Harwich water and wastewater customers will see a retroactive $10 charge on their next billing cycle after a software error caused the department to miss a scheduled base rate increase. During the October 21 meeting of the Board of Water Wastewater Commissioners, staff revealed that the town’s outdated accounting software prevented them from correcting the error once the bills were generated. Utility Controller Sandy Seager explained that because the town is using an older version of the Munis software, the file could not be reversed. When we were told that, it was just kind of crushing, Seager said, noting that the town has been exploring a software update for over five years. Utility Billing Administrator Wesley added that the $10 will be added to the next bill with a clear explanation for residents, characterizing the situation as a byproduct of a long-standing need for modernized town systems.

The billing frustration fueled a larger discussion regarding the department’s independence and authority as the Charter Commission weighs significant changes to town governance. Chair Noreen Donahue expressed deep concern over the current language in the Town Charter, which she argued leaves the Water Wastewater Superintendent vulnerable to outside political pressure. The way it is written now, a town administrator could come in and remove Jason against our will, Donahue said. She urged the board to recommend that the Charter explicitly grant the Commissioners the power to both appoint and remove their department head. Commissioner Judith Underwood questioned the current charter's phrasing regarding cooperation between the department and the Town Administrator, asking, What's the alternative? They work uncooperatively? I mean, do you want that strengthened or what is the point?

The board also moved to seek a formal legal opinion to resolve a long-standing gray area regarding Massachusetts General Law Chapter 83. Currently, the authority over the town’s sewer system is split, with the Select Board handling design and construction while the Commissioners manage operations and maintenance. We just want it written and codified in a less confusing manner, Donahue said. Commissioner Bob Young suggested that the board requires more than just internal clarification, stating, To me, the way you're asking this question, it's almost that this body should have an independent legal opinion on this. Motion Made by G. Goff to send a request for legal services to the Acting Town Administrator regarding the interpretation of Chapter 83. Motion Passed 5-0.

In public comment, Steven Cullen, asset manager for the Witchmere property, presented a revised plan for a 72-room hotel project. Cullen highlighted that the redevelopment would replace a 40-year-old wastewater system currently located in a flood-prone basement with a modern facility. We believe that there's going to be significant nitrogen discharge reduction into Witchmere Harbor as a result of this brand new system, Cullen told the board. While the board expressed support for the environmental benefits, Donahue raised questions about traffic mitigation and event capacity, leading Cullen to explain that the property has already banned 54-passenger buses and moved delivery routes to reduce the impact on Snow Inn Road.

Operational challenges dominated the Superintendent’s report, particularly regarding the town’s struggle with grinder pumps. The board scheduled a public hearing for November 7 at 9:00 a.m. to finalize updated sewer regulations. Superintendent Jason Trapania noted that the workload associated with these pumps has been crippling during his first year, though he highlighted a silver lining for locals. The really good thing about this is that the residents can get reimbursed now for their pump if they've been waiting, Trapania said. Donahue added that the time spent managing the systems was mind-blowing.

Infrastructure projects remain in flux as the town navigates the 25-year infrastructure wall. Trapania reported that the Pleasant Lake tank painting is on schedule after a weekend of pressure washing and spot-prepping. However, the Route 28 water main replacement has hit a snag with Mass DOT. Because the state’s schedule is now ahead of the town’s, engineers had to redesign plans to connect to existing mains. Donahue informed the board that they might hire former Superintendent Dan to oversee the Route 28 project to ensure the town’s infrastructure is inspected by their own personnel rather than state contractors.

The board also approved two significant contracts to maintain the system's reliability. They awarded a three-year water meter contract to Ti-Sales to begin transitioning the town to e-coders, which will eventually allow for better leak detection. Motion Made by G. Goff to award the water meter bid to Ti-Sales, not to exceed $180,000. Motion Passed 5-0. Additionally, the board selected Ferguson Waterworks for their annual supply bid. Motion Made by G. Goff to award the waterworks supplies bid to Ferguson Waterworks, not to exceed $100,000. Motion Passed 5-0.

Internal financial adjustments were also cleared during the session. Motion Made by G. Goff to approve water usage for the department in the amount of $2,126.84. Motion Passed 5-0. The board also cleared a small wastewater adjustment. Motion Made by G. Goff to approve an internal adjustment for wastewater in the amount of $65.00. Motion Passed 5-0.