Yarmouth Finance Committee (FinCom)
Reviews all Town Meeting warrant articles involving appropriations and makes recommendations. The FinCom recommendation is the key signal voters look to for budget articles. One of the most influential bodies at Town Meeting.
Current Members (2025–2026)
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Richard Simon | Chair |
| George Perkins | Vice-Chair |
| Rafael Gutierrez | Clerk |
| John Anderson | Member |
| Robert Harding | Member |
| Nathan Ladley | Member |
| Alyssa Mullin | Member (term to 2027) |
9 members appointed by the Select Board and Town Moderator. 3-year staggered terms. Legal basis: MGL Chapter 39, Section 16. Source: yarmouth.ma.us
What the Finance Committee Does
The Finance Committee is the town’s primary fiscal watchdog. Its core responsibilities include:
Reviews the proposed annual budget for the fiscal year prior to Annual Town Meeting. Analyzes departmental requests, revenue projections, and long-term financial sustainability.
Issues written recommendations on every warrant article involving appropriations. The FinCom “recommend” or “does not recommend” vote is the most important signal voters rely on at Town Meeting.
Coordinates with the Capital Budget Committee to review long-term capital spending requests and their impact on the tax rate and debt levels.
Reviews the town’s financial statements, audits, and reserve funds. May request information from any town department or board as part of its oversight role.
Annual Budget Reports
Active Issues (FY2027 Budget Season)
As Yarmouth’s $207M Phase 1 sewer expansion moves into full debt service, the Finance Committee is scrutinizing the long-term impact on Yarmouth’s tax rate and residents’ betterment assessments. The FinCom is working with the Select Board and DPW to understand how the $7.5M pump upgrade bond (approved November 2025) layers on top of existing debt obligations.
The D-Y Regional School Committee budget request, including the town’s proportional assessment, is one of the single largest line items in the Yarmouth budget. The FinCom reviews and makes a recommendation on the school appropriation article at Town Meeting.
📅 Meetings & How to Follow
The Finance Committee meets as needed, with intensive sessions twice weekly from November through March during budget season. Meetings are held at Town Hall. All meetings are open to the public.
How to Participate
Finance Committee meetings are open to the public. Residents may address the committee during public comment time. The committee also holds public hearings on the proposed budget before Town Meeting.
Members are appointed by the Select Board and Town Moderator. Vacancies are posted on the town website. Financial background is helpful but not required — civic engagement is the key qualification.
The Finance Committee reviews over 40 budget line items before every Town Meeting.