Barnstable, MA town hall & government
Barnstable spent $289.9 million in the year to June 30, 2023, about $5,846 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Barnstable's government.
Where Barnstable's money goes
Barnstable runs its own schools, so school spending is part of its budget. Comparisons are with other Massachusetts cities.
Where the money comes from
- Property taxes 54%
- From the state 15%
- Fees & charges 14%
- From the federal government 8%
- Interest, fines & other 3%
- Utility sales 3%
- Other taxes & licenses 2%
- Sales taxes 1%
- From other local governments <1%
Who works for Barnstable
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Barnstable School District
Barnstable's K–12 school district. The schools are run by Barnstable, so this money is part of the budget above.
Where the district's money comes from Massachusetts districts overall: 49% local, 43% state, 8% federal
- Local 60%
- State 34%
- Federal 5%
Of the $24,994 per pupil, $15,271 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
What homeowners in Barnstable pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Barnstable's government
Who represents Barnstable
Barnstable is represented in Congress by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Representative William R. Keating. Maura Healey is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.