Commissioners Support an Elected Charter Review Study Commission, Approve Clean Water Center Name Ahead of Major Expansion
BARNSTABLE, MA (August 27, 2025) — The Barnstable County Commissioners voted today to place a 15-member elected Charter Study Commission on the November 2026 ballot. They also approved renaming the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) as the Barnstable County Clean Water Center, ahead of its September 26 unveiling, received an update on immigrant-related concerns from the Human Rights Advisory Commission, and reviewed final Fiscal Year 2025 financial results.
Commissioners Support Resolution for Elected Charter Study Commission
The Commissioners voted to approve Resolution 25-XX, supporting the creation of an elected Charter Study Commission under Chapter 801 of the Acts of 1985. The Barnstable County Home Rule Charter, first adopted in 1988, establishes the governmental structure of the County. While a charter review is currently under way by an Assembly of Delegates committee, the Commissioners felt that the time was right to turn the charter review over to the citizens of Cape Cod.
Once finalized, a question will appear on the November 2026 state ballot asking voters whether to form a 15-member elected commission, with one representative from each town. If approved, voters will simultaneously elect the commissioners, who will then have 18 months to conduct hearings, gather community input, and develop recommendations. Any proposed revisions would return to the voters for consideration in November 2028. Commissioners emphasized the importance of early public engagement beginning in 2025, including focus groups and educational outreach with independent partners such as the League of Women Voters. “This is a big endeavor, but it’s worth our while to bring people into the conversation early so they understand what’s at stake and how they can participate,” said Chair Sheila Lyons. View Resolution 25-XX.
MASSTC Renamed as Barnstable County Clean Water Center
Commissioners voted to rename the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) as the Barnstable County Clean Water Center. Operated by the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, the facility serves as a nationally recognized site for the evaluation of innovative wastewater treatment technologies. MASSTC diverts untreated wastewater from Joint Base Cape Cod to simulate real-world residential use, enabling companies, researchers, and public agencies to develop and evaluate advanced treatment systems—particularly those focused on nitrogen reduction. This work is essential to protecting Cape Cod’s environment and drinking water, as all 15 towns depend entirely on a single-source aquifer.
The presentation was delivered by Jay Gardiner, Director of Health and Environment, and Brian Baumgaertel, Director of MASSTC and Senior Environmental Specialist, who highlighted the importance of rebranding the site to better communicate its mission and impact. “This rebranding helps people instantly understand both the technology and the impact,” said Baumgaertel. “It also makes clear that the Clean Water Center is a division of Barnstable County, delivering solutions that matter locally and globally.”
The name change comes in advance of a major milestone for the site. In September, the County will unveil a newly expanded facility. Envisioned as a regional center for wastewater innovation, education, and workforce development, the Barnstable County Clean Water Center reflects a growing role in addressing water quality challenges on Cape Cod. The expansion was made possible through partnerships with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Innovation Institute, the Gates Foundation, and federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. This event will mark a new chapter in advancing clean water solutions with both local and global relevance.
Human Rights Commission Reports Increase in Immigration-Related Concerns
Leslie Dominguez-Santos, Human Rights Coordinator for Barnstable County, presented on the growing number of inquiries related to immigration and national origin received by the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission (BCHRAC). As of July 1, 2025, 24% of the Commission’s intakes involve immigrants, up from approximately 10% in the past two years. Many of these cases involve public harassment related to perceived national origin. Most are reported through service providers, who remain a trusted link to individuals who may be reluctant to come forward directly. Common themes include fear surrounding immigration enforcement activity, reports of aggressive enforcement tactics, family separation, and stress caused by shifts in Temporary Protected Status. Service providers report being overwhelmed with legal needs and financial assistance requests and have noted increased interest in family preparedness planning.
“We continue to hear from families who are anxious about enforcement activity and changes in immigration status. These fears affect daily life — from parents worried about going to work to students uncertain about attending school,” said Dominguez-Santos
In response, BCHRAC continues to support outreach and information sharing, including the distribution of “Know Your Rights” red cards, multilingual resource lists, and legal clinics in partnership with community organizations and schools. Dominguez-Santos also described a recent meeting that brought together police chiefs, the Sheriff’s Office, and community members to discuss immigrant safety and law enforcement coordination. Topics included local law enforcement’s need to be informed regarding immigration enforcement actions, the need for accurate joint messaging, and the potential for warm handoffs between local police, schools, and service providers.
County Ends FY2025 in Stable Financial Position
Finance Director Carol Coppola reported that Barnstable County ended Fiscal Year 2025 in a strong and stable financial position. The County closed its books on August 15 and auditors began work the following week, finalizing results that included nearly $84 million in cash across 115 funds, all reconciled. Coppola noted that fund consolidation in recent years has made finances far more manageable and highlighted key revenue drivers, including a $3.9 million surplus from the Registry of Deeds and higher-than-expected receipts from the County lab due to new testing rates. The Dredge Enterprise Fund also posted positive results, with $2.3 million in revenue against $1.9 million in expenditure and nearly $400,000 added to retained earnings, marking a strong turnaround from prior deficits. Departments across the County closed the year without deficits and returned $2.2 million in budget turn backs, reflecting fiscal discipline and careful management. “We closed Fiscal Year 2025 with nearly $84 million in cash across 115 funds, all reconciled, and every department ended the year without a deficit,” Coppola said.
Commissioners commended Coppola and County staff for their work in maintaining sound fiscal practices. Commissioner Mark Forest emphasized the collaborative effort, noting, “This is clearly teamwork. Our departments have shown tremendous discipline and been incredibly helpful in making sure we can make ends meet.”
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 Manager, (508) 375-6896
[email protected]
