Rental registrations in Yarmouth have surged to 4,136 over the past year, nearly doubling from the 2,351 recorded the previous year, as the town prepares for more rigorous annual safety mandates. During Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting, Health Department Representative Barry explained that the department is aiming for a higher standard of service across the Cape, stating, We decided we want the best department on the Cape and we're getting our staff into more organizations for training.

The spike in registrations coincides with updated building codes requiring yearly inspections for short-term rentals. Municipal Inspections Representative Tim noted that his department is coordinating closely with health officials to handle the increased workload efficiently. The new building code now requires that short-term rentals are inspected yearly, Tim said. We kind of have a combined operation going on with Health to make it more efficient. We have one person doing the inspection. He added that while building permits have trended down slightly, inquiries regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and future redevelopment along Route 28 remain high as the town’s wastewater infrastructure continues to expand.

Newly appointed Director of Community Development Megan presented a reorganization plan designed to alleviate pressure on the general fund by leveraging the Tourism Revenue Fund (TRF). She proposed upgrading a vacant grade 12 economic development position to a division head while sharing a licensing administrative resource with the town’s central administration. I'm proposing to not add to staff but instead be able to use the tourism revenue fund to pay for half of the staff member that is currently in the licensing role, Megan explained, noting the plan was well-received by the Select Board. She also requested $9,000 for a subscription to NearMap GIS software, which she said allows the conservation department to take a snapshot six months ago and compare it to today's situation on the ground.

Vice Chair George Perkins questioned how the town might use new leadership roles to address community blight, asking, How does a town go about promoting the sale of vacant properties because we know there's a lot of them around town? Megan responded that filling the economic development manager position would be critical to focusing on those specific efforts. Later in the meeting, the committee reviewed various municipal budgets, including the Finance Committee’s own $100,000 reserve fund. Perkins challenged whether that figure remains adequate given current economic conditions. From an inflationary standpoint, would you keep your coverage on your house at $100,000 for the last 50 years? Perkins asked. I have a feeling you're not covered anymore.

Finance Director Jennifer clarified that the town typically utilizes a unique bylaw allowing for budget transfers throughout the year rather than depleting the reserve fund. We want to go to the regular transfer first instead of depleting the reserve fund, she said, adding that current budget constraints make increasing the line item difficult. Following the discussion, Motion Made by G. Perkins to approve the Select Board, IT, Purchasing, Finance, Accounting, Treasurer, Town Clerk, and Finance Committee Reserve budgets as a group. The motion was seconded by N. Ladley. Motion Passed (5-0).

The committee also reviewed the mechanics of the Tourism Revenue Fund, which operates under special legislation. Member John Anderson sought clarification on the transparency of the fund at the annual meeting, asking, So then what are we doing at town meeting with this then? Jennifer explained that voters first appropriate the total "buckets" for marketing, projects, and events, after which the Select Board selects specific applications, such as median plantings or local festivals. In closing, Chair Richard Simon provided a brief update on the M.E. Small school project, noting that the town expects to hear soon regarding its admission into the MSBA feasibility study phase. Member Robert Harding inquired about the status of a recent fatality related to sewer construction, to which Simon responded that the matter is currently being handled in executive session by the Select Board while investigations continue.