image of barnstable county courthouse

County Commissioners Greenlight FY26 Department Budgets

Assembly Discusses Plans for Charter Review with Community Input

JANUARY 15, 2025 (BARNSTABLE, MA) – Today, the Barnstable County Commissioners heard Fiscal Year 2026 budget requests from three departments and the Assembly of Delegates as part of their ongoing weekly meetings during budget season. These meetings include detailed presentations from departments to ensure comprehensive fiscal planning.

Children’s Cove Budget Presentation

Stacy Gallagher, Director of Children’s Cove, the region’s only nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center and a department of Barnstable County, presented a level-services budget aimed at maintaining critical support for child victims of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. The budget addresses rising operational costs, including a 12% projected increase in health insurance, a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and other necessary expenses.

The department did not request new staff positions but highlighted significant ongoing initiatives, such as successful re-accreditation, the establishment of on-site mental health services, and professional training programs that have reached over 3,500 multidisciplinary professionals.  Salaries and fringe benefits, totaling $689,000, are largely covered by grants, ensuring continued support for the department’s essential operations.

Department of Health and Environment Budget Presentation

Erika Woods, Interim Director of Health and Environment, presented the department’s request for a 6% overall funding increase for FY25. This increase primarily supports level services, focusing on salary and fringe benefits. A significant portion of the request is dedicated to expanding the Water Quality Laboratory team to address growing demands for PFAS testing and beach water re-sampling.  

The proposed budget includes funding for 2.5 new positions: a Chemist II, a Laboratory Assistant Director, and a part-time Bacteriologist. These additions are critical as the lab continues to handle increasing testing requests, particularly for PFAS testing. Ms. Woods noted that the Water Quality Laboratory’s workload has grown by 10% between FY22 and FY24, with even higher demand during the summer months. To ensure effective management of over 10 staff, the lab requires an Assistant Director to support the current Director. During the presentation, Ms. Woods highlighted several departmental achievements, including administering over 10,000 vaccines through public health clinics and playing a pivotal role in wastewater management and emergency preparedness.

Information Technology Budget Presentation

Bill Traverse, Director of Information Technology, presented the department’s proposal for an 18% budget increase for FY25 to address the County’s expanding digital needs. Personnel costs account for 36% of the proposed increase, while the remaining 64% is allocated to several strategic initiatives. These initiatives include enhancing regional IT services through a managed service pilot program and strengthening cybersecurity with advanced AI tools for risk monitoring and data governance.  Mr. Traverse highlighted several key accomplishments, including securing over $500,000 in regional IT contracts, resolving more than 3,000 support requests, and achieving a 4th-place national ranking in the 2024 Digital Counties Survey. 

Assembly of Delegate Budget Presentation

Speaker Randi Potash and Assembly Clerk Owen Fletcher presented the Assembly of Delegates’ budget request, which aims to improve operational efficiency and support legislative responsibilities. A notable adjustment in the budget was the modification of a previously requested assistant clerk position, changing it from full-time to part-time, as the position had not yet been filled.

The Assembly also proposed providing county-issued laptops to delegates to enhance cybersecurity, reduce printing costs, and improve workflow. Additionally, the budget includes a moderate increase in funding for legal resources to support the upcoming Charter Review and the potential hiring of independent Assembly Counsel.

Access the Proposed FY26 Budget to review comprehensive details about each department’s budget requests at: https://www.capecod.gov/FY26-Proposed-Budget

Assembly Prepares for Upcoming Charter Review with Focus on Community Input and Committee Formation

Assembly Speaker Potash also discussed the upcoming Charter Review process, emphasizing that it will be open to community input, allowing anyone to submit comments. She explained the structure of the Charter Review Committee, as outlined in the current Charter, which will include seven members appointed by the Speaker. The committee will consist of at least one member of the Assembly, the Chair of the Board of Regional Commissioners or their designee, at least one municipal official, and representation from each region of Cape Cod. Potash stressed the importance of making decisions promptly, as the Charter Review process is set to begin in February. Chair Sheila Lyons requested additional time to decide who will represent the County Commissioners on the committee and assured the Assembly that the decision would be finalized and communicated by next week’s Commissioners’ meeting.

Commissioners Approve Dredging Agreement for Bass River

In addition to budget approvals, the Commissioners authorized an agreement with the Town of Yarmouth to dredge the Bass River Entrance and Embayment Channel. This project will involve the removal of 4,500 cubic yards of material at a cost of $28 per cubic yard, for a total of $126,000.

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

###

The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.