As we settle into winter quiet here in Orleans, many of us can appreciate the slower pace of the season. It’s a chance for locals to enjoy the unique charm of our community without the hustle and bustle of summer. At Town Hall, however, the work remains in full swing. Our team continues to make significant progress on key initiatives, including the ongoing sewer project and the advancement of housing projects critical to our town’s future. In addition, we are deep in the budgeting process, ensuring we uphold our commitment to being responsible stewards of the town’s finances.
As we head into February and March, there will be important opportunities to stay informed and share your input during budget and Town Meeting warrant discussions. We encourage you to stay engaged and help shape the decisions that impact our community. Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work together to preserve what makes Orleans unique while planning for a sustainable and vibrant future. Sincerely, Kim Newman
Town Manager
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Orleans Earns AAA Bond Rating
The Town of Orleans has again been awarded a coveted AAA bond rating by S&P Global Ratings, the highest possible rating. This accolade reflects Orleans’ exceptional financial health, robust fiscal management, and commitment to long-term planning.
A AAA bond rating signifies an extremely strong ability to meet financial commitments, making Orleans one of the most creditworthy municipalities. This rating enables the town to secure the most favorable borrowing terms for critical projects, saving taxpayer dollars while supporting investments in the community’s future.
This year’s rating considers the town’s ambitious infrastructure plans, including the wastewater initiative and a new fire station, while also highlighting Orleans’ strong reserves, conservative budgeting practices, and sound financial policies.
The achievement is a testament to the diligence of the town’s finance team and leadership, who continue to ensure Orleans remains financially resilient. This recognition reflects the town’s steadfast dedication to responsible fiscal stewardship and its bright outlook for the years ahead.
Read the full S&P Global Rating report here.
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Housing Lottery Information In Orleans and surrounding communities, new housing developments will soon become available, with units reserved for individuals, families, or households earning up to a designated income limit. Click here to learn about these opportunities, who is eligible, and how to prepare to participate. One housing development under construction is at 107 Main Street. The Town of Orleans and the Orleans Affordable Housing Trust have been proud partners with Housing Assistance, creating year-round housing opportunities in the lower Cape region. The project at 107 Main Street represents a meaningful step forward in addressing Orleans’s housing needs, providing much-needed homes for residents who live and work here year-round. The development is being built using modular construction. The prefabricated boxes will be delivered to 107 Main Street and the former Governor Prence Motel site throughout the last few weeks of January, causing some minor traffic delays, and set in place using a crane before the end of the month. Get a video update on the project here. |
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Keep an Eye on Your Water Usage
The Town of Orleans encourages residents to take advantage of the Eye on Water tool to monitor their water usage and safeguard against potential issues, particularly during the winter months. With temperatures dropping, frozen pipes can become a costly and inconvenient problem for homeowners. Using the Eye on Water platform, residents can easily track their daily water usage and detect anomalies, such as unusual increases in water flow, that may indicate a leak or frozen pipe. Eye on Water is part of the town’s advanced metering system. It allows residents to view real-time data through a user-friendly app or website. This valuable tool not only empowers users to take control of their water consumption but also helps prevent unexpected water-related issues. Signing up is simple. Residents can visit Eye on Water and follow the instructions provided to register. Once registered, they can set up alerts to notify them of potential leaks or unusual usage patterns, providing peace of mind during the colder months. For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the Eye on Water website or contact the Orleans Water Department for assistance. Stay proactive and protect your home this winter with Eye on Water!
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Key Updates on
Wastewater InfrastructureStay informed about the latest progress, important deadlines, and upcoming meetings for Orleans' phased sewer project as we work to protect our environment and support sustainable growth.
Phase 1: Downtown Area - The Select Board meeting on January 22 will feature a presentation that provides an overview of the project's progress to date and outline the next steps. You are welcome to attend in person, watch live on Channel 8 or online or view the recording on demand here.
- The connection deadline for all properties in the Phase 1 sewer area is March 16.
- Financial support options for residential properties include Cape Cod AquiFund and the Town of Orleans Sewer Connection Grant.
- Additional explanations of the project can be found in the most recent podcast episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, Episode 28
Phase 2: Meetinghouse Pond Area - Construction on and around Main Street in East Orleans resumed on January 6 and is estimated to last through February 21.
- Construction Activities & Detours (schedule, map, and traffic management plan) is updated weekly.
Phase 3: Lakes and Ponds Area Upcoming Meetings: As always, please contact John Nelson, Water/Sewer Program Coordinator at (508) 240-3700, x2319 with connection questions. Point of clarification from December 2024 Town Talk: Please note that sewer betterment charges as discussed, apply only to Phase 1: Downtown Area properties. More information can be found here.
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Winter Events at Snow LibraryExplore these upcoming programs and activities at Snow Library to stay cozy and connected with the community this winter. Liven Up Winter Afternoons with Music at Snow Library Snow Library invites the community to enjoy live music every Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. through February 22 as part of the "Warming Up Winter with Music" series. The program features a diverse lineup of musical styles, including pop, folk, jazz, bluegrass, and Broadway. Upcoming performances include: - Jan. 18: The Jesse Liam Band – Award-winning vocalist Jesse Liam Gauthier and Grammy-nominated producer Jack Gauthier present a mix of originals and classic covers.
- Jan. 25: Bode Corona – Indie-folk singer-songwriter.
- Feb. 1: Bourbon Sunset Trio – A dynamic blend of jazz and blues.
- Feb. 8: Anna May – Folk-inspired original music.
- Feb. 22: Oxford Drive Band – Traditional bluegrass.
The concerts are free and open to all, thanks to sponsorship by the Helen Telfair Trust. These weekly performances promise to bring warmth and joy to the winter season. Snow Cinema Returns This February Enjoy feature films on the big screen every Wednesday in February at Snow Library! Here’s the lineup of exciting titles: - Feb. 5: Here – Starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright.
- Feb. 12: The Return – Starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes.
- Feb. 19: Wicked – A screen adaptation of the Broadway musical, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo (school vacation week).
- Feb. 26: Challengers – A Golden Globe-winning romantic sports film starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist (starts at 4 p.m.).
All movies begin at 3 p.m., except Challengers at 4 p.m.
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 Volunteers from the Orleans Cultural District at December's Solstice Sparkle event |
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Community Spotlight:
Celebrating Town Volunteers The Town of Orleans extends its deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers who contribute to making the community vibrant and welcoming. From the dedicated members of boards and committees to the passionate supporters of Snow Library and countless other initiatives, their time, energy, and expertise are invaluable. These volunteers help shape the character of the town and ensure that Orleans remains a special place to live, work, and visit. Thank you for all that you do! |
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Why I Volunteer:
Francesca Galazzi
Which committee or board(s) do you serve on? I serve on the Planning Board and also the Community Preservation Committee as the Board’s liaison.
How long have you lived in Orleans? What is your connection to the Orleans community? I have lived in Orleans essentially my entire life. My two younger sisters and I went to Orleans Elementary School and played recreational sports for the town, as well as for local travel teams. We grew up walking to Nauset Farms and the Sundae School, and my first jobs were at Cooke’s Seafood and Zia’s Pizza. I still have, and use, the same CLAMS library card that I got on an elementary school field trip to the library. I went to Nauset High School and graduated in 2019. After graduating college, I moved home and started bartending at Hog Island so that I could save money to travel. Soon after, I began to work remotely for a company based in Connecticut which has afforded me the opportunity to continue living on the Cape.
What inspired you to start volunteering for the Town of Orleans? My parents and grandparents serve(d) on boards and committees and otherwise have been very active in the Orleans community. Their example taught me that participating in the town in such a way was not only important, but also accessible.
What has been the most rewarding part of volunteering for the town? The most rewarding part of volunteering for the town has been the renewed sense of hope, inspiration and excitement I’ve begun to feel about our future. I’ve been able to learn more about the decisions being made, as well as the people making them, and am truly excited about my future here.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering for the town? I would suggest that they make the commitment. Especially to anyone who’s younger and may be interested – you know a lot more than you think you do, and your perspective matters and is insightful. It’s rewarding to learn so much about the place you live, and to have a hand in shaping a future that you’d like to be a part of. Read the full interview here.
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Friendly reminder to take a moment to review, sign, and return your Annual Town Census to help keep our resident data up to date!
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