the Yarmouth Finance Committee cleared the way for a $13.5 million Department of Public Works budget for the upcoming fiscal year, while officials warned that residents may soon see higher fees at the town disposal area. DPW Director Jeff Colby presented the comprehensive spending plan, noting that while the department generates nearly $14 million in revenue through various services, rising costs in waste management and aging infrastructure are creating mounting financial pressures. Assistant DPW Director Roby Whitehouse highlighted the volatile recycling market, noting, The cost of tires has gone through the roof, and there are new DEP rules for mattress recycling. These costs are outside our control. Colby added that a fee hearing for construction and demolition (C&D) waste is on the horizon, as rates have not been adjusted since 2017.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on a proposed shift toward centralized municipal maintenance. Colby argued for a strategy that would consolidate custodial and vehicle services under the DPW rather than housing them within individual departments like Police or Fire. I prioritized facilities staffing because both the Police and Fire Chiefs indicated they need more support, Colby explained, adding that centralized vehicle maintenance is a high priority to better utilize the town’s state-of-the-art facility. Vice Chair George Perkins questioned whether this consolidation could further reduce operating costs across the town, asking, Are there things that could be done under your purview that are currently being done under individual departments?

The committee also explored labor challenges and the potential for local recruitment. Member Nathan Ladley raised the possibility of leveraging talent from the vocational school to fill specialized roles like mechanics, asking, Why don't we nurture those people to do work for the town? Colby noted the town is exploring internships but currently faces hurdles with municipal licensing requirements that often demand years of field experience. The committee also touched on the lean $10,000 budget for tree maintenance, which Colby described as insufficient compared to the $50,000 typically required for annual planting and care.

In the realm of infrastructure, the town’s newest enterprise fund for Wastewater currently holds $1.6 million, largely derived from short-term rental tax transfers. Town Administrator Robert Whritenour noted, We are searching for a structure to ensure those revenues are dedicated to Wastewater. Water and Wastewater Superintendent Lori Rosales added that her focus has been on fiscal clarity, stating, I've been trying to simplify and consolidate line items to make sure we are funding them correctly based on past spending. Following the presentation, the committee moved to support the financial plan. Motion Made by G. Perkins to recommend the DPW budget as presented. Motion Passed (4-0).

Beyond the immediate budget, the committee debated plans to bring a fire training structure to West Yarmouth. A $750,000 FEMA grant obtained by the county would fund a training prop structure behind the West Yarmouth fire station. While Whritenour assured the committee the facility would be a turnkey operation with no long-term financial drain on the town, Chair Richard Simon expressed wariness regarding the intermunicipal agreements required. I have concerns about the intermunicipal agreements—we saw what happened with the police training academy at the county level where it didn't pay for itself, Simon said. Member Robert Harding raised concerns about the risks associated with the site, stating, I have a question regarding liability and insurance on this project because they are going to be playing with fire. Whritenour countered that the town would be fully indemnified and that the project offers significant value to local emergency services that currently lack nearby training options.

To wrap up the session, Finance Director Bill Hinchey addressed a backlog of meeting minutes and the availability of Zoom recordings, promising to improve digital access for residents. Whritenour underscored the importance of this effort, stating, Transparency is a major point of emphasis. We want to make sure we're setting the example by having all the minutes online.