County Commissioners Take Action on Preparedness and Seashore ADUs, Announce Fire Prevention Funding and Program Updates
September 26, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – At their meeting on Friday, September 26, the Barnstable County Commissioners received updates on storm preparedness, voted to affirm the County’s position on accessory dwelling units in the Cape Cod National Seashore, and heard reports on facilities planning, public health programs, and fire prevention.
Emergency Management and Readiness Funding
Chip Reilly, Emergency Preparedness Specialist with the County’s Department of Health and Environment, briefed the Commissioners on federal disaster recovery challenges and the importance of readiness planning at the state and local level.
Reilly noted that while federal FEMA assistance has historically helped Cape communities recover from storms, recent delays and reduced availability of funds could leave municipalities struggling to cover upfront costs for debris removal, facility repairs, and other emergency expenses.
Commissioners emphasized the need for proactive planning and voted unanimously to authorize the County Administrator to draft a letter to Cape Cod’s state delegation urging creation of a disaster readiness fund at the state level. The fund would serve as a financial backstop for communities hit hard by natural disasters, ensuring quicker recovery while federal resources remain uncertain.
“The fact that the federal government is not putting out public assistance monies to some of these areas that have already been impacted should be a real cause for concern here among municipalities on Cape Cod,” said Commissioner Mark Forest. “It would be incumbent upon us to weigh in on behalf of our communities.”
Commissioners Affirm Position on Accessory Dwelling Units in the Cape Cod National Seashore
The Commissioners also voted unanimously to affirm support for the National Park Service’s position that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) should not be permitted within the Cape Cod National Seashore by right.
The discussion arose in response to the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, which grants statewide by-right authority for ADUs but did not explicitly exempt properties within the Seashore. Commissioners emphasized that homes located inside the Seashore operate under longstanding federal agreements that establish different property rights and require a special permitting process for changes or expansions.
Members expressed concern that by-right ADUs—which constitute entirely new dwellings rather than small additions—could harm fragile environments, create confusion for homeowners about compliance with federal law, and in some cases jeopardize property rights. They noted that homeowners who build noncompliant units could risk losing their certificate of suspension of condemnation, which protects against federal eminent domain.
The Commissioners underscored their commitment to stewardship of the Cape Cod National Seashore and to supporting the National Park Service’s interpretation of federal law. Commission Chair Sheila Lyons, who serves as the County’s representative to the National Seashore Advisory, will report this position back to the Seashore.
County Space Needs and Superior Courthouse Project
Assets and Infrastructure Manager Paul Ruszala reported on the County’s facilities master plan, highlighting the planned $5.2 million restoration of the Barnstable Superior Courthouse, slated to begin in summer 2026. Because construction will temporarily displace staff, relocation planning is underway in coordination with the Massachusetts Trial Court.
Ruszala also noted that the County faces more than $70 million in deferred maintenance across its facilities, from Children’s Cove and the Dredge program to AmeriCorps and Cooperative Extension. He said an implementation plan now in development will balance immediate needs with long-term capital planning. Commissioners are expected to review the final Facilities Conditions Assessment and Master Plan by the end of September.
Department of Health and Environment Update
Director Jay Gardner, now six months into his role, presented a comprehensive overview of the Department of Health and Environment’s work. He emphasized that health remains the foundation for addressing regional challenges in housing and water and announced plans to work with County Administrator Michael Dutton on a summit to highlight local solutions.
Division leaders reported progress across emergency preparedness, public health nursing, laboratory services, training, and wastewater. The Emergency Preparedness Division continues to oversee hazardous materials through the Regional Emergency Planning Committee and is restructuring the Medical Reserve Corps to expand screenings for residents with limited access to care. Public Health Nursing has scheduled a countywide flu and COVID-19 clinic on October 27, alongside 35 local clinics this fall, and is partnering with community organizations to offer free mpox and hepatitis A vaccinations as well as new A1C diabetes testing programs.
The Shared Services and Training program, funded by a $1 million state grant, is reducing duplication by coordinating mobile food inspections and creating on-Cape workforce development opportunities, including a Title V soil evaluator course. The Water Quality Laboratory, which processed more than 10,000 samples this summer, has expanded its staff and equipment, with automation and new testing capacity expected to accelerate beach reopening decisions.
In wastewater, the County reported strong demand for Aqua Fund septic loans, with $7.5 million lent to date from its $13 million Clean Water Trust borrowing. Commissioners also noted the importance of continuing to align financing programs with innovative septic technologies as part of future discussions.
Federal HUD HOME Grant for Affordable Housing
Barnstable County announced a $408,651 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Administered by the County’s Department of Human Services through the Barnstable County HOME Consortium, the funds will support affordable housing creation and preservation across the region through September 2034.
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.
