Yarmouth officials are bracing for a significant fiscal challenge as the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District faces a projected $4.3 million assessment increase, a figure that dwarfs the town’s anticipated $1.1 million budget allocation. During the February 4 Finance Committee meeting, Chair Richard Simon warned that the current 10% assessment jump represents a massive departure from the town's typical 2.5% growth allowance. The looming deficit has triggered urgent discussions regarding the necessity of a permanent tax override to bridge the gap.

The potential impact on local taxpayers took center stage as members calculated the cost of such a move. Member Nathan Ladley expressed deep concern over the financial burden on residents, noting that if we hit the town people with a $4 million override, that’s a forever override. I took 4 million divided by 23,000 residents; it’s $275 per resident. If you have a family of four, you’re looking at $1,100. Clerk Rafael Gutierrez argued that the budget crisis should serve as a forcing function to evaluate the district's footprint, asking are we going to continue to spend to increase transportation and facilities costs for underutilized facilities that could be optimized or consolidated?

Beyond the school district, the committee reviewed a series of Department of Public Works (DPW) budgets, including the evolving wastewater enterprise. DPW Director Jeff explained that the town is looking to hire two new full-time positions—a Collection System Supervisor and a Treatment Plant Supervisor—to prepare for the 2028 operational launch. However, finding licensed operators remains a hurdle. I suspect it’s going to be very difficult, and if that’s the case, we’ll know that entering in 2028 we’ll just need to contract out the full operations, Jeff said, noting that other Cape Cod towns like Orleans and Mashpee have already turned to private contracts due to labor shortages.

Finance Director Jennifer cautioned that any shift to private contracting must be handled with legal precision to protect the town’s non-taxable general obligation bonds. Member John Anderson questioned if the town had fully analyzed the cost-benefit of municipal employees versus contractors, while Clerk Gutierrez inquired whether the initial staff of six would handle 24/7 repairs. Jeff clarified that while staff will handle typical operator level maintenance, specialized vendors will still be required for complex components like pumps and motors.

Infrastructure concerns extended to the town's water supply and aging buildings. Water/Wastewater Superintendent Lori reported that while PFAS pollution from the local airport does not currently impact town wells, the town’s consultant, Kleinfelder, continues to monitor groundwater. Member Alyssa Mullin sought updates on these PFAS solutions, prompting Lori to explain that while the airport has capped some sources, there’s been pushback that it’s not enough. In the facilities budget, Member Ladley highlighted the deplorable state of the Senior Center bathrooms, describing them as missing radiator covers and plagued by dry rot. Jennifer noted that an architect is being brought on to oversee an expansion and ADA-compliance upgrade for the facility.

The committee also processed a staffing change within the engineering division. Jennifer and Jeff explained that following a retirement in the IT department, the town decided to move the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) consultant role under the DPW. Motion Made by G. Perkins to approve the administrative transfer. Motion Passed (7-0-0). This transfer includes funding for a temporary consultant to train the new hire.

Maintenance costs for Yarmouth’s growing recreation portfolio also drew scrutiny. The Parks and Beaches budget saw a $35,000 increase to cover the Riverwalk Park, the new splash pad, and the upcoming Chase Brook Park redevelopment. We are adding parks. It speaks well of a community that can invest in recreation, Jeff said, though he admitted the requested increase is only enough to get us started. Member Robert Harding questioned the town's absorption of credit card fees for beach stickers. Jennifer responded that the administration is looking at a policy because usually you like to put that fee onto the user.

The meeting concluded with a review of several level-funded or vacancy-challenged departments. The highway department continues to struggle with two vacant mechanic positions due to higher pay in the private sector. Member Anderson noted that the vacancy line provided some serious money to cover other needs, such as overtime for emergency tree removals. Meanwhile, the town’s snow and ice budget has already been exceeded. This year we were significantly over with no end in sight, Jeff reported. The committee also briefly reviewed the minutes from a previous session. Motion Made by J. Anderson to approve the minutes of February 21. Motion Passed (7-0-0).