The Yarmouth Finance Committee moved to advance a $13.5 million Department of Public Works budget for the upcoming fiscal year, even as officials warned that rising costs for waste disposal and recycling will likely necessitate new fee hearings. DPW Director Jeff Colby presented the comprehensive spending plan, emphasizing a strategic shift toward centralized maintenance and infrastructure improvements following the completion of major town projects like the Parkers River Bridge.

A primary focus of the presentation involved the growing strain on the town’s facilities and vehicle maintenance. Colby identified facilities maintenance as his top priority for future staffing increases, noting that the town’s aging fire stations, libraries, and senior center require more consistent oversight than current staffing allows. He proposed a centralized model for mechanics and maintenance staff to serve the entire town fleet rather than individual departments. Chair Richard Simon questioned if additional staffing could eventually generate income, asking, Is there anything extra that you could do if we invested in additional facilities staff that would allow you to do things that would ultimately end up providing additional revenue back to the town? Colby noted that while public buildings rarely generate revenue, centralization would lead to significant efficiencies.

Vice Chair George Perkins pushed for further consolidation of town services to rein in operating costs. The fire department keeps talking about a need to consolidate dispatching in one location. Also consolidating the police. It would be able to save on operating and maybe some potential costs, Perkins suggested. Member Nathan Ladley looked toward local workforce development as a solution to staffing hurdles, asking, We pay a lot of money to the Votech each year. Do we look at hiring those students or having apprenticeships? ... I'm thinking about the beach, golf course, and cemeteries. Colby confirmed the town is exploring internship opportunities, though strict licensing requirements for heavy equipment remain a barrier for younger students.

Residents may soon see the impact of global recycling trends on their wallets. Assistant DPW Director Roby Whitehouse reported that she has already requested a fee hearing for construction and demolition (C&D) waste and mattress recycling. Recycling is getting more challenging. The cost of C&D is going up. Mattress recycling has new DEP rules. A lot of these costs are outside our control, Whitehouse said. This is compounded by the high cost of hauling septic sludge to Upstate New York, a necessity since Maine and New Hampshire closed their borders to the material due to PFAS contamination concerns. Motion Made by G. Perkins to recommend the DPW budget as presented. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The committee also reviewed the initial rollout of the Wastewater Enterprise Fund, which manages the town's multi-year municipal sewer project rollout. Water/Wastewater Superintendent Lori Rosales explained that she is working to streamline the water budget to reflect actual spending patterns. For the water budget, I've been trying to simplify and consolidate line items to make sure we are funding them correctly based on past spending, Rosales said. Town Administrator Robert L. Whritenour noted that while the wastewater fund is in its infancy, it is already being supported by approximately $500,000 in annual short-term rental tax revenue.

Beyond the budget, the committee scrutinized a proposal for a new regional fire training "prop" to be located behind the West Yarmouth fire station. Funded by a $750,000 FEMA grant, the structure would use propane and water to simulate fires for training Cape Cod firefighters. Member Robert Harding raised concerns regarding the risks associated with the facility, stating, I just have a question on liability and insurance on this project because they're going to be playing with fire. Whritenour assured the committee that the town is pursuing a belt and suspenders approach to legal protection. The IMA provides for complete indemnification of all costs from the town, Whritenour added, noting that individual departments would pay into the facility’s $10,000 to $15,000 annual maintenance costs through intermunicipal agreements.

Finally, Staff Member Bill addressed a backlog of meeting recordings and records, stating, I have them on this computer. I'll work with Kyle on how to post them. We also have backlog minutes from last year. The committee expects to review these records at future meetings as they continue the FY23 budget cycle.