Harwich Development News
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Select Board Meeting June 22, 2026
Published: Jun 22, 2026
Board Debates Governance Process Amidst Board of Health Resignation and Reappointment Discussion
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the process by which board members are reappointed and referred to an interview committee, prompted by the resignation of Kevin Dupont from the Board of Health. Board members debated the actions of Select Board member Don Howell, who independently initiated a process to refer Dupont to an interview committee. The board emphasized the importance of following established procedures, referencing the committee handbook, and ensuring transparency and collective board action over individual decisions. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety in Howell's actions. The discussion concluded with an agreement to adhere to the committee handbook's process for future referrals and to ensure careful discussion regarding individual board members.
FY2027 Human Services Grants Approved Despite Concerns Over Specific Allocation
The board voted to approve the fiscal year 2027 human service grant recipients as presented. One board member expressed reluctance due to the Housing Assistance Corp. receiving $4,000, suggesting those funds could have a greater impact elsewhere, but ultimately supported the motion out of respect for the review team's efforts. The vote passed with one dissenting vote.
Select Board to Vote on Year-End Budget Transfer for Water and Wastewater Department
The town is undertaking a year-end budget transfer for the water and wastewater department. This transfer, moving funds between expense and salary accounts, requires Select Board approval in addition to prior approvals from the Water/Wastewater Commissioners and the Finance Committee. The transfer is necessitated by collective bargaining agreements.
Review of 204 Cultural Municipal Building Revolving Fund Proposes Cost-Sharing Model for Fiscal Year 2028
The town is reviewing the 204 Cultural Municipal Building Revolving Fund, identifying that its primary problem has been excessive costs rather than insufficient revenue. The review proposes several changes, including reallocating the director's salary, implementing a new cost-sharing model for building expenses, and formalizing recreation's expense allocation, with substantive fixes planned for fiscal year 28. The proposed framework splits building costs into a base load (35%) covered by the general fund and a program-driven load (65%) shared by departments and the revolving fund. This structure aims to make the fund break even on its program-driven costs.
Harwich and Chatham Prepare for Joint Meeting to Re-evaluate Monomoy Regional School District Agreement
The town is preparing for a joint meeting with the Chatham Select Board to evaluate the regional agreement and its assessment formula for the Monomoy Regional School District. The presentation highlights Harwich's fiscal constraints, noting it is at its levy limit with limited capacity for increased school assessments. The current formula, particularly regarding capital, debt, and transportation assessments, is seen as disproportionately burdening Harwich. A proposal includes resetting operating assessments to the initial 72/28 split and adjusting capital/debt/transportation to 50/50, potentially creating a $900,000 swing in favor of Harwich. The formation of a working group is proposed to explore solutions, including potential elementary education consolidation and annual reviews of the agreement.
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The Harwich News archive
Real Estate and Open Space Committee Meeting June 26, 2026
Charter Commission Meeting June 25, 2026
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting June 25, 2026
Recreation and Youth Commission Meeting June 24, 2026
Brooks Academy Museum Commission Meeting June 24, 2026
Planning Board Meeting June 23, 2026
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