This may seem like the quiet, cold, and calm part of the year, but it’s actually one of the busiest times for our team. The annual budget process is incredibly thorough and time-consuming for both staff and our dedicated volunteers on Boards and Committees. Countless hours have already been spent ensuring we bring forward the most fiscally responsible plan for our community in FY26. And while it may be hard to believe, Town Meeting is right around the corner—so mark your calendars for May 12! The warrant is in its early stages now, but as it takes shape, we’ll be sharing updates and key information along the way to keep you informed and engaged. 

Beyond the budget and Town Meeting preparations, our team is also keeping Orleans engaged and thriving in other ways. The Council on Aging continues to provide vital programs and resources for our senior community, Snow Library is offering exciting events for all ages, and Recreation is already gearing up for summer—flyers for seasonal programming have gone out, so be sure to check them out! 

At the same time, we’re making sure Orleans remains well-connected beyond our borders. We’re actively working with regional and statewide partners to advocate for funding opportunities, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions that benefit our town. 

As always, we appreciate your involvement and look forward to working together to keep Orleans thriving. 

Stay Warm!

Kim Newman
Town Manager 

Orleans’ Open Space & Recreation Plan: 
Share Your Input

Along with the Recreation Advisory Committee, Open Space Committee, and Conservation Commission members, the Planning and Community Development Department is leading an effort to update the Town’s Open Space & Recreation Plan. The MA Division requires the Plan of Conservation Services, which makes the Town eligible to participate in state grant programs for open space acquisition. The existing plan was approved in 2017 and to date, Orleans has received over $4.8M in state funding to offset the cost of buying open space.
 
With the Town’s new emphasis on improving recreation activities, now is the perfect time to establish a new plan and goals for the future of open space and recreation - parks, recreational areas, and conservation land that contribute to the Town’s well-being.

Share your thoughts and opinions on what’s working well in Orleans' parks, your needs, and how the Town can improve. The survey will close on February 26.

A draft plan will be made available in late spring for public comment before it is finalized. State approval of the new plan is anticipated over the summer, which will keep Orleans qualified to leverage state funds when it purchases land for future conservation purposes. 

Time to Check Your Mailbox

The Fiscal Year 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise tax bills will be mailed out on February 20 and are due within 30 days. Keep in mind that postmarks aren’t accepted as proof of timely payment under Massachusetts law, so be sure to plan ahead! 

Even if you don’t receive a bill, you’re still responsible for paying the excise tax (plus any interest and fees that may apply). Since all vehicle owners are required to pay this tax, it’s up to you to reach out to the Collector’s office if you haven’t received your bill. To avoid delivery issues, make sure your address is up to date with both the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the post office. 

If you misplace or don’t get your bill, no worries! You can easily access a copy and make payments online through the Town of Orleans customer portal or call the tax office at (508) 240-3700 x2420 for the amount due.

Spring Recreation Programs – 
Registration Now Open!

Registration is now open for the Town of Orleans’ Spring Recreation Programs. This season offers a variety of opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active and engaged. Adult programs include Pickleball, Early Bird Fitness, and Yoga, while youth programs feature instructional baseball and soccer, softball, lacrosse, strength training, and more. Explore the full range of offerings in the and register today to secure a spot!

Sewer Project Updates & 
Important Deadlines  

Phase 1 Connection Deadline Approaching
The deadline for Phase 1 properties to connect to the sewer system is March 16. For more information or assistance, please contact John Nelson at (508) 240-3700, x2319.  

Phase 2 Construction Update
Phase 2 construction remains on schedule, with trench work on Main Street expected to continue through March 7. Check here for construction activities, detours, and traffic management plans. 

Phase 3 Community Meeting Recap
On February 4, a community meeting was held to discuss the background on the overall project, the timeline and impacts, financing options and resources and answer residents’ questions. To learn more, watch the video recording of the meeting, view the presentation, or visit the Town’s website.

Thank you for your continued patience and support! 

And as always, reach out with any questions or concerns you might have.

John Nelson, Water/Sewer Program Coordinator 

Reggie Donoghue, Sewer Ombudsman 

Take the Next Step Toward 

Energy Efficiency 

For those looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency but unsure where to begin, Cape Light Compact offers free, personalized Energy Coaching sessions—available virtually or in person. These 30-minute sessions provide expert guidance tailored to each homeowner’s or renter’s needs. 

Energy Coaching is designed to assist individuals who:

• Need help navigating available energy efficiency programs and rebates
• Want to compare financing options for home upgrades
• Are unsure which recommendations to prioritize after a Home Energy Assessment
• Have started a program but need support with next steps 

Participants are encouraged—but not required—to have the results of a Home Energy Assessment available for their session, as this can provide additional insight. Mass Save offers free Home Energy Assessments to help homeowners and renters identify energy-saving opportunities tailored to their homes. To schedule an in-person or virtual assessment, call 866-527-SAVE (7283). 

SAGE Table: Sharing a Meal, 
Building Connections

The Orleans COA and the Eastham COA will host a SAGE Table event on Friday, March 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. What is a SAGE Table? It is an international initiative to bring together LGBTQ people of all ages to share a meal and conversation in hopes of addressing social isolation. The dinner theme is “Tex-Mex,” and there will be diverse and rich conversations to nourish bodies and spirits and help the LGBTQ community thrive. Space is limited. Call the Orleans Senior Center at 508-255-6333 to register. 

Update on Fertilizer & Pesticide Home Rule Petitions 

Two legislative initiatives aimed at reducing environmental toxins have been refiled in the new legislative session by Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Hadley Luddy. Fertilizer Bill H.1573 and Pesticides Bill H.1574 were introduced as Home Rule Petitions, which are legislative requests from a municipality seeking special state approval to enact regulations that go beyond existing state laws. Home Rule Petitions must first be approved by a town’s voters before being submitted to the state legislature for consideration. 

The Fertilizer bill seeks to regulate the use of fertilizers to limit nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, which contribute to water quality degradation in local ponds, estuaries, and coastal waters. The legislation was modeled after similar efforts on Nantucket and is part of a broader initiative to protect Cape Cod’s fragile ecosystems. 

The Pesticides bill aims to restrict the application of certain chemical pesticides, prioritizing alternative, environmentally safer pest management practices. The petition has already been supported by the towns of Eastham and Wellfleet, and similar measures are being considered by other Cape Cod communities. 

Additionally, a petition supporting the Pesticide bill has already gathered 4,331 signatures. The petition can be viewed and signed at Change.org. 

Residents and community members are encouraged to stay informed and share this information to support efforts that protect local water resources and public health.