The Yarmouth Select Board moved forward with significant fee adjustments for emergency services and waste disposal during a packed Tuesday night meeting, while a contentious local resolution saw a major shift in strategy. Board members unanimously authorized increasing Basic Life Support ambulance fees from $1,200 to $1,500 and Advanced Life Support from $1,800 to $2,000 to better align with service costs. Public Works Director Jeff Colby also secured a fee hike for mattress disposal at the town transfer station, which will rise from $25 to $35. Motion Made by J. Flynn to accept the ambulance and public works fees as presented. Motion Passed (5-0). Regarding the disposal of yard waste, L. Argo clarified, This is for leaf composting... we're really talking only about leaf and yard waste, confirming the service remains free for residents but prohibited for commercial vehicles.

The evening was marked by a heavy turnout of residents concerned with a proposed immigration resolution. After several speakers voiced sharp opposition, Susan Gregory Davis, representing Yarmouth for Everyone, announced a change in tactics. Our grassroots group... has recently decided to terminate the process of seeking adoption of the resolution by vote of the Yarmouth Select Board, Davis said, explaining the group will instead seek to place the matter on the town ballot for the May 19, 2026, election. Before the announcement, resident Joe Glenn told the board that Yarmouth pays 70 percent of the school budget but lacks proportional representation, calling it taxation without representation. Another resident, Tom Sullivan, warned that the board of selectmen have more important issues and noted that the town charter contains provisions for the recall of elected officials. Public commenter Cheryl urged the board to stop giving this nonsense any further oxygen, citing safety and legal concerns.

Education infrastructure and costs dominated much of the middle session as Superintendent Dr. Mark Smith provided an update on the Emmy Small Elementary School feasibility study. Smith addressed community suggestions to avoid new construction by moving students into existing buildings, stating that it's a simple math problem and the students simply would not fit. Physically, yes, those kids could fit [in other buildings]... but do we want to create a junior-senior high school? Smith asked, noting it would fundamentally change the learning environment. M. Forest emphasized the need for transparency in the process, stating, I find it reassuring that you're making it abundantly clear that we're going to look at all possible solutions and my hope is that includes 'no build' because there's a segment in the community that wants to make sure that we evaluate that. Chair T. Post added that the town must prioritize quality facilities, noting, I appreciate the fact that we built a new school with science labs for 7th grade... I think that those things are extremely good points.

The board also reviewed a sweeping recreation field study that presented options ranging from $3.6 million to a staggering $18.1 million for town-wide athletic upgrades. Landscape architect John Tonsky of Weston & Sampson warned that existing fields are being overused, noting that for healthy turf, you want to be between the 400 and 600-hour range of annual use. T. Post expressed hesitation regarding the high price tag and the use of artificial surfaces, stating, 18 million is a lot of money... I have serious issues with turf in terms of safety, health, and upkeep. Nearby, the former Madakis School site redevelopment is gaining momentum thanks to a $200,000 Mass Development Site Readiness Grant. Assistant Town Administrator A. Frigulietti explained the funding will help the town move from concept to implementation via market feasibility and infrastructure strategies. M. Forest praised the staff's ability to secure the funds, saying, The fact that you can do all this work for 200 grand, fantastic.

Concerns over public safety and infrastructure delays were brought to the forefront by Sharon Machuga of the Yarmouth Village Condo Association, who spoke regarding the ongoing closure of Southshore Drive following a November accident. The situation there is very bad. It's a mess. It's unsafe, Machuga said, imploring the board to finish the work before the summer rental season. T. Post assured her the board is cognizant of safety and liability issues and is working to resolve the delay. Later in the meeting, the board moved to bolster the town's climate resilience by advancing the 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Town Planner Kathy Williams reported that Yarmouth has approximately $1.8 billion of total assessed value within special flood hazard areas. Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the submission of the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan to MIMA and FEMA. D. McGurrin seconded the motion. Motion Passed (5-0). J. Flynn and D. McGurrin also participated in a series of routine board appointments, including naming Steven Brewer to the Board of Health through 2028.