The Select Board session on January 13 opened with heavy scrutiny of the town's social and financial priorities, as residents and officials grappled with a stalled immigration resolution and upcoming fee adjustments for town services. Public comment was dominated by the lingering debate over a resolution that the board denied in late 2025. Brian Garin urged the board to maintain its distance from the proposal, warning that appearing to endorse interference with federal law enforcement could jeopardize critical grant money. Yarmouth cannot risk losing federal funding grants because this board is relying on federal money to avoid a 2027 budget shortfall, Garin said.

Supporters of the resolution, which advocates have since moved toward a May 2026 ballot initiative, called for a change of heart. Leslie Dey asked the board to look deep into your hearts and consciences to support the dignity of immigrant residents and basic civil liberties. Jim Wolf criticized board members who previously opposed the measure because it didn't have teeth, suggesting that a failure to take a unanimous stand on the statement of intent would become a campaign issue for the board. Chair Tracy Post took exception to the framing, noting that speakers were making assumptions about her personal views on the matter.

Financial concerns shifted to the town’s golf courses as the board finalized the 2026 fee structure following a second public hearing. While the board largely maintained the proposed increases, they adjusted the Links annual pass to $390. Discussion touched on the frustrations of local members regarding tee-time availability during the peak summer season. Resident Peter Dumbar noted that it's next to impossible to get a tea time in July and August because non-members can book further in advance. Golf Director Scott Ames responded that the committee is attempting to extend morning times on weekends to accommodate more members, noting that members currently utilize 46% of all available slots. Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the January 6 golf fees as outlined, with the change to the Links annual pass ($390 instead of $400). Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also opened a hearing on proposed increases for ambulance transports and mattress disposal, though a final decision was deferred. The Fire Chief explained that a target $1,500 billing rate for ambulance services would likely only net a 4.5% revenue increase due to fixed reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, DPW Director Jeff Colby and Assistant Director Roby White House detailed the strain on the town’s compost and waste facilities. White House noted that the Department of Environmental Protection is restricting site capacity, prompting a proposal to ban commercial vehicles from the compost area. The Department of Environmental Protection is restricting our capacity and the amount of material that's on site. We're over capacity. So, we're working really hard to get within that limit, White House said. Motion Made by M. Forest to continue the public hearing for Fire and DPW fees to February 3, 2026. Motion Passed 5-0.

Investment in the town’s tourism infrastructure saw a major boost with the allocation of $456,210 from the Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund. Community Development Director Megan Eldridge detailed plans for $285,210 in public improvements at Colonial Acres, Parker's River, and Englewood Beach. An additional $171,000 was earmarked for special events, including the Seaside Festival and the upcoming visit of The Wall That Heals, a mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Eldridge called the exhibit a major accomplishment for the Cape. Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the public improvement recommendations ($285,210) and the associated fund transfers as outlined in the January 7, 2026, memo. Motion Passed 5-0. A second motion followed: Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the event funding recommendations ($171,000) as outlined in the January 7, 2026, memo. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also reviewed a proposal to reorganize the Community and Economic Development Department to better serve local businesses. Eldridge proposed a new Business Relations Specialist role to streamline permitting. While the board expressed support for the concept, some members worried about the administrative burden. Member Mark Forest cautioned that The success of this is going to be based on really fine-tuning this. It won't take much to overextend both the staff and the committees. Town Administrator Robert Whritenour added that the town’s immediate priority remains stabilizing the licensing function after recent staff turnover. Long-term, we need to completely nail the licensing, Whritenour said.

In a recognition of local service, the board honored the town’s Crisis Communications Team for their work following the tragic November 18 trench collapse on Southshore Drive. Chair Tracy Post read a citation praising the team for bringing honor to the town of Yarmouth under the most difficult circumstances. The board also signaled support for state legislation, endorsing House Bill 4082 to provide refundable tax credits for residents facing expensive septic system upgrades. Having a refundable tax credit could be a huge help financially spread out over years, Forest noted. Motion Made by L. Argo to endorse the letter of support for House Bill H 4082. Motion Passed 5-0.

Procedural business included the appointment of Liz Argo to the ME Small school building committee. Motion Made by M. Forest to nominate Member L. Argo to the ME Small Committee. Motion Passed 5-0. Board members also used the meeting to address ongoing maintenance needs. Dorcas McGurrin invited residents to her office hours at the Senior Center, noting office hours at the senior center with yours truly will be this coming Thursday at 3:00. Liz Argo flagged a technical issue on the town website, reporting that the Code Red emergency notification link has been broken for months. It's not functional, she noted. Finally, Whritenour reported that a change in the town's prescription drug formulary is expected to save between 10% and 13% in total drug costs this year, and noted that bridge projects remain on track for MassDOT bidding in 2026.