Barnstable County Commissioners Oppose Registry Oversight Bill, Receive FY25 Annual Report, and Learn about Public Health Risks of Lone Star Tick
December 17, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) —At their regular meeting today, the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners authorized a draft letter opposing a state bill affecting county registries of deeds, received the FY25 Barnstable County Annual Report, and received an in-depth public health briefing on the growing presence of the Lone Star tick and the associated risk of Alpha-Gal Syndrome.
Legislative Advocacy: Opposition to House Bill 3971
The Commissioners authorized a draft letter opposing Massachusetts House Bill 3971, a bill that would establish a study committee to evaluate transferring county-operated registries of deeds to the oversight of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Currently, registries of deeds in counties that still operate county government—such as Barnstable County—are managed locally. These offices are responsible for recording and maintaining property deeds, mortgages, and land records that are critical to homeowners, municipalities, attorneys, and businesses.
Commissioners expressed concern that House Bill 3971 could lead to state-level control of locally operated registries, potentially disrupting long-standing systems that have functioned effectively for centuries. Barnstable County’s Registry of Deeds has operated continuously under county government since the late 1600s.
In discussing the bill, Commissioners referenced past experience with the transfer of other county functions, noting that similar changes have previously resulted in unanticipated administrative and employee impacts. The Board emphasized the importance of maintaining local knowledge, continuity of service, and stability for registry employees and the public.
Proposed Transfer of Unreserved Funds to the Capital Stabilization Fund
Finance Director Carol Coppola presented, and the Commissioners approved, a proposed ordinance that would appropriate a further $4,563,215 from the County’s Unreserved Fund Balance to the Capital Stabilization Fund. This proposed action represents a critical step in strengthening Barnstable County’s long-term financial stability and capacity for future capital investment.
Barnstable County’s Capital Stabilization Fund was established to serve as a dedicated reserve for major capital purchases, equipment replacement, infrastructure reinvestment, and unanticipated capital needs. As the County continues to advance regional initiatives, environmental resilience, major facilities work, IT modernization, and fleet and equipment plans, maintaining a reliable source of capital funding has become increasingly essential.
FY25 Annual Report Now Available to the Public on capecod.gov
Communications Manager Sonja Sheasley presented the FY25 Barnstable County Annual Report, which documents the County’s work across departments during the fiscal year, including service delivery, leadership transitions, and improvements in communications and public accessibility.
The FY25 Annual Report is available online at www.capecod.gov/FY25_annual_report.
Public Health Update: Lone Star Tick and Alpha-Gal Syndrome
The Commissioners received a comprehensive presentation from Lea Hamner, MPH, contract Epidemiologist with the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, and Escher Cattle, Barnstable County Entomologist at the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, on the Lone Star tick and Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS)—an emerging and growing public health concern on Cape Cod.
Escher Cattle explained that the Lone Star tick—native to the southeastern United States—has been present in Barnstable County since at least 2011, drawing on earlier reporting by Larry Dapsis, former Barnstable County Entomologist, during his tenure with the County. Presenters noted that the species has steadily expanded its range across Cape Cod and is known for its aggressive host-seeking behavior, which increases the likelihood of bites to both people and animals. Educational background on the Lone Star tick and other tick species, including the Tickology video series created by Dapsis, is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/JJemjZkOjJI
The presentation focused on alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially serious allergic condition—not an infection—that can be triggered by a Lone Star tick bite. Lea Hamner explained that alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is often referred to as the “Midnight Allergy” because symptoms can appear two to eight hours after consuming mammalian meat or products—often waking individuals from sleep—making the term a helpful way to recognize and identify this often-misunderstood condition. AGS reactions may occur after eating beef, pork, lamb, or other mammal-derived ingredients, with symptoms ranging from hives and gastrointestinal distress to swelling, breathing difficulty, and, in severe cases, cardiac symptoms.
Because of the delayed onset of symptoms and the presence of mammal-derived ingredients in many foods and medications, Alpha-Gal Syndrome can be difficult to recognize and diagnose. Presenters emphasized that there is no proven treatment or cure, making prevention and awareness critical.
The discussion focused on practical prevention strategies, including the use of tick repellents, wearing protective clothing, treating clothing with permethrin, performing regular tick checks, and promptly removing ticks after outdoor activity. The presentation also highlighted the County’s ongoing outreach efforts, including public education campaigns, healthcare provider engagement, and partnerships with academic and regional public health organizations.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about tick prevention and alpha-gal syndrome at www.capecod.gov/tickprevention.
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.
