Finance committee to refine FY2028 budget-guidelines resolution, vote set for Aug. 10

The Finance Committee of the Cape Cod Regional Government Assembly of Delegates agreed July 29 to revise a draft resolution that would recommend guidelines to the regional commissioners and the regional administrator for preparing the FY2028 operating and capital budgets under Home Rule Charter Sections 5-2 and 5-6.

Chair Roman said the draft had been circulated to the commissioners and county staff and asked committee members to submit edits that the committee would vote on at a special meeting set for Aug. 10 at 4:00 p.m. "We want to make sure that as a finance committee, we do everything we can for the long-term financial stability of the county," Roman said.

Delegate O'Malley and others praised the draft's tone and completeness; members flagged several topics to tighten or clarify, including grant tracking, a callout for a noncore program (Children's Cove), and regional environmental coordination. Clerk Fletcher noted that the draft's line numbers will shift as edits are made and offered to display the document for members.

Administrator Dutton said he had read the draft and supported the overall direction but had no precise date for completing two compensation studies the administration is conducting. "My hope and my expectation is we can get that wrapped up prior to our beginning really beginning the budget process," Dutton said, adding he did not anticipate a large salary increase but that any findings could be incorporated into the upcoming budget.

Committee members asked that specific language on PFAS advocacy and reserve-policy mechanics be drafted for the next meeting, with Delegate Killian and Deputy Speaker Frizzell volunteering to send proposed language to Clerk Fletcher before Aug. 10. The committee will consider the revised draft on Aug. 10 and may vote to recommend it to the full Assembly of Delegates ahead of the FY2028 budget process.