Barnstable County commissioners voted Sept. 26 to authorize the county administrator to draft a letter to the county's state legislative delegation urging support for a state-level disaster readiness fund and increased attention to federal public-assistance reimbursements.

The motion, discussed during an update from Chip Riley, emergency preparedness director in the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, follows ongoing uncertainty at the federal level about FEMA reimbursements for large-impact events. Riley briefed the board on continuing conversations with state and regional emergency managers and said officials still lack clarity about the conditions and timing for federal funding: “there's still high level uncertainty on what would happen if there was a large impact event here throughout the region and federal reimbursement was needed,” he said.

The commissioners cited concern that gaps in federal public-assistance would leave towns to bear large recovery costs for debris removal and repairs. Commissioner Mark (Commissioner) described the potential impact: “When there's a storm, when there's an event, the biggest expense for our communities is ... debris removal, repair of public facilities and so forth.” He moved the authorization; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: Barnstable County's towns have relied on FEMA public assistance in past storms, and commissioners said gaps or delays in federal funding could create serious fiscal pressure for municipalities. The board directed the county administrator to work with town administrators on a letter asking the delegation and state officials to elevate readiness funding and to clarify how the state's Major Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund would operate.

Supporting details: Riley emphasized the county is monitoring several storms but that meteorologists currently give a low probability those systems will reach Cape Cod. He and other county staff said the state has established a Major Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund but that its structure and available amounts remain unclear. Commissioners also discussed local preparedness outreach and efforts to improve municipal documentation so towns can seek reimbursement more quickly if federal assistance becomes available.

Next steps: The county administrator will prepare a draft letter for the board’s review and signature, per the approved motion. Commissioners and staff said they will continue coordination with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and municipal emergency managers.

Sources: Presentation and discussion with Chip Riley, Emergency Preparedness Director, Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment; remarks from commissioners during the Sept. 26, 2025 meeting of the Barnstable County Commissioners.