Select Board — June 8, 2026
Select Board rescinds $3.4M in affordable housing funds amid warnings of growing municipal budget shortfalls.
The meeting featured spirited public testimony regarding housing and environmental impacts, alongside a significant debate among board members over fund reallocation.
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At the June 8 Select Board meeting, two major issues surfaced that will have a direct impact on Falmouth residents: a $3.4 million shift in affordable housing funds and a warning regarding potential property tax increases.
First, the Board voted to rescind $3.4 million in earmarked funds from the Brushwood 5:45 LLC affordable housing project. This decision was driven by the fact that the property seller has indicated no pathway forward for the current project. While some Board members argued that rescinding the funds is a necessary fiduciary move to free up money for other viable projects, others—including community members and the developer—argued that this sets a bad precedent and undermines the town’s credibility in building workforce housing.
Second, the meeting provided a stark look at the town's financial future. Assistant Town Manager Peter Johnson Staub presented data showing significant forecasted gaps in the town's operating, capital, and debt budgets. Crucially, these projections do not yet account for growing unmet needs in staffing, police facilities, and special education. The Board is now tasked with determining how to bridge these gaps, a process that will likely involve difficult discussions about the scale of future property tax increases.
As the Board begins to prioritize capital expenditures this fall, residents should stay engaged with how these financial decisions are made.
Public impact
$3.4 million in reallocated funds
The board voted to rescind the financial award to Brushwood 5:45 LLC.
Potential significant tax burden to address operating, capital, and debt shortfalls
The board received the data and scheduled further discussions for July.
The board will prioritize capital expenditures by September and review the FY28 budget and revenue models.
Topics discussed
Board members recognized community successes, including the Wounded Warrior Ride, Pride events, and school composting awards.
The board acknowledged the various community achievements and upcoming events.
The Town Manager reported on increased summer demand for emergency services and expedited funding for the East Falmouth Library project.
The board was informed of the need for community caution during summer months and the upcoming requirement for a debt exemption vote.
A formal cost study is expected in early July; a debt exemption ballot question may be requested for this November.
Representatives of the Osprey Project shared progress on collaborating with Eversource to protect osprey nests near electric wires.
The board acknowledged the positive news regarding the partnership.
A local business owner requested an extension of liquor licenses until 3 AM to accommodate World Cup viewing.
The request was noted, and management was tasked with researching the procedural requirements for such an adoption.
Town management will gather information and follow up at the next meeting.
The board reviewed and voted on various one-day alcohol licenses, an AI policy, and a coastal resilience grant.
The board approved the specific College Light Opera licenses, the amended AI policy, and the $350,000 grant application for Surf Drive.
A hearing was held regarding a change in management and ownership for the liquor license at Dean's Market.
The board approved the application for multiple amendments to the wine and malt beverage license.
The board heard a request to remove two town trees to accommodate a new driveway.
The board moved to support the tree warden's recommendation: allow the removal of the smaller 15-inch white oak but retain the 19-inch tree and require replanting.
The applicant is expected to work around the remaining tree.
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The board reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the town's ocean outfall project to replace groundwater discharge.
The board voted to submit the DEIR to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office.
The DEIR will be submitted to MEPA by the end of June; a public meeting on the project is planned for July; the town anticipates requesting funds for design and permitting at the April 2027 Town Meeting.
A report on the 2026 beach season, including parking permit sales, staffing levels, food vendor contracts, and seasonal scheduling challenges.
The Board received the update; no formal vote was taken.
The Town Manager's office and Select Board will look into the 'cumbersome' nature of the online permit renewal process.
The Select Board discussed whether to rescind $3.4 million in earmarked affordable housing funds from the Brushwood 5:45 LLC project due to a lack of a viable pathway forward caused by the property seller.
The Select Board voted to rescind the financial award from the Falmouth Affordable Housing Fund to Brushwood 5:45 LLC.
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Assistant Town Manager Peter Johnson Staub presented data regarding forecasted gaps in the operating, capital, and debt budgets and their potential impact on property taxes.
The board received the presentation as part of an iterative, ongoing process to understand the scale of municipal financial needs.
The board will have further discussions in July, look into prioritizing capital expenditures by September, and begin looking at the FY28 operating budget and revenue models.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Rescinding Affordable Housing Funding for Brushwood 5:45 LLC
Ocean Outfall Project DEIR
Long-term Fiscal Planning and Tax Projections
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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