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Select Board approves $63,875 in CEDC special event grants; CEDC proposes $520,936 FY26 tourism allocations
Summary
The Select Board unanimously approved Community and Economic Development Committee (CEDC) recommendations for $63,875 in special event awards for 2025. CEDC also presented a proposed FY2026 tourism revenue allocation of $520,936 across marketing, events, public improvements and economic development.
The Yarmouth Select Board voted unanimously Dec. 17 to approve the Community and Economic Development Committee’s (CEDC) recommended 2025 special event awards totaling $63,875.
Courtney Butler, chair of the CEDC, detailed the five awards: Cape Community Orchestra ($4,700) to support a new event space and marketing; the Armitage Seaside Festival ($35,000) for performers and entertainment; YD Red Sox marketing tied to the 2025 Cape Cod Baseball League All‑Star Game; Taylor Bridal Farm marketing; and a $9,175 grant to the Yarmouth Town Libraries for the "Level Up" summer reading/Renaissance fair program.
"We have allocated 63,875 and that is this first slide here," Butler said in the presentation. After questions, the Select Board approved the grant package by voice vote.
Butler also presented proposed FY2026 allocations from the Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund totaling $520,936—about 5% below FY25 receipts—divided into marketing (proposed $200,000), special events ($135,000), public improvements ($135,936, exceeding the statutory minimum of 20%), and economic development projects (remaining bucket). She noted the rooms‑tax calculation and the impact of short‑term‑rental tax changes on the formula.
Board members asked for examples of public‑improvement projects the funds support; staff cited past projects including Parkers River Bridge lighting, Sandy Pond playground improvements, invasive species management, roadway banners, and pavilion seed funding at Packet Landing. Members emphasized ongoing communication between CEDC and the board as allocations are refined ahead of the annual town meeting warrant.
The board approved the grant awards at the meeting; the FY2026 allocations are a committee recommendation that will move forward as part of the town’s upcoming budget and warrant process.
