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County Newsletter from the Commissioners’ Office
Edition 38
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Barnstable County Marks 341 Years of
Service to Cape Cod
June 2 marked the 341st anniversary of Barnstable County, established by Plymouth Colony in 1685 alongside Bristol and Plymouth Counties. What began as a way to bring government closer to residents has evolved into a regional government serving all 15 Cape Cod communities through programs and services that support public health, emergency preparedness, environmental protection, human services, and regional planning.
Today, Barnstable County continues to help towns work together on shared challenges while providing programs and services that strengthen communities across Cape Cod.
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Commissioners Continue Community Meeting Series in Yarmouth
The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners continued its "meetings in the community" initiative on May 27 at Yarmouth Town Hall, bringing together local leaders, regional partners, and County staff to discuss some of Cape Cod's most significant regional priorities. Discussions focused on wastewater infrastructure, water quality protection, healthy aging, Medicare counseling services, open space planning, coastal resiliency, cybersecurity, tourism, and state aid funding.
Highlights included updates on Yarmouth's $207 million wastewater project, Healthy Aging Cape Cod's efforts to address the needs of a growing older adult population, strategies to support businesses affected by major construction projects, and innovative approaches to marsh restoration and coastal resilience. Commissioners also discussed concerns about disparities between state lottery revenues generated on Cape Cod and the amount of unrestricted local aid returned to Cape communities.
The meeting underscored the importance of regional collaboration as Cape Cod communities continue addressing environmental, infrastructure, housing, economic, and demographic challenges that cross municipal boundaries.
Next meeting in the community: The Commissioners will hold their next community meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Bourne. Residents may attend in person or watch live on the Barnstable County YouTube Channel. Agendas and participation information will be available at capecod.gov/commissioners at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
| | Watch the 5/27 meeting replay. ⬇️ | |
Hurricane Season Begins:
Preparedness Starts Before the Storm
Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, and Barnstable County is encouraging residents, businesses, and visitors to take preparedness steps before severe weather threatens the region. Much of the County's emergency preparedness work occurs through the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC), which brings together representatives from all 15 Cape Cod towns, healthcare organizations, nonprofit partners, and public safety agencies to strengthen regional planning, coordination, and resilience.
Barnstable County officials encourage residents to review emergency plans, build emergency supply kits, understand evacuation zones, and sign up for local emergency alerts before a storm is approaching.
Residents can also take advantage of valuable preparedness resources available through Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant. The Massachusetts Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Coastal Hazards offers practical guidance on protecting homes from flooding, erosion, storm damage, and sea level rise. Additional resources are available on flood insurance, food safety during power outages, household hazardous waste management, and family emergency planning.
| | | | Janet Kleuver’s Association Beach she wants to protect on Ashumet Pond. | |
System Shift Series Explores New Approaches to Wastewater Stewardship
A new story series from the Massachusetts Alternative Septic Test Center (MASSTC) explores how Cape Cod residents are rethinking wastewater and its impact on local water resources. The latest installment features Ashumet Pond resident Janet Kluever, whose composting toilet system helps reduce wastewater while supporting efforts to protect one of Cape Cod's environmentally stressed freshwater ponds.
The System Shift series highlights innovative wastewater technologies, alternative treatment approaches, and the homeowners and professionals helping to advance water quality solutions across Cape Cod and the Islands.
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Outer Cape Household Hazardous Waste Collection for June 6
Outer Cape residents are reminded that the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Wellfleet Transfer Station.
The collection is open to residents of Provincetown, Truro, and Wellfleet and provides a safe way to dispose of items such as oil paints and solvents, automotive and marine products, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, and mercury-containing materials. Proper disposal helps protect Cape Cod's drinking water and keeps potentially hazardous materials out of the waste stream.
Residents are encouraged to review accepted and prohibited items before attending. Collection schedules, town brochures, and disposal information are available at www.loveyourlocalwater.org
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Tick Talk Pop-Ups Return for the Summer Season This Week
The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment's Tick Talk Pop-Up program returns this month with free tick prevention information, supplies, and educational resources at locations across Cape Cod.
The first two stops will take place on Friday, June 5, at the South Yarmouth Library and Kent's Point Trail in Orleans. Tick Talk Pop-Ups provide practical information on preventing tick bites, conducting tick checks, and reducing exposure to tick-borne diseases. Additional appearances are planned throughout the summer at libraries, trailheads, farmers markets, and community events across Cape Cod.
View Schedule: https://www.capecod.gov/calendar
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Reminder: Shareen Davis to Receive 2026 Mercy Otis Warren Award on June 10
The public is invited to attend the 2026 Mercy Otis Warren Cape Cod Woman of the Year Award Ceremony honoring Shareen Davis of Chatham on Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic 1717 Meetinghouse in West Barnstable.
A thirteenth-generation Cape Codder, Davis was selected for her leadership in public service, sustainable fisheries, environmental stewardship, and advocacy for Cape Cod communities. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the award, which honors women whose service and leadership reflect the enduring legacy of Mercy Otis Warren.
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