Commissioners Approve Plans to Address PFAS, Capital Improvements and Post Employment Benefits
JANUARY 12, 2024 (BARNSTABLE, MA) – At its meeting on January 10, 2024, the Board moved forward with plans to set up a $7.2 million special revenue fund for PFAS cleanup at the former fire training site, $15 million for capital improvements, and funding for the County’s OPEB Trust Fund at an annual contribution rate of $500,000 per year over the next ten years. These measures will bolster the County’s long-term financial stability and followed a comprehensive planning process, which included a delegate from the Assembly and other financial advisors. The three ordinances will be introduced to the Assembly of Delegates on January 17, 2024, for their consideration and approval.
Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Operating Budget
Registrar Jack Meade provided an update to the Board on the current year’s deeds excise revenue. While it is down by 12% compared to the previous year, it is on target to meet FY24 revenue projections. 54.5% of the County’s fiscal year 2025 General Fund revenue comes from real estate deeds excise tax collected by the Registry of Deeds.
County Administrator Beth Albert and Finance Director Carol Coppola provided an overview of the proposed FY25 operating budgets, which include the County’s General Fund, Dredge Enterprise Fund, and Cape Cod Commission. County departments have delivered level services budgets with no new positions. The General Fund’s $24,753,101 operating budget reflects projected increases in utilities, group health insurance, and insurance, and it also includes a $1.2 million subsidy for the Dredge Program.
Access the FY25 Proposed Budget at https://www.capecod.gov/ProposedFY25Budget
Federal Funding for SHINE Program Targeting Low Income Seniors at Risk
The Commissioners unanimously approved sending a letter urging the Congressional Delegation to support an extension of $50 million in annual funding for SHINE Medicare outreach and enrollment assistance to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. The funding request does not expand benefits but rather helps vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare continue to receive the assistance for which they are already eligible.
Barnstable County has seen a major increase in individuals seeking assistance since April 2023 and SHINE funds are crucial to assisting residents of Cape Cod and the Islands maintain cost-effective health insurance. Each year, the Barnstable County SHINE Program serves between 5,000 and 6,000 county residents, saving constituents hundreds of thousands of dollars and, more importantly, increasing equitable access to healthcare coverage for marginalized populations. Read the letter here. Learn more about the SHINE program by clicking on this link.
Contract Extension for County Administrator
In a unanimous decision, the Commissioners voted to extend County Administrator Beth Albert’s contract, originally set to conclude in April 2024 after a three-year term, now extending it to October 2024.
Commissioner Mark Forest, representing the Board, expressed wholehearted admiration for Ms. Albert’s outstanding accomplishments throughout the last three years of her current agreement. He remarked,” Beth’s dedication has undeniably improved the County’s overall management in a number of critical areas. She has set high standards, and we are delighted that she will be with us through October.”
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 offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
