Yarmouth department heads presented a series of high-stakes capital requests to the Capital Budget Committee on Monday, highlighting a volatile market where equipment costs are soaring and delivery timelines are stretching into years. Police Chief Kevin Lennon opened the session by detailing a significant price jump for the department’s taser program, noting that a new five-year contract for X10 units would cost the town $357,000.73—a sharp increase from the previous $99,000 contract. The new tasers are called the X10 taser, and you'll see that the price has gone up exponentially, Lennon told the committee, explaining that the new units feature 10 individual darts and include mandatory virtual reality training modules required by the state.

The police department is also seeking $49,000 for radar units to replace obsolete technology dating back to 2009, as well as $51,470 for three additional message boards to handle increased notification needs at local beaches. When asked by Finance Committee Representative George Perkins if the additional boards would increase annual subscription costs, Lennon noted the fees were minimal but promised exact figures. The department’s vehicle request includes replacing six cruisers, including K9 units and trucks with high mileage. Member Joseph Jamiel questioned the maintenance of onboard technology, asking, Do you have to maintain all the cruisers' PCs too? Lennon confirmed the ongoing technical needs for the fleet.

Supply chain constraints dominated the Fire Department’s presentation, where Deputy Chief Scott Smith warned of an 850-day wait for a new $550,000 ambulance. From the day we get approved at town meeting, we're looking at an 850-day build on these, Smith said, citing chassis shortages. The department plans to switch from diesel to gas engines for the new units to avoid maintenance issues caused by short runs. Planning Board Representative Ken Smith asked if gas engines would hold up to constant idling, to which the Deputy Chief responded that diesels are meant to run long and hot, making gas a more reliable choice for Yarmouth's specific call volume. The fire department is also seeking $50,000 for a feasibility study to determine if the town should consolidate from three stations to a two-station model to optimize response times.

Technology upgrades emerged as another critical priority, with IT Representative Paul requesting $300,000 across three major initiatives. The town is facing an October 2025 deadline to move away from Windows 10, a transition that has already forced the replacement of iPads in ambulances and computers in town meeting rooms. Microsoft's just not going to support Windows 10 and without that... it becomes an open target, Paul warned. The request includes $100,000 for PC components, $100,000 for network infrastructure to address failing Wi-Fi at the "dump campus," and $100,000 to bridge a funding gap for the state-granted Inet replacement project.

The committee is currently weighing these requests against other major town priorities, including the $1.5 million Emmy Small school feasibility study and a $600,000 open space acquisition on Ningham Drive. Chair Sandy Fife urged members to finalize their project rankings through the town portal by October 20 to ensure the 10-year capital plan is ready for the Select Board. Motion Made by A. Laird to approve the minutes of September 29th. Motion Passed (5-0). The committee will next meet on October 14 to review requests from the golf, recreation, and natural resources departments.