Commissioners Approve FY26-FY30 Capital Plan, Discuss County Administrator’s Goals, and Support Affordable Housing
December 11, 2024 (Barnstable, MA) — At today’s meeting the Barnstable County Commissioners approved the FY26-FY30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), reviewed County Administrator Michael Dutton’s goals for FY25 and FY26, approved funding for affordable housing in Truro, and received an update on OPEB obligations.
Commissioners Vote on FY26-FY30 Capital Budget
Today Assistant County Administrator Vaira Harik and Finance Director Carol Coppola presented the FY26-FY30 Capital Improvement Program, proposing $11.45 million in capital expenditures. The program prioritizes infrastructure and operational needs, with Children’s Cove and the Facilities Department accounting for $10.4 million of the total budget. The largest project is the Children’s Cove renovation and expansion, with a budget of $7.3 million funded primarily by grants and donations. The Facilities Department plans 11 projects totaling $3.1 million, focused on maintaining building integrity and replacing critical systems. Other FY26 requests include $162,756 for Health Department laboratory upgrades, $200,000 for Finance Department office renovations, $150,000 for a dredge engine replacement, and $81,070 for the purchase of an electric vehicle.
The funding strategy minimizes costs to the County. $7.4 million of the expenditures will be funded by grants and $1.7 million via reimbursements, thereby reducing borrowing to $2.3 million. Debt service remains below the county’s 10% cap on the annual operating budget. The Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Budget and the associated ordinance. Click here to view the presentation.
County Administrator Outlines Goals for Remainder of FY25 and FY26
Administrator Michael Dutton outlined his goals for the coming year, focusing on three key areas: maintaining a structurally balanced budget, advancing efficiency in governance, and enhancing water quality initiatives.
- A Structurally Balanced Budget
Mr. Dutton plans to build on the County’s financial progress by analyzing operations for efficiency, proposing policies for surplus cash allocation, and developing clear guidelines for using reserves to balance the budget. Highlighting the County’s reliance on fluctuating revenue sources, he emphasized the importance of planning for long-term stability.
Commissioner Mark Forest voiced support and urged a thorough analysis of revenue to explore potential income streams such as rentals and tax assessments. “If we are serious about maintaining a structurally balanced budget, we must be equally committed to exploring all revenue streams,” Commissioner Forest said.
- Advancing Effective Governance
To align with long-term community needs, Mr. Dutton will lead a strategic planning process. He will complete the facilities condition assessment and master plan update, focusing on the Barnstable Superior Courthouse renovations. Collaboration with local officials and the civic association will be central to ensuring the project addresses both operational requirements and community expectations.
- Enhancing Water Quality Initiatives
Mr. Dutton reaffirmed the County’s commitment to environmental sustainability, citing the need to continue the work of the Cape Cod Commission’s Freshwater Initiative and recommending that funding be identified to extend it beyond 2026. He also proposed transitioning the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) program into an independent entity and addressed the ongoing work to contain PFAS contamination at the former fire training facility.
The Commissioners welcomed Mr. Dutton’s vision, emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement. His goals will continue to be discussed at the next Commissioners’ meeting on December 18.
Barnstable County’s OPEB Update and Strategic Planning
Kathleen Riley, Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary at Segal Consulting, presented an update on Barnstable County’s Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) obligations, highlighting the County’s current funding status, liability estimates, and progress toward meeting its long-term financial commitments to retirees. A key point of the update was the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, which added $1 million to the County’s OPEB liabilities due to expanded retiree medical benefits, including enhanced drug coverage under Medicare. Despite this increase, the County achieved a modest improvement in its funded percentage, from 18.38% to 18.98%, driven by strong investment returns and strategic contributions to the OPEB trust. This update is particularly significant as OPEB obligations represent a substantial financial responsibility that impacts the County’s fiscal sustainability, credit rating, and ability to fund other initiatives. By addressing these liabilities proactively, Barnstable County not only ensures transparency and accountability to taxpayers but also reinforces trust with employees by honoring promised benefits.
County Backs Affordable Housing in Truro
The Barnstable County Commissioners voted to approve a key agreement for the Cloverleaf affordable rental housing project in Truro, MA, which will bring 43 new mixed-income rental homes to the community. This agreement allocates $300,000 in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support the project. Administered through the Barnstable County Department of Human Services, the HOME program plays a vital role in addressing housing needs by creating and preserving affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. Last month the Commissioners approved $1.46 million in ARPA Grant funding to support the same project. The $38 million Cloverleaf Truro Rental Housing Development is a collaboration between Community Housing Resource, Inc. and The Community Builders, Inc., to build 43 units of affordable housing at 22 Highland Road in North Truro.
Additional agenda items were discussed, and the full agenda, meeting documents, and video are available in the County’s Meeting Center.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD
Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
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