The Harwich Capital Outlay Committee moved forward with a sweeping $53,495,500 long-term infrastructure plan during its December 10 session, highlighting a significant transition in how the town manages large-scale projects and taxpayer funds. Town Administrator Tony Skiavi detailed a strategy to utilize a projected $4 million in certified free cash and a specialized sinking fund to address a growing backlog of municipal needs without immediately triggering new debt exclusions. Skiavi emphasized a meticulous approach to finding existing revenue, stating, I want to show taxpayers we are looking under every rock—delinquent taxes, collection rates—to find funds rather than always borrowing.

Before diving into the fiscal details, Chair Martha Dunovan opened the meeting by addressing a previous discussion regarding the Arbor House that had ruffled feathers in the community. Reflecting on the history of the building and the volunteers who maintained it, Dunovan noted, I didn't want anyone to think we were being disrespectful or unappreciative of the work volunteers did 10 years ago in painting the Arbor House. Painting a Victorian is not an easy thing to do. She clarified that while the committee must focus on the building's current utility for office space, the town remains grateful for the community effort that preserved it. Following these remarks, the committee reviewed and sanctioned the previous week's records. Motion Made by R. Larios to approve the minutes from December 2nd (5-0-0).

The core of the meeting focused on the Fiscal Year 2027 capital requests, which saw several department-specific allocations move forward with unanimous support. The Police Department’s $418,000 request for cruisers and IT upgrades and the Fire Department’s $877,500 request for an ambulance and monitors were both cleared quickly. Motion Made by R. Larios to approve $418,000 for the Police Department (6-0-0) and Motion Made by R. Larios to approve $877,500 for the Fire Department (6-0-0). The Department of Natural Resources also secured $80,000 for a truck replacement. Motion Made by R. Larios to approve $80,000 for the DNR (6-0-0).

One of the largest shifts in the plan involved dredging, which Skiavi moved from the operating budget to the capital plan to reflect a $2 million price tag and the expiration of state grants. Member Scott Norm questioned if this was purely a logistical change, noting, I think the $2 million for dredging is just a presentation change, right? It's not a brand new project. Skiavi confirmed the shift but warned that the cost per cubic yard has increased significantly. The Harbormaster’s full $1.37 million request included this dredging alongside a $425,000 Saquatucket boat replacement. Member Rich Larios flagged the vessel as a fresh addition, stating, I sat through the presentation, but the $425,000 for the boat has not been here before. Skiavi explained that the boat is critical for the evolving water rescue training needs shared by the Harbormaster and Fire Chief. Motion Made by R. Larios to approve $1,370,000 for the Harbormaster (6-0-0).

The committee also supported a $1,653,000 facilities request that includes a controversial $1 million allocation for the design and engineering of a new DPW facility. While the million-dollar price tag for "just design" raised eyebrows, Skiavi argued it was a necessary step for transparency. When you go to Town Meeting for $12 million, people want to know what it looks like and have a solid estimate, he said, adding that design renders prevent the town from asking for inaccurate borrowing amounts. Michelle Galuchcci noted the high cost but appreciated the clarity, stating, I like it because it gives people perspective on how much design fees are—a million dollars is a lot. Motion Made by R. Larios to approve $1,653,000 for Facilities Maintenance (6-0-0).

The only significant rift occurred over a $100,000 request from the Planning Department to update the town’s zoning map. Paul Doane expressed skepticism about the necessity of hiring outside contractors for the task. This cost bothers me. We have a town planner. Redoing a zoning map has technicalities, but it's not rocket science. Why can't the planner do this? Doane asked. Skiavi countered that the project requires licensed survey and GIS work that current staff cannot perform, especially with a vacant town surveyor position. Galuchcci sided with Doane, remarking, It didn't seem compelling enough or a necessary expense to me. Despite the opposition, the request moved forward. Motion Made by R. Larios to approve $100,000 for the Planning Department (4-2-0), with Doane and Galuchcci dissenting.

Other departmental requests were authorized without resistance, including $60,000 for Harwich Elementary roof units and $1.495 million for DPW road maintenance and heavy machinery. Motion Made by R. Larios to approve $60,000 for the Elementary School (6-0-0) and Motion Made by R. Larios to approve $1,495,000 for the DPW (6-0-0). The Water and Wastewater departments also secured $1,610,000 for vehicles and engineering. Motion Made by R. Larios to approve $1,610,000 for Water/Wastewater (6-0-0).

Wrapping up the session, the committee finalized the multi-year outlook through 2031, which totals over $53 million. Motion Made by R. Larios to approve the capital plan for FY28 through FY31 in the amount of $53,495,500 (5-0-0). Skiavi concluded by noting that he intends to pursue a town-wide building inventory and condition index to create a 25-year plan, moving away from a "wait for failure" model. He also warned of future tension regarding state-mandated wastewater timelines, noting that there will eventually be severe pushback against Boston forcing unrealistic wastewater timeframes on us.