Orleans Finance Committee Backs Phase 4 Wastewater Funding in 6-2-1 Reversal

ORLEANS — April 2, 2026 — Orleans Finance Committee reverses its prior rejection of Phase 4 wastewater funding, voting 6-2-1 to recommend the article to Annual Town Meeting. The committee had voted 3-5 against the measure at an earlier meeting, but Member Alice Thomason, one of the original dissenters, moved for reconsideration Thursday after conducting additional research on funding mechanisms and speaking with residents involved in the project. Select Board Chair Kevin Galligan, who also chairs the Cape and Islands Water Protection Fund, told the committee the fund has committed $309 million in subsidies to date and that Orleans remains in good standing for a 25% subsidy and zero-percent Clean Water Trust financing — provided the town stays on schedule. Director of Municipal Finance Darrin Tangeman reported that carrying Phase 4 through preliminary design, final design, and construction would add an estimated $202 annually to the tax bill of a median-value Orleans home. Ed Mahoney and Tony Pearl voted no; Peter O'Meara abstained. The committee also voted 9-0 to approve an $78,500 reserve fund transfer to purchase eight recycling containers for the transfer station after the town's contractor announced it would suspend services June 3, and voted 3-5-1 against recommending a citizen petition for a residential tax exemption.