
County Commissioners Continue Review of FY26 Budgets

Finance Director Highlights Strong Financial Health in FY25 Q2 Results
JANUARY 22, 2025 (BARNSTABLE, MA) – The Barnstable County Commissioners convened today as part of the ongoing FY26 budget season to hear presentations from several departments outlining their priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and to provide updates. Additionally, Finance Director Carol Coppola provided an update on the County’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Quarter 2 financial results, showcasing strong fiscal health, effective resource management, and continued commitment to transparency.
Human Services: Essential Programs and Strategic Planning
Director Joe Pacheco and Deputy Director Mandi Speakman presented the FY26 Human Services budget, emphasizing the department’s commitment to sustaining essential programs that address critical challenges such as housing, mental health, and substance use while preparing for increased demand. The team highlighted the growth of the SHINE program – which provides free counseling to seniors on their health insurance options. The program now has 90 counselors and augments the progress in the Age and Dementia Friendly Cape Cod initiatives. County staff will be meeting with local officials next month to on plans to provide regional housing services that will help towns create more affordable housing.
Cooperative Extension: Advancing Coastal Resilience and Regional Collaboration
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Director Michael Maguire and Deputy Director Shannon Hulst presented their FY26 budget, reflecting level funding and reduced salary costs. Key initiatives include a $15,000 county contribution matched by $50,000 in state funding to update Cape Cod’s wildfire management plan. The Commissioners reviewed significant grant funding for the county’s coastal resilience, flood mitigation, and marine programs, including assistance to residents living in flood-prone areas. Staff are collaborating with scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and staff at the Cape Cod Commission staff on these initiatives.
AmeriCorps Cape Cod: Sustaining Service Amid Recruitment Challenges
The Commissioners met with Misty Niemeyer, the new Program Manager for AmeriCorps Cape Cod and reviewed her FY26 budget proposal, noting a modest 2% increase. Key adjustments include reducing housing units from four to three, reallocating funds for maintenance, including lead removal at the Wellfleet house, supported by a $50,000 grant. Recruitment remains a critical challenge, with membership goals reduced to 20 due to low stipends and housing constraints, which also affect diversity efforts. Plans to increase stipends and refine outreach strategies are underway, with a spring reassessment planned to sustain AmeriCorps’ contributions to Cape Cod’s community and workforce.
Dredge Department: Providing Safe Access to Cape Cod’s Ports and Mooring Areas
Director Ken Cirillo outlined a modest 3% increase in the FY26 Dredge Department budget. The Department works throughout the year to provide safe access for the Cape’s mariners. Recent projects included work in Cotuit, Parker’s River, and Bass River, though winter conditions and time-of-year restrictions posed challenges. The cost of dredging continues to rise and permit delays continue to complicate the scheduling process. The Commissioners emphasized the department’s importance to the Cape’s commercial fishing industry and the overall economic importance of our ports. Each dredging project includes a beach nourishment component that helps stabilize eroding coastal areas and provides public access, recreation and resilience benefits.
Facilities Department: Energy Efficiency and Restoration Plans
Director Don Reynolds presented a Facilities Department budget proposal focused on energy efficiency upgrades, modernization of building systems, and proactive maintenance. Key projects include the restoration of the historic Superior Courthouse exterior targeted to begin in the spring 2026. The Commissioners will keep local residents and community leaders informed and engaged during the entire restoration process.
Access the Proposed FY26 Budget to review comprehensive details about each department’s budget requests at: https://www.capecod.gov/FY26-Proposed-Budget
Finance Director Carol Coppola Presents FY25 Quarter 2 Financial Results
Finance Director Carol Coppola highlighted Barnstable County’s strong fiscal health and responsible resource management. As of December 31, 2024, the County managed just under $80 million across 21 reconciled bank accounts and 147 active funds.
Revenue streams such as the Registry of Deeds and Health and Environment lab exceeded expectations, supported by updated lab rates and ARPA-funded equipment. The Dredge Enterprise generated over $1 million in revenue, though permitting limitations may reduce overall projections. Expenditures across departments remained in line with expectations, reflecting prudent fiscal oversight and consistent trends compared to previous years.
The County’s self-imposed debt ceiling of 10% of the general fund budget remains well managed, with debt levels continuing to decrease. Improvements in audit findings underscore the County’s commitment to financial transparency, reducing findings from five in FY20-21 to just one in FY23. Ms. Coppola praised the collaborative efforts of the Finance Department, County Administrator, and Commissioners in fostering proactive financial management and robust internal controls.
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.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sonja Sheasley. Communications Coordinator | (508) 375-6896 | sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov