Published on: October 23, 2024
Prioritizes Investments in the protection of our ponds
Barnstable, MA (October 23, 2024) – Barnstable County has released its financial performance for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), highlighting continued fiscal stability and sound management. As of September 30, 2024, the County’s Finance Department manages nearly $80 million in public funds across 146 different funds, including federal, state, and local grants totaling $56.5 million.
Total budgeted revenue for FY25 is $24.3 million, with actual revenue reported at $7.8 million, reflecting a solid start to the fiscal year. Expenditures remain on track, with $8.6 million spent out of the $24.3 million budget. The County’s General Fund continues to show reliable performance, with revenue from key departments such as the Registry of Deeds generating $4.5 million. Additionally, the Cape Cod Commission, responsible for regional planning, has spent $1.8 million, and the Dredge Enterprise Fund, which supports waterway maintenance, has efficiently managed $650,000 in expenditures. With careful budget oversight, Barnstable County continues to sustain operations and services while maintaining financial health.
In addition to these results, Barnstable County recently earned two significant recognitions that further demonstrate its strong financial standing. This week, the County received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its FY2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. In September 2024, S&P Global Ratings upgraded the County’s general obligation bond rating to AA+, reflecting improved financial management, well-embedded financial policies, and a low debt burden.
“Our financial results for FY25, along with the recent GFOA recognition and bond rating upgrade, demonstrate our commitment to responsible fiscal management and transparency. We will continue to ensure the County’s long-term financial health while providing essential services to our community,” said Carol Coppola, Barnstable County Finance Director.
Cape Cod Commission Present Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative Update
Erin Perry and Jessica Rempel from the Cape Cod Commission presented an update on the Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative, which aims to protect and improve the health of the region’s ponds, vital ecosystems that support biodiversity and recreational activities. With over 500 visits to 50 ponds and 74,000 data points collected through the Regional Pond Monitoring Program, the initiative is bolstered by collaboration with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) for ongoing monitoring efforts. This project includes a cutting-edge Remote Sensing Project that utilizes satellite technology to gather ongoing data on water quality and environmental changes, funded through grants.
Current tools, like the Cape Cod Pond and Lake Atlas, offer detailed profiles and a viewer for pond restoration projects, facilitating community engagement in local conservation efforts. Future developments, including a comprehensive Strategies Database and Pond Water Quality Data Portal, will significantly enhance access to critical information and support ecological restoration initiatives. The initiative also promotes Freshwater Pond Buffer Guidance, providing homeowners and municipalities with tailored planting plans and native plant lists to encourage biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health. More information is available at: www.capecodcommission.org/freshwater
Barnstable County Commissioners Approve Acquisition of Advanced FlowCam Technology for Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring
The Barnstable County Commissioners approved the purchase of advanced FlowCam technology for the Water Quality Laboratory, totaling $142,655. This state-of-the-art equipment will significantly enhance the County’s ability to monitor cyanobacteria in freshwater ponds, allowing for more precise analysis and better protection of vital water resources. Water Quality Lab Director Dan White explained that, once calibrated, the FlowCam can deliver cell counts in just five minutes, a substantial improvement over traditional methods that take hours. This acquisition will greatly improve the efficiency of pond monitoring and strengthen the County’s cyanotoxin monitoring program, further safeguarding public health.
Commissioners Approve $68,796 Grant for SNEP Climate Resilience and Regional Collaboration Project
County Commissioners approved a $68,796 subaward grant agreement between the University of Southern Maine and Barnstable County, through the Cape Cod Commission, for the SNEP project. This five-year grant supports the “Building Local Capacity” project to advance climate resilience through training, technical assistance, and regional collaboration. Tim Pasakarnis from the Cape Cod Commission noted the funding is part of the EPA’s SNEP Technical Assistance Network, aiding communities in Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This includes regional capital planning and ongoing stormwater mapping efforts. A recent webinar on stormwater mapping will soon be available on the Cape Cod Commission’s website.
Adoption of Age and Dementia-Friendly Cape Cod Resolution Proposed by Department of Human Services
The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners signed the Age- and Dementia-Friendly Cape Cod resolution, strengthening the County’s commitment to healthy aging and inclusive communities. This resolution, proposed by the Human Services Department, supports the County’s application to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, providing access to resources to improve services for older adults and those with dementia. With 55% of the population aged 50 and older, the County is taking steps to meet the needs of its aging residents. More information is Age-and Dementia-Friendly Cape Cod Resolution – Barnstable County
At the close of today’s meeting, on behalf of the Board, Vice Chair Sheila Lyons expressed her well wishes for Katherine Garofoli following her departure as the former Program Director of AmeriCorps Cape Cod, thanking her for her valuable contributions to the program’s success.
Commissioner Lyons acknowledged the recent passing of former County Administrator Mark Zielinski, who served Barnstable County from 1994 until his retirement in 2015. She expressed her condolences to his family, noting that his legacy and impact on the community will be fondly remembered.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County, established in 1685, serves as a regional government for the 15 towns of Cape Cod. It offers solutions to regional challenges, provides essential services, and promotes the health, safety, economic vitality, and environmental protection of its residents, enhancing the quality of life across the Cape. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Coordinator [email protected] | 508-375-6896
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