Proposed Barnstable Operating Budget for FY 2018 over $191 Million

Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells

BARNSTABLE – The Barnstable Town Council recently read its first proposal of the Fiscal Year 2018 Operating Budget which totals $191.1 million.

The council recently approved a $17.8 million capital program budget. If approved, the town’s combined operating and capital budgets would total $206 million.

Town Manager Mark Ells said the town’s history of balanced, fiscally responsible budgets is reflected in the current proposal.

“Investment in technology, clean drinking water, and continuing to improve our educational program are all priorities and are the fundamental building blocks,” Ells said.

Barnstable’s General Fund, comprising 84 percent of annual spending, is set to increase by 4.3 percent to $160 million.

The municipal operations section willincrease by 3.1 percent to $39 million under the current plan. Ells said highlights include propagating capital for the Conservation Department to continue water quality assessments, adding staff to natural resources and shellfish staff, increased snow removal response, expanding the Barnstable Police Department’s community service officer program, and more.

Finance director Mark Milne said the town maintained a balanced budget over the past few years and will continue to do so moving forward.