One of the primary focuses of the meeting was the proposed budget for the community center and the Center for Active Living, totaling $3,135,237. Within this budget, significant allocations were discussed, such as $654,900 for the Center for Active Living and $328,500 for Human Services. Leah LaCrosse, Director of the Department of Community Services, presented insights into the increasing engagement with community services, citing over 1,400 unduplicated participants, which equates to 23% of Chatham’s year-round population. The committee was informed of a $157,000 budget increase, driven by contractual wage adjustments and the hiring of three new staff members via a one-time grant.

Perhaps most notably, the committee considered a new childcare voucher amount of $175,000, aimed at aiding 55 households, with 67% of these awards benefiting Chatham residents. This initiative addresses the high costs of child care, which average between $1,800 and $2,000 monthly. The need for this program became more apparent as LaCrosse mentioned the impact of Orleans ceasing to accept new Chatham residents for daycare, leaving only five current participants. The proposal for the childcare voucher program was seen as crucial in supporting local families amid rising child care expenses.

Another topic was the establishment of a revolving fund for the Rita’s Cove respite adult supportive day program. This fund aims to mitigate the loss of grant funds anticipated in FY 2026, with an expenditure limit set at $50,000. This initiative would allow fees collected from participants, along with donations, to cover program expenses. However, concerns were raised about using the fund for staffing expenses, as it would necessitate increased fees for participants to cover full-time staff benefits.

In addition to budgetary concerns, the committee also discussed the tourism impact on Chatham, particularly during peak summer months. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the town experiences up to 10,000 daily visitors, straining local infrastructure and impacting residents’ quality of life. The rush of tourists was linked to heavy traffic and crowded conditions, prompting a debate over the balance between promoting local businesses and maintaining livability for permanent residents.

Economic Development funding, set at $20,000, supports web development, marketing, and promotional materials, with Chamber of Commerce membership tripling from 11 to 34 new members in 2024, totaling 355 members. The Chamber’s budget, proposed to be level-funded at $95,000, includes the operation of visitor centers, essential for supporting the year-round economy. Angela Bukar, the Chamber’s executive director, emphasized the role of an artificial intelligence chatbot named “Chatty,” which has facilitated over 1,000 interactions on the Chamber’s website.

The committee discussed the potential for a shuttle bus service in downtown Chatham to address transportation issues during high season. This idea sparked conversation about the necessity of providing comprehensive visitor information upon arrival, alongside transportation solutions.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the need for more diverse and relatable businesses within Chatham, reflecting the community’s demographics, which include over 15 different languages spoken in the local school system. The lack of a local grocery store was highlighted, with residents often traveling to Harwich for such services. There was also talk of encouraging technology and higher education-related businesses to enhance the town’s appeal.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of supporting the year-round economy, with networking opportunities and digital literacy programs mentioned as means to bolster local businesses outside peak tourism seasons. The Chamber of Commerce was tasked with evolving its membership dues strategy to include sponsorship opportunities.