The Yarmouth Finance Committee moved to solidify the town’s financial standing this week, advancing a series of budget transfers designed to "polish the books" ahead of significant borrowing for the municipal sewer project. Finance Director Ed Senteio explained that the town is aggressively pursuing a Triple A credit rating from S&P to drive down interest rates for upcoming wastewater and sea wall infrastructure bonds. To achieve this, the town is moving to secure liens on properties from 2019, 2020, and 2021, a process that was largely paused during the pandemic to assist residents. Senteio noted that while the town took a humane approach during COVID-19, it must now finalize these tax titles to satisfy credit analysts. We want to drive down our interest rates by hopefully going for a Triple A... we just want to polish our books by taking care of these last few items, Senteio said.

The committee also approved a $14,000 transfer for specialized airport consulting services to address long-standing grievances regarding the Barnstable Municipal Airport’s master plan and runway expansion. Staff Bill Hinchey explained that the new consultant possesses "FAA language" expertise necessary to propose flight path alternatives that satisfy federal safety regulations while mitigating noise for Yarmouth neighborhoods. Member John Anderson, who noted he has been dealing with the airport issue for over a decade, expressed the community’s frustration with the lack of progress. We've been dealing with the airport for 11 years that I'm aware of, and we get no response... Does that mean every plane at six o'clock in the morning won't be going over my house? Anderson asked. While Hinchey could not promise an immediate end to the noise, he emphasized that this technical expertise is the town’s best chance at being heard by federal authorities.

Staffing shortages also forced a fiscal shift within the Health Department, where the committee approved moving funds from wages to professional services. The department has been unable to fill its Health Director or Assistant Director positions, necessitating the use of outside contractors to perform Title V septic inspections and essential building repairs. Member Robert Harding questioned the optics of the various shifts, noting, It looks like we're taking a lot of departments that are not associated with the airport consulting services and sliding funds over. Staff Bill Hinchey countered that the recruitment crisis is fundamentally tied to regional economic pressures. The Cape is a difficult place because of housing costs... it is not as much the wage as it is how much you have to spend on groceries, gas, and housing, Hinchey said. Motion Made by N. Ladley to approve the budget transfers as submitted. Motion Passed 4-0.

Looking ahead to the FY23 budget season, the committee reviewed a streamlined process designed to maximize transparency while shortening public hearings. Hinchey proposed using "profile sheets" for capital requests and "pre-vetting" questions via email so department heads arrive prepared with data. Acting Chair Alyssa Mullin supported the efficiency but questioned the logistics. I understand what you're trying to achieve and I think it makes a ton of sense. I'm trying to understand the sequence of it and if that's going to work in a way that's logistically feasible, Mullin said. The upcoming schedule will feature the "Big Three"—Police, Fire, and Public Works—in mid-February, with Senteio suggesting the committee take preliminary votes after each session to prevent a massive workload at the end of the cycle.

The committee also debated how to frame budget interview questions to better reflect the town's current challenges. Vice Chair George Perkins suggested a hypothetical scenario to help departments prioritize their needs. I might wonder what they would do if they were given the opportunity to spend 10 percent more... it would help them reflect, Perkins said. Acting Chair Mullin insisted that the impact of the regional housing crisis be treated as a core fiscal metric during hearings. If you're having staffing problems... and that is relating to the housing challenges here on Cape Cod... that clearly has a fiscal impact, she noted, adding that departments should also be grilled on their efforts to find alternative grant funding before turning to taxpayers.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the committee’s own future following the resignation of member Sarah [Last Name Unknown]. Mullin emphasized the need for a proactive recruitment strategy to diversify the board. Whatever we can do to solicit applications from women, certainly from people of color... I think that it would really help give us a different lens, she said. While some members suggested waiting until after the intense budget season to fill the vacancy, Vice Chair Perkins argued for an immediate appointment. I would be in favor of appointing now... I think making the committee more diverse should be a high priority, Perkins said, noting that the budget process is the best training ground for a new member.