Yarmouth property owners will see a unified tax rate for the upcoming year as the Select Board opted to maintain a single classification for residential and commercial properties. Assistant Assessor Tara Monroe and Finance Director Jennifer Mullen reported that with the town’s commercial base sitting at just 4.91 percent, shifting the tax burden away from homeowners would provide negligible relief for residents while creating a massive spike for local shops. Monroe noted that the fairest way to tax people is to tax everybody at the same rate. Chair Tracy Post warned that a split rate would only reduce residential bills by 27 cents while jacking it up over $3.50, almost $4 for commercial entities, concluding that for a small business, the last thing they need is that. Motion Made by M. Forest to adopt a Factor of 1 and reject the residential and small commercial exemptions. Motion Passed (5-0).

During public comment, resident Tom McDonald urged the board to consider the long-term impact of a shrinking commercial sector, noting the commercial tax rate share has dropped from roughly 15 percent in past decades. We really need to kind of have a vision on where we're going to be 50 to 100 years from now. And the commercial end is extremely important, McDonald said. Following the tax rate decision, the board also authorized administrative procedures for tax forms. Motion Made by M. Forest to authorize the use of signature stamps and electronic signatures for tax rate forms. Motion Passed (5-0).

State Senator Julian Cyr delivered a regional update, highlighting that Yarmouth has received $37.5 million in subsidies from the Cape Cod Alliance Water Protection Fund to date. Those are significant savings, about a 25% subsidy, Cyr said. He also addressed the housing crisis, noting that the median home price in Yarmouth has surged to $605,000, requiring a household income of $169,000 to afford. Cyr introduced the concept of a "Transfer Fee" on luxury real estate transactions over $1 million or $2 million to fund year-round housing deed restrictions. Member Mark Forest clarified the legislative process, stating, Having a petition filed gives us the authority to do it, but ultimately it will come down to us to determine whether or not we want to vote for it. Chair Post expressed caution regarding the new fee, saying, I'm never jazzed about new taxes... but I think it's our due diligence to put options before the people of the town.

The board reviewed a major shift in how the town handles plastic waste. Jamie Vieira, Chair of the Plastics Task Force, recommended transitioning from a general town bylaw to a Board of Health regulation. This approach allows for more flexibility, including food safety exceptions and a waiver process for businesses. What we then decided collectively was that we were going to recommend to this board that the town adopt through the Board of Health a health regulation, not a general regulation, Vieira explained. Member Liz Argo, previously a skeptic of the change, praised the new direction, noting that solutions emerging every day that are new. Member Mark Forest added that the regulation incentivizes progress towards plastic reduction and we use the marketplace. The board reached a consensus to proceed with the Board of Health regulation effective January 1, 2026.

Member Joyce Flynn presented updates to the committee appointment policy, focusing on a new "grading" or "rating" system to help committees vet new volunteers. Chair Post described the tool as a consensus tool to avoid public deliberations on individual applicants during the selection process. Flynn emphasized that everyone who hasn't been a town volunteer in some capacity in the past does have to go through the interview process. The board expects to hold a final vote on the refined policy language on September 23.

Two upcoming community events received unanimous support following public hearings. Robert Harding of Dream Day of Cape Cod presented plans for an Oktoberfest fundraiser at Skull Island to support children with life-threatening illnesses. Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the special one-day malt alcohol and entertainment license. Motion Passed (5-0). Molly Demillionaire also secured approval for the Cultural Center of Cape Cod’s Edgar Allan Poe 2.0 theatrical event. Demillionaire noted that we hosted that event also in February of this year and there was no incidents but it was really popular. Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the special alcohol license for October 16-18, 2025. Motion Passed (5-0).

In other town business, Town Administrator Robert Whritenour announced the successful hiring of a new Energy Manager and noted that a new blogging studio at Town Hall is nearly complete to help board members share ideas on the air. During closing items, Member Liz Argo raised a constituent concern regarding flooding on Southshore Drive, reporting that water and mud were coming up through the tarmac due to contractor dewatering. Member Dorcas McGurrin participated in all votes but offered no separate announcements. The board also processed routine reappointments. Motion Made by J. Flynn to reappoint Rachel Young to the MidCape Cultural Council. Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by J. Flynn to appoint Peter Slovac to the Design Review Committee. Motion Passed (5-0).