Select Board approves fee increases, YMCA groundwater-rights assignment, property purchase and wage adjustments

The Falmouth Select Board on Nov. 4 approved a package of actions that the town manager said were needed to respond to higher costs, protect drinking water and keep municipal wages competitive.

Marine and environmental services fees: Town staff presented a public hearing on proposed 2025 fee changes, noting Barnstable County dredging costs rose from $12 to $26.50 per cubic yard and that pre- and post-dredge surveys add costs. The department’s recommendation would raise average monthly mooring permits by about $15 per year and seasonal mooring fees by roughly $60 per year. After a brief public record showing long wait lists for slips, the board closed the hearing and voted to adopt the revised MES waterways fees as presented.

Groundwater discharge assignment for the YMCA: The board approved an assignment of groundwater discharge rights to support the proposed YMCA project at a parcel identified as 0 Brick Hill Road. Town staff and YMCA representatives explained the YMCA does not currently own the parcel; the purchase is under agreement and contingent on permits. The signed agreement will be held in escrow until required permits are secured and the sale closes. The board’s approval was unanimous.

599 Brick Hill Road purchase-and-sale agreement: The town manager described a proposed purchase from the Jeanette Ann Robichaux revocable trust for a roughly 1.9-acre parcel appraised at about $262,000 that lies within the Zone B surface-water protection area for Long Pond. The 300 Committee recommended the purchase citing water-supply protection benefits; the town intends to seek Community Preservation Act and state drinking-water grant funding and will present the acquisition for Town Meeting approval. The Select Board voted to approve the purchase-and-sale agreement as presented.

Nonunion wage adjustments: The board adopted recommended wage-rate changes for three nonunion groups for the coming budget cycle. Technical, Administrative and Management (TAM) positions (about 55 roles) were recommended for a 2% COLA plus 1.5% market adjustment (3.5% combined; fiscal impact estimated around $225,000). The nonaligned group was recommended a combined 3.5% increase (estimated $10,000 fiscal impact). Seasonal positions (about 150 workers) were recommended a 2% combined increase and continuation of retention bonuses ($400 for beach staff, $200 for parking attendants); fiscal impact estimated about $40,000. The Select Board voted to adopt these adjustments.

Other procedural votes: The board approved a change of manager for the Falmouth Yacht Club license and unanimously authorized a letter of support to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation for phase 2 Bourne Bridge funding. Several consent-agenda license items and donations (including grants toward a police drone and a medical cart for Fire Rescue) were accepted.

Outcomes and next steps: Several approvals are contingent on subsequent steps: the YMCA assignment will remain in escrow until permits and sale are complete; the purchase of 599 Brick Hill Road is contingent on Town Meeting and grant funding; wage adjustments will be implemented per the town manager’s timetable and payroll processes.