Assembly of Delegates Discusses Possible Structural Changes to County Government
July 17, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) — At its July 16, 2025 meeting, the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates held a robust discussion on preliminary recommendations from the Barnstable County Charter Review Committee regarding potential structural changes to Cape Cod’s regional government.
The Committee, which is conducting its mandated five-year review of the Barnstable County Home Rule Charter, recently voted to explore the development of a draft ordinance that could alter the composition, mode of election, and term lengths for the Assembly and the Board of Regional Commissioners. If supported by both bodies and approved by the Massachusetts Legislature, such changes would be placed on a future ballot for voter consideration.
Wednesday’s meeting was not a vote on any ordinance, but a discussion on whether the Assembly supports the Charter Review Committee dedicating further time and resources to developing such a proposal.
Several Delegates voiced concern about the pace and scope of the conversation, noting that no specific structural model has been proposed and emphasizing the importance of preserving town-level representation. Others emphasized the importance of evaluating whether structural changes to County government could improve efficiency and enhance service to the region.
Mashpee Delegate Michaela Wyman-Colombo, Vice Chair of the Charter Review Committee, emphasized that the current effort is exploratory and that no final structure has been endorsed. “We are not asking the Assembly to adopt any changes—only to consider allowing us to continue the process,” she said.
Brewster Delegate Karl Fryzel encouraged his colleagues to “think big” while maintaining full control of the process. “Any proposed changes must go through the Assembly, the Commissioners, Beacon Hill, and ultimately the voters,” he noted.
The Charter Review Committee will continue its work, considering the feedback received at the July 16 meeting and providing updates to the Assembly in the coming months.
To learn more about the 2025 Charter Review process, visit www.capecod.gov/county-government/charter-review/2025-charter-review
ABOUT THE ASSEMBLY OF DELEGATES: The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates is the legislative branch of Cape Cod Regional Government. Fifteen Delegates, one elected by each town, enact ordinances and appropriate the County’s annual operating and capital budgets.
