a resolution declaring the approval or denial of the project to receive benefits, the amount and timing of benefits, and any other stipulations or conditions will be taken to vote by the full IDA Board.
• If benefits are granted, the applicant’s legal counsel with work directly with the IDA’s legal counsel to finalize a formal contract to be entered into prior to or in connection with a formal closing.

7. How are Board members selected?

The City of Poughkeepsie Board members are appointed by the City Common Council.

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Parking Department

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1. What are the Parking Permit fees?

• Non-Residential Municipal Lot Parking Permit: $55/month
• Residential Municipal Lot Parking Permit: $30/Month
• Residential On-Street Parking Permit: Free
  • Limit of 2 per address, 1 per person
• Residential Parking Lot Permit: Free
  • Limit of 1 per address

2. What payment methods are accepted?

• In person - we accept cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card
• Online - we accept credit/debit card

3. Where do I apply for a Parking Permit?

You can apply for a Non-Municipal Parking Permit at the City of Poughkeepsie Parking office located on the first floor at City Hall (62 Civic Center Plaza)

You can apply for a Municipal Parking Permit online

4. What is the difference between a Municipal Lot and a Residential Lot?

A Municipal Lot is a public space that allows parking for Non-Resident and Resident permit holders, and in some cases paid hourly users.

A Residential Lot as well as On-Street Permit parking is for Residents only.

5. What do I need to apply for a Non-Residential Municipal Lot Parking Permit?

You should have your Driver’s License and your vehicle registration

6. What do I need when I apply for a Residential Municipal Lot Parking Permit?

You should have your Driver’s License, your vehicles registration and proof of residency. 

Proof of residency includes any one of the following:

• signed lease agreement
• voter registration with correct address
• property tax receipt for your property
• driver’s license with correct address

7. What do I need to bring with me when I go to apply for a Residential On-Street or Residential Lot Parking Permit?

You should bring your Driver’s License, your vehicles registration and proof of residency. 

Proof of residency includes any one of the following:

• signed lease agreement
• voter registration with correct address
• property tax receipt for your property
• driver’s license with correct address

8. When and how do I renew my Municipal Lot Permit?

Municipal Lot Permits can be renewed monthly during the last week of the month.

Renewals can be made online:

• Online: Link To Portal Here

9. Does my permit guarantee me a space in a lot?

No, your permit entitles you a space if available. Ig there is no avaiable spaces in your aassinged lot you can find alternate parking in any of the City's municipal lots at an additional expense. 

10. When and how do I renew my Residential On-Street or Residential Lot Permit?

Residential On-Street/Lot permits are renewed annually between December 1^st and December 31^st. You can renew by visiting the Parking Office located at City Hall.

11. Where is the Parking Department Office Located?

We are located on the first floor of City Hall. 62 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

12. What are the Parking Departments office hours?

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 
• Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

13. How do I dispute a Parking Ticket?

In order to dispute a parking ticket, please submit a non-guilty plea. This can be located on the parking ticket or a copy of the parking ticket. Follow the instructions on the ticket to complete the process.

14. Where can I get a copy of my Parking Ticket?

You can request a copy in-person at the Parking Office located on the first floor at City Hall (62 Civic Center Plaza) or over the phone at 845-451-4120.

15. How do I pay a Parking Ticket?

You can pay a parking ticket at https://poughkeepsie.nsolutions.com, or through the mail by sending payment to City of Poughkeepsie ATTN: Parking Ticket Return 62 Civic Center Plaza Poughkeepsie NY 12601, or in person at City Hall (62 Civic Center Plaza).

16. Can I get a refund for an overpayment I made at a parking meter?

Unfortunately at this time we are not offering refunds made at parking meters for overpayments.

17. I’m having trouble with a parking meter. Where can I get help?

Please call the parking department during office hours to receive help with the meters.

(845) 451-4120

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

18. I lost my Parking Deck access card or it stopped working, how do I get a replacement?

Please stop in to the Parking Department during office hours to receive a replacement. The cost for replacement is $10.

Office Hours: 

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

19. I lost my monthly/yearly parking permit or it got destroyed, how do I get a replacement?

Please stop in to the Parking Department during office hours to receive a replacement. The cost for replacement is $2.25.

Office Hours: 

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

20. Do I need a hang tag for the Municipal Lots?

No, all permitting in our municipal lots is digital. No permit to hang or display.

21. Where do I apply for a Handicap Parking Permit?

You can apply for a Handicap Parking Permit at the City Chamberlains Office.

22. Are permits lot specific?

Yes, Both Municipal Permits as well as Residential Permits are Lot specific.

23. I received a letter from a company called TaxServ, is that legitimate?

Yes, TaxServ is the City of Poughkeepsie's third party parking ticket collection company.

24. Who should I call after receiving a letter from TaxServ?

Please call the phone number listed on the letter.

TaxServ sends out thousands of letters at a time. The City's Parking Department can not return all calls pertaining to the TaxServ letters. The TaxServ call center was set up specifically to receive these calls.

25. I submitted a not guilty plea, but I still received a collection notice?

If you received a collection or delinquent violation notice after you submitted a not guilty plea, please disregard the notice. 

The only notice you will need to keep a look out for is the court date notice sent from the City of Poughkeepsie Court.

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Police Department - Online Reporting

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1. What do I do if online incident reporting is not right for me?

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If non-emergency call 845-451-4000.

2. What if this incident happened in another city or town? Can I file a report using this online police citizen reporting system?

No, if a crime took place outside of the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department please call the police department for that location.

3. What is a known suspect?

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in.

4. My cell phone has been stolen. What steps should I take aside from filing a report?

If you know your Cell Phone has been stolen, report it immediately by calling your wireless service and have the service deactivated.

If your Cell Phone is misplaced, it’s always a good idea to suspend your wireless service to protect against unauthorized usage.

5. My identity has been stolen. What steps should I take to protect myself?

If you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, act immediately to minimize the damage to your personal funds and financial accounts, as well as your reputation.

Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the situation, whether Online, by telephone toll-free at 1-877-ID THEFT 877-438-4338 or TDD at 866-653-4261, or, by mail to:
Consumer Response Center, FTC
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Contact all creditors with whom your name or identifying data have been fraudulently used. For example, you may need to contact your long-distance telephone company if your long-distance calling card has been stolen or you find fraudulent charges on your bill.

Contact all financial institutions where you have accounts that an identity thief has taken over or that have been created in your name but without your knowledge. You may need to cancel those accounts, place stop-payment orders on any outstanding checks that may not have cleared, and change your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, account, and Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Call the fraud units of the three principal credit reporting companies:

Equifax

• Equifax Contact Information
• Report fraud, call 800-525-6285 or write to
  P.O. Box 740250
  Atlanta, GA 30374
• Order a copy of your credit report ($8 in most states) by calling 800-685-1111.To dispute information in your report, call the phone number provided on your credit report or write to
  P.O. Box 740241
  Atlanta, GA 30374
• Opt out of pre-approved offers of credit, call 888-567-8688 or write to Equifax Options,
  P.O. Box 740123
  Atlanta, GA 30374

Experian

• Experian Contact Information
  Report fraud, call (888) EXPERIAN or 888-397-3742, fax to 800-301-7196, or write to
  P.O. Box 1017
  Allen, TX 75013
• Order a copy of your credit report: P.O. Box 2104, Allen TX 75013, or call (888) EXPERIAN. To dispute information in your report, call the phone number provided on your credit report.
• Opt out of pre-approved offers of credit and marketing lists, call (888) 5OPTOUT or write to
  P.O. Box 919
  Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion

• TransUnion Contact Information
• Report fraud, call 800-680-7289 or write to:
  P.O. Box 6790
  Fullerton, CA 92634
• Order a copy of your credit report by calling 800-888-4213($8 in most states), or write to:
  P.O. Box 390
  Springfield, PA 19064
• Dispute information in your report, call the phone number provided on your credit report.
• Opt out of pre-approved offers of credit and marketing lists, call 800-680-7293 or (888) 5OPTOUT or write to:
  P.O Box 97328
  Jackson, MS 39238

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Shade Tree Commission - Tree Inventory & Management Plan

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1. Why create a Tree Inventory and Management Plan?

The proposed tree inventory and management plan are essential tools to help protect and enhance the city’s urban forest resources. The environmental, economic and social benefits of street trees in both residential and commercial districts are well documented. Street trees improve the livability of towns and cities in a number of ways including reducing stormwater runoff, increasing air quality, storing carbon, providing shade and reducing urban heat-island effects. Street trees have also been shown to increase property values, lower average electricity bills of surrounding households, and make a community more walkable and bikeable through the beautification of streets and lowering average driving speeds, making roadways safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.

2. What is included in a Tree Inventory and Management Plan?

The GIS-based inventory will provide pertinent empirical data needed by the City’s Urban Tree Division, a subsidiary of the Department of Public Works Maintenance Division, which maintains the urban forest of over 12,000 city trees. The inventory will be conducted city-wide to document the location, species, tree size, condition, primary maintenance, requirements, and risk rating of all trees on city-owned property. The inventory will also note available tree planting spaces. A Community Forest Management Plan will then utilize this data to strategize and prioritize tree maintenance, planting, and removal. The development of the management plan will also enable the City to engage local residents, educate the public about the City’s urban forest, and foster community ownership over protecting and enhancing the City’s forest assets.

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Water Treatment Facility

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1. Is the water safe to drink?

Yes, Poughkeepsies Water Treatment Facility produces drinking water that meets all the federal and state drinking water standards. In homes that have lead services and lead plumbing fixtures your plumbing may cause your tap water to exceed the drinking water standard. We have installed an additional chemical treatment at the treatment facility to reduce this potential and anticipate this problem will be eliminated.

2. Where does my water come from?

All water produced at the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility is taken from the Hudson River 1,000 feet from shore and 42 feet below the mean surface elevation.

3. What do you do to treat the water before I receive it?

The Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility is a conventional filtration plant. 

1. Water taken from the Hudson River is treated with polyaluminum chloride combined with organic polymer and settled solids.  
2. The chemicals and recycled solids cause the fine particles in the river water to combine thereby increasing their ability to settle.  
3. After sedimentation the water is filtered.  
4. Chlorine is added prior to the sedimentation basins and adjusted after filtration to insure organisms in the water that can cause illness are killed and chlorine residual is maintained in the distribution systems.  
5. Orthophosphate is added to reduce the lead and copper corrosion in customers lead pipes and plumbing fixtures.

4. Why does the water look dirty sometimes?

Parts of the distribution system are old. Rust or sediments may have accumulated over the years and any changes in flow may disturb this material and cause discolored water. Entrained air may also cause the water to be “milky”. Typical events that may cause temporary discoloration of the water include:

• Fire in the area
• Breaks and repairs in the water main
• Construction of water mains
• Hydrant flushing and other maintenance work

Do not drink discolored water. Should this occur, run your cold water faucet for a period to clear the water. If the water remains discolored run the cold water in the bathtub at full rate for 5-10 minutes. If discoloration remains City of Poughkeepsie customers should call the Department of Public Works at 845-451-4111, Town of Poughkeepsie customers should call 845-462-6535.