Harwich water customers should prepare for significant rate increases this summer as the Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners moves to address a tightening fiscal landscape and a staggering $784,000 deficit in the town’s wastewater enterprise fund. During an intensive Tuesday session, the board scrutinized a projected FY27 water budget of $5.6 million that currently relies on an upcoming rate study to maintain solvency. While the department anticipates roughly $202,262 in surplus revenue for the coming year, Chair Noreen Dunn cautioned that the figure is dangerously thin compared to the board’s typical $1 million reserve target. Relief is expected to arrive on July 1st via a new rate structure that is projected to generate between $700,000 and $800,000 in additional annual revenue.

The financial pressure is even more acute on the wastewater side, where total revenues of just $210,187 pale in comparison to nearly $1 million in projected expenditures. The resulting $784,000 deficit must be subsidized by the town’s General Fund, a reality that sparked a sharp debate over administrative overhead and accounting practices. Utility Controller Sandy Robinson noted that the base rate increase had not been carried forward originally, necessitating adjustments to the FY27 outlook. Dunn expressed deep frustration with the shifting methodology for indirect expenses applied by various town financial directors over the years. Following the review, Motion Made by B. Young to approve the FY27 Water Budget as presented. Motion Passed (4-0-0) and Motion Made by B. Young to approve the FY27 Wastewater Budget as presented. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

A central point of contention remains the cloud hanging over the Wastewater Enterprise Fund's retained earnings. Following a recent Finance Committee meeting, Dunn moved to distance department staff from technical accounting errors made at the town level. She criticized the use of vague language by town administration that implies staff culpability for fund deficits. I wanted to remind people to be very careful with their language because town administration had been using the word 'they,' Dunn said, noting it would be easy for the public to incorrectly blame Robinson or other department personnel. Robinson thanked the chair for the clarification, noting that the appearance of departmental mistakes was not the case. To resolve the matter, the board is insisting on a forensic review by the town's regular outside independent auditors rather than an internal analysis. I would really insist... to see our regular outside independent auditors do it and tie it up in a nice package, Dunn added.

Operational challenges also dominated the discussion as Superintendent Jason Trepanier delivered a debriefing on the severe storm that battered the region between February 22nd and 24th. Trepanier described a grueling 48-hour period where personnel worked around the clock to manage generator failures and internet outages that rendered the SCADA remote monitoring system useless. Water and Wastewater personnel worked tirelessly to keep services running, Trepanier reported, detailing how crews had to manually check oil levels in generators every 24 hours and repair regulators clogged by wind-blown snow. Commissioner Bob Young asked if Trepanier was generally pleased with the equipment performance given the intensity of the winds. Trepanier responded that the department had learned valuable lessons about prolonged generator use, leading to a planned maintenance overhaul in April. Dunn offered her gratitude to the team, stating, I want to thank the department through Jason and directly for all their efforts... it's really an unbelievable amount of work.

The town’s long-term water security remains a concern as Trepanier warned that the Brewster observation well is currently sitting 1.5 feet below the level required to avoid summer usage caps. As of now, there will be water restrictions the same as last year, Trepanier said, citing current groundwater levels at 31.51 feet versus the 33.0-foot goal. In a move to offset future costs, Trepanier proposed a vehicle swap after the electrician’s van was totaled and deemed unrepairable. By passing his current truck to the electrician and purchasing a smaller Explorer-type vehicle for himself, Trepanier estimates a $107,000 savings in the 2028-2029 capital plan compared to original replacement projections. Motion Made by B. Young to approve water internal adjustments in the amount of $4,354.27. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The board also addressed a looming leadership crisis, as no candidates have yet filed to run for two upcoming vacancies on the commission, including the seats currently held by Dunn and John Goth. Dunn voiced concern that the lack of interest could lead to a Mickey Mouse write-in scenario where a resident could be elected with a single vote. Commissioner Alan Thompson offered to assist with the logistics of the search, stating, I'll help get signatures for any viable candidate willing to step forward. Bob Young suggested that the board work with local media to drum up interest before the March 27th filing deadline. I'd like to see the newspaper do an article about the vacancies, Young said. Adding to the transition, Dunn announced she will step down as chair at the next meeting, citing the exhaustion of navigating two years of departmental turmoil. I'm just plain worn out, Dunn admitted. Commissioner Judith Underwood praised her tenure, noting, You have done extraordinary work in extraordinary times.

In routine business, the board addressed quarterly financial corrections and sewer connections managed through the town's digital systems. Staff member Tracy explained that the flow of information regarding new connections is now streamlined, stating, It comes to us through OpenGov with a passed inspection, then they get it uploaded. This process ensures the department can accurately backtrack base rates for customers who have recently moved from septic to the municipal system. Motion Made by B. Young to approve water abatements in the amount of $1,061.08. Motion Passed (4-0-0) and Motion Made by J. Underwood to approve sewer base rate adjustments. Motion Passed (4-0-0).