Yarmouth is enlisting specialized legal and technical help to protect residents from potential flight path changes as the Barnstable Municipal Airport moves forward with expansion plans. Finance Director Ed Senteio informed the Finance Committee that the town is utilizing budget transfers to hire a consultant specifically experienced in FAA regulations to advocate for the town’s interests during the airport’s master plan process. We're hoping that utilizing someone with experience can talk to the airport group and offer alternative plans that will be less impactful on citizens in Hyannis Park or the west side of Yarmouth, Senteio explained. Member J. Anderson expressed skepticism based on past dealings with airport officials, asking, Does that mean every plane at six o'clock in the morning won't be going over my house?

The discussion regarding the airport was part of a broader package of financial maneuvers intended to clean up old accounts and bolster the town’s financial standing. Senteio detailed a push to finalize tax title filings and lien auctions to ensure the town’s books are in prime condition for a future Triple A bond rating. This high rating is considered essential for minimizing interest rates as the town prepares for massive borrowing related to the municipal sewer project and coastal seawall repairs. Acting Chair Stephanie highlighted the availability of the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund for residents struggling with taxes, while Senteio clarified that the town’s collection focus remains on vacant land and commercial properties rather than foreclosing on year-round homes.

Motion Made by N. Ladley to approve the budget transfers for airport consulting, tax title services, and health inspections as submitted. Motion Passed 4-0.

The committee also addressed a growing "structural problem" regarding municipal recruitment and retention. A transfer within the Health Department was required to hire outside contractors for septic inspections because the town has been unable to fill a director vacancy. Staff Member Bill Hinchey noted that the high cost of living is driving potential employees away from the Cape. Director and assistant director positions often need housing, and housing is sparse and expensive down here, Hinchey said. The Cape is a difficult place because of housing costs, groceries, and gas. It's not as much the wage as it is how much you have to spend to live here. Senteio added that Yarmouth’s wages are currently the lowest among neighboring towns, leading to a loss of trained staff to other municipalities.

Acting Chair Stephanie urged that these regional sustainability issues be highlighted in future reports to the public. I think it's another sign that we need to make sure we are meeting folks of all ages and life situations where they're at in terms of their ability to engage in the town decision-making process, she remarked. Looking ahead to the FY23 budget season, the committee plans to implement a new "pre-vetting" system where members will submit questions to department heads a week in advance to streamline public meetings. Vice Chair G. Perkins inquired about more frequent revenue updates, prompting Senteio to commit to providing monthly executive summaries on tax levy trends and local receipts.

Member R. Harding questioned the practice of sliding funds between unrelated departments, noting, Typically I don't like doing it this way. I prefer to see all funds go back to the general fund and then have people call them out. Despite these concerns, the committee agreed the transfers were necessary to address immediate gaps in service. The session concluded with the formal announcement of Member Sarah's resignation due to personal and business commitments, leaving a vacancy the committee will now look to fill through the Town Moderator.