Winter Storm Preparedness

With the temperature plummeting tonight and a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday until 8 p.m. on Monday, take steps now to prepare!

Build a household emergency kit that contains items to sustain you and your family’s specific needs if you are not able to leave your home – water, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food (don’t forget your pets!) are a few basics.

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Turn off water supply to outside spigots and unheated areas to avoid frozen/burst pipes.

Prepare for power outages. Keep your cell phone/devices and auxiliary power banks charged.

Be a good neighbor. Check in with anyone that may need assistance in making their preparations for the storm.

If you live in an area that experiences coastal flooding during storms, consider staying elsewhere.

Please stay home and off the roads on Sunday unless absolutely necessary to allow our crews to keep them clear for emergency responders.

Will You Help a Neighbor?

With the adoption of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60, Section 3D by vote at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, Chatham’s Taxation Aid Fund was established. Its purpose is to aid low-income elderly, and low-income disabled taxpayers defray their property tax liability.

All money collected for the Taxation Aid Fund is through voluntary donations dedicated directly to the Fund and are not part of the Town’s budget.

Donations can be made on-line at City Hall Systems, in person or by mail.

Please make checks payable to: Chatham Taxation Aid Fund (Please indicate “Taxation Aid Fund” on your check). Mail to: Chatham Taxation Aid Fund, 549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633.

Select Board Action – January 20th

The Select Board re-appointed Carol Gordon to the Board of Health until June 30, 2026.

Town Manager Jill R. Goldsmith and Director of Finance Carrie Mazerolle presented the preliminary FY2027 budget to the Select Board. Town Manager Goldsmith said the proposed budget funds level services for the community.

Director Mazerolle previewed the Town’s digital budget book available on the Town’s website and demonstrated how to navigate the document.

Director Mazerolle reviewed estimated revenues that fund the operating budget, the largest percentage of which is 64% from property taxes. Local receipts such as meals tax, fees, short-term and traditional lodging taxes comprise 15% of the Town’s revenue. She noted that 14% of the revenue comes from other available funds such as the Waterways User Fee, Community Preservation Act funds, Chapter 90 funds, PEG Access funds, Revolving funds and Free Cash.

Director Mazerolle reviewed estimated expenditures in the Operating, Water & Capital Budgets and for School Assessments. She said the Operating Budget is proposed at a 5.3% increase over FY2026. She noted areas of increase include contractual obligations, utility costs, and property and health insurance costs.

Director Mazerolle discussed the Town’s authorized and unissued debt. She said the Town has $471,142,081 available below its debt limit. She reviewed the 5-year Capital Plan.

Director Mazerolle reviewed potential articles that may be brought to Annual Town Meeting for funding outside of the Operating and Capital Budgets and their potential funding sources.

Projects that may potentially be funded with Community Preservation Act funds were reviewed. The Community Preservation Committee received applications that exceed their available funds so not all will be placed as articles on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant.

The public is encouraged to watch the meeting in its entirety through Chatham TV’s on-demand archive. 

2nd Annual Employee Art Showcase

Team Chatham’s got talent! And it’s on display at the Center for Active Living (CFAL), 193 Stony Hill Road, through Thursday, February 26th. Stop by the CFAL during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to tour the installation.

An Artist’s Reception will be held on Thursday, February 26th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  You’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and purchase any of the pieces available for sale.

The Employee Art Showcase is organized by the Town’s Employee Engagement and Recognition Committee which was formed to strengthen connections, build community, and enhance the positive culture within Chatham’s municipal workforce.

Community Supper January 31st

The South Chatham Public Library is hosting a community supper on Saturday, January 31st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the South Chatham Village Hall, 2567 Main Street.

Join the festivities and enjoy chili and trivia. Tickets ($25 per person) are available for purchase at the South Chatham Public Library, 2559 Main Street, on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.