Harwich residents and developers are facing a more expensive future as the Board of Water Wastewater Commissioners signaled significant rate increases and a massive overhaul of system connection fees during their November 18 session. Utility Controller Sandy Seager presented a preliminary FY27 budget that adheres to the Select Board’s 2% cap on non-utility items but noted that unavoidable costs are climbing. Seager explained, We prepared the budget... in alignment with the select board's agenda, which is not to exceed 2%. Expenditures have gone up 3.33% and that's due to the utilities. That's unavoidable. The board warned that these rising operational costs, coupled with looming debt obligations for major infrastructure projects, will likely necessitate a rate hike in early 2026. Chair Noreen Donahghue confirmed the trajectory, stating, We're definitely going to need a rate increase. We're getting hit by the debt... we're aiming for getting it all tied together in January.

A potential windfall for the department could come from a proposed restructuring of System Development Fees, commonly known as tap fees. Superintendent Jason Trapani informed the board that Harwich currently charges approximately $4,000 for an eight-inch tap, a figure he described as extremely extremely low compared to other municipalities. Trapani noted, I know off-cape, they vary from $60,000 to $130,000. The board expressed strong interest in a $20,000 study to evaluate raising these fees to fund future system improvements and pipe replacements. Commissioner John Goff voiced his support for the increase, asking, Why should they get a free ride? We can use it with all the building, replacing those old pipes you keep telling us about.

The commissioners also moved to protect the town's financial interests by advancing the annual lien process. Motion Made by R. Thompson to approve the FY26 water lien list not to exceed $34,150.27. Motion Passed (5-0). While the lien list helps recover unpaid balances, the department found relief in a new arrangement for solar revenue from the town landfill. Previously receiving only 40% of its share, the department is now receiving 100%, providing a critical buffer as it prepares for Phase 1 of the Route 28 water main replacement project. Trapani updated the board that while CC Construction has been awarded the bid for the western portion of the project, a formal start date for the water infrastructure work remains pending.

The board wrestled with a difficult abatement request involving a 47,000-gallon bill at a property on Alexander Chase. The homeowner reported a suspected leak in an outdoor shower following a sewer connection, but department data logging showed no leaks on the irrigation meter, suggesting the usage was domestic. Utility Billing Administrator Welssley noted, We removed the domestic meter for testing; we do not have those results back yet. Commissioner Judith Underwood suggested a compassionate approach, stating, I'm leaning towards using our disaster relief allowance... which does not apply to irrigation. Being she's always paid her bills and done everything properly, what the disaster rate would do would be to charge for all of the water but at tier one rather than at the higher tiers. However, Commissioner Goff expressed frustration with the frequency of such requests, noting, This all troubles me very much. We see these one after another... How do we get people to be more responsible? It's like the thumb of your nose, 'so what? Let a leak happen' type of attitude. The board ultimately chose to wait for the meter test results before taking action. No such leniency was granted for an irrigation leak on Skoona Drive. Motion Made by J. Goff to deny the abatement request for Skoona Drive. Motion Passed (5-0).

Infrastructure planning dominated the latter half of the meeting as the board reviewed the five-year capital plan. A primary concern is the need for a new storage facility to protect the town's wells. Trapani warned that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is unhappy with current practices, noting, We're basically the only water department I think on Cape Cod that actually has storage of vehicles in their zone one... DEP does not want any wastewater equipment stored on zone one water property. Commissioner Underwood urged swift action on a new building, citing the proximity to the wells as a significant problem. Motion Made by R. Thompson to approve the FY27-31 Water Department Capital Plan. Motion Passed (4-0), with Commissioner Bob Young’s vote not recorded due to a brief telephone disconnect. In contrast, the wastewater capital plan remains at zero for the upcoming cycle because major equipment was purchased in previous years. Motion Made by J. Goff to approve the FY27-31 Wastewater Capital Plan. Motion Passed (4-0).

Before concluding, the board addressed administrative matters, including the annual regional holiday gathering for staff. Motion Made by R. Thompson to authorize a half-day for staff on December 18 for the holiday party. Motion Passed (4-0). The commissioners also reached a consensus to provide $15 gift cards to staff members as a holiday gesture, funded personally by the commissioners rather than the department budget. The board will meet next on December 19 to finalize Route 28 contracts and continue rate discussions.