Assembly hears update on live‑fire training 'burn building'; county funding will finish construction and the facility will be turned over to Yarmouth

Members of the Assembly heard an update on the regional live‑fire training facility (the 'burn building') and clarified ownership and funding. Administrator Michael Dutton described the project's history and funding needs, saying the county's budget transfers plus a $100,000 earmark that must be spent by June 30 will complete construction.

"That building itself will be turned over to Yarmouth according to an intermunicipal agreement that was agreed to many years ago," Dutton said, explaining the county will not retain ownership and that the town of Yarmouth and the Cape Cod Fire Chiefs Association will operate and schedule the facility.

Dean Oman outlined the financing background: the project began with a FEMA grant led by Provincetown as the applicant, and subsequent earmarks from the state helped cover costs as building expenses rose. Oman said completing the facility now avoids additional escalation in costs that would occur if construction were stretched into another fiscal year.

Delegates asked for clarification about ownership and whether county funds were appropriate for a building the county will not own; Dutton and Oman reiterated that the county's role was to help fund and finish the regional facility and that long‑term ownership and operation rest with Yarmouth and the fire chiefs. The assembly was informed a public hearing on related ordinance language will occur on May 6 when a formally introduced ordinance regarding the Yarmouth building will be considered.