Town Administrator Robert Whritenour informed the Select Board on Tuesday that February’s historic blizzard has left Yarmouth facing an estimated $1.5 million deficit in its snow and ice budget. The storm, which dumped over 20 inches of snow and knocked out power to 70% of the town, has significantly pressured the upcoming fiscal year’s warrant. During the storm, we had declared a state of emergency and at this time I'd like to declare the emergency is over, Chair Tracy Post announced, thanking public safety crews and the DPW for their huge undertaking during the recovery efforts.

The financial strain extends beyond snow removal. During the first reading of the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant, Whritenour detailed a $1.5 million shortfall in the D-Y Regional School budget and a potential $600,000 override for Cape Cod Tech. Capital projects also carry heavy price tags, including $2.6 million for omnibus capital items and Article 19, which seeks funding for engineering a $35 million wastewater discharge project at Bayberry Hills. Resident Joe Flynn expressed skepticism regarding the proposed school funding during public comment, stating, I don't think 1.5 million is going to fly. I think the sweet spot is usually around 500,000 to 800,000.

The Board also received the results of a year-long short-term rental (STR) study presented by Carrie Spritzer of the UMass Donahue Institute. The data revealed approximately 1,400 registered STRs in Yarmouth, with 88% being non-owner occupied. While residents have voiced concerns over housing availability, Spritzer noted that STRs account for only about 5% of the town's total housing stock. Whritenour concluded that while STRs impact affordable housing, the effect is only in a marginal viewpoint and not a significant driver of the current crisis. Member Liz Argo suggested the town pursue a seasonal community designation to help manage the market, saying, I think seasonal communities is something that will be very beneficial to Yarmouth to sign up for.

Member Mark Forest agreed that regulations alone wouldn't solve the affordability issue. The takeaway for me is that the short-term rental situation is not creating a serious problem in terms of affordable housing, Forest said. Member Dorcas McGurrin requested more data on comparable models of towns similar in size to Yarmouth to better understand how to balance the needs of retirees and the seasonal workforce. Chair Post suggested a future housing roundtable with the Planning Board to explore incentive programs like Lease to Locals, though she cautioned that current judicial hurdles regarding tenant evictions often discourage property owners from offering year-round rentals.

In a move to align town policy with the Local Comprehensive Plan, the Board considered a request from the Energy Committee to update its mission. Barry Margolin, the committee’s Vice Chair, requested a name change to the Climate Mitigation and Energy Committee, focusing on clean and secure energy goals. Motion Made by M. Forest to support the redesignation of the Yarmouth Energy Committee as the Yarmouth Climate Mitigation and Energy Committee and ask the Town Administrator to work with the committee on a revised charge. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

Management of the former drive-in site, now known as Parker's River Landing, also sparked debate. Community Development Director Megan Eldridge presented a draft policy for the event space, suggesting a technical review team to vet applications and potentially implementing fees as high as $5,000 per day for certain uses. Forest reminded the Board that the property is protected under Article 97, noting that exclusive use of the site runs afoul of state land restrictions. Member Joyce Flynn expressed concern regarding utility costs and alcohol consumption near the water, asking about metering electricity for event sponsors. The Board took no formal action but supported a temporary fee waiver for residential brush disposal at the waste facility starting March 10 to assist with blizzard cleanup.

The Board concluded by addressing committee vacancies and appointments. Motion Made by J. Flynn to accept the resignation of Kellen Bogle from the Library Board with thanks. Motion Passed 5-0-0. Motion Made by J. Flynn to appoint Vicky Fulture LeBlanc to the Recreation Commission for an alternate term ending July 31, 2026. Motion Passed 5-0-0.