Barnstable County Unveils FY26 Budget Proposal with Departmental Highlights
Registry of Deeds Reports Strong Revenue Growth
JANUARY 8, 2025 (BARNSTABLE, MA) – Barnstable County leadership presented the proposed FY26 budget and adoption timeline at today’s Board of Regional Commissioners meeting. Several departments, including the Cape Cod Commission, Registry of Deeds, Finance Department, and County Administration, outlined their budgets, with the Registry also providing a revenue update.
FY26 Budget Overview: Timeline and Key Goals
Barnstable County Administrator Michael Dutton outlined the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process, emphasizing a commitment to achieving a structurally balanced budget without relying on reserve funds. The budget timeline includes key dates: April 16 for County Commissioners to review proposed changes, April 17 through the end of April for assessing the written budget report, May 7 for the Assembly’s scheduled adoption, and finalization by June 1. Strategic goals focus on enhancing service efficiency and developing policies on reserve usage. Budget assumptions account for personnel costs, fixed expenses, and non-salary expenditures, while revenue highlights anticipate adjustments in state reimbursements and county tax. The proposed FY26 budget is approximately $25.7 million, reflecting a return to pre-FY23 levels after accounting for the absence of prior one-time funds.
County Administration Highlights Modest Budget Increase
Mr. Dutton also presented an overview of the Regional Commissioners’ departmental budget, which proposes a modest 3.9% increase, from $1.18 million in FY25 to $1.22 million in FY26.
“This year’s budget reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility by maintaining level services while addressing modest cost increases,” Mr. Dutton said. He highlighted minor increases in software maintenance, travel, and association dues, which were offset by reductions in other areas. Mr. Dutton also acknowledged the need for strategic spending to address personnel shortages across departments but emphasized maintaining current staffing levels within the Commissioners’ Office.
The Public Safety budget saw a significant 16% increase due to a $47,000 investment in PFAS-free protective gear for fire training personnel. Mr. Dutton noted plans to address such one-time expenditure through alternative funding sources in future budgets.
Finance Department FY26 Budget Presentation
Finance Director Carol Coppola provided an update on the Finance Department’s FY26 budget and initiatives, noting an 11% increase from the previous year. This rise reflects strategic adjustments and growing operational needs, including:
- Staffing Enhancements: The department plans to reestablish a Deputy Director role and elevate an existing position to Financial Analyst, enhancing data analysis capabilities and overall efficiency.
- Retiree Benefits: A 12% increase in health insurance costs, driven by anticipated retirements in FY25 and FY26.
- Liability Insurance: A 12% rise in property and liability insurance costs.
- HR Training and Advertising: Increased funding to address rising costs for countywide training and recruitment efforts.
- Technology Upgrades: The transition of financial software to a hosted environment, automation of AquaFund processes, and the implementation of a fixed asset management system to replace outdated Excel spreadsheets.
- Grant Management: Oversight of 74 active grants, supported by a new grant management software system initially funded by ARPA.
Ms. Coppola also highlighted operational improvements, including faster cash receipt processing and increased use of electronic payments to reduce fraud risks. She emphasized the importance of these investments in maintaining financial stability and preparing the department for future challenges.
Cape Cod Commission FY26 Budget Presentation
The Cape Cod Commission presented its FY26 operating budget, which allocates 82% to staffing, reflecting the organization’s mission-driven work. Budget increases account for step increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and higher insurance costs.
The FY26 budget includes funding for website updates and planimetric data enhancements, enabling communities to access up-to-date information for effective planning. No new positions were requested.
Registry of Deeds FY26 Budget Presentation and Revenue Update
In the Registry of Deeds presentation, Register Jack Meade emphasized their efforts to maintain a level-funded budget while accounting for specific increases. Their FY26 budget request included a 4% increase, attributed entirely to step increases, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and a 12% increase in health insurance costs. They highlighted that 94% of their budget is personnel-related, making it lean and efficient, and noted that their staffing levels are already as low as possible given the current volume of work, which is at a 40-year low.
Register Meade updated the Board on this year’s deeds excise revenue, noting that despite a 40-year low in real estate sales volumes, property values are at record highs. This has resulted in revenues 16.7% above last year, with potential to exceed projections by nearly $4 million.
Following a strong FY24 performance, wherein revenues surpassed the budget by $700,000-$800,000, the FY25 revenue estimate was increased by 10%. Register Meade expressed confidence in meeting FY26 projections, even with a potential 10% market correction, citing resilience in high-end real estate transactions despite higher interest rates. He underscored the importance of conservative forecasting, noting the Registry’s consistent success in meeting estimates over the past three years.
Access the Proposed FY26 Budget at: https://www.capecod.gov/FY26-Proposed-Budget
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.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sonja Sheasley. Communications Coordinator | (508) 375-6896 | sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov
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