The Harwich Charter Commission is moving toward hiring outside expertise to guide its multi-month overhaul of town government, identifying a budget of up to $40,000 for professional consulting services. During the commission's June 17 meeting, member Paul Herbus presented a comparison between two primary contenders: the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at UMass Boston and KP Law, the firm that currently serves as Harwich’s town counsel. Herbus estimated the cost for either firm would land between $30,000 and $40,000, roughly equating to $2,500 per meeting for the anticipated 16 to 18 sessions ahead.

The choice between the two firms sparked immediate debate, with several members expressing a desire for an independent perspective detached from the town's current legal representation. Sandy voiced strong opposition to involving KP Law, citing ongoing administrative friction within the town. The last place in the world I would want to put our fate into is KP Law, Sandy said. They're part of the problem and part of why we're here. This sentiment aligns with recent town-wide discussions regarding legal liability and lease knots at the Harwich Junior Theater campus, which have required significant coordination with current counsel. Sandy noted a preference for the Collins Center, arguing that they are far more valuable because they are not dedicated to 'this is the way everyone else does things.'

Herbus characterized the choice as one between an academic, apolitical approach from the Collins Center and a strictly legal framework from KP Law. Chair Linda sought to formalize the search process by tasking each member with drafting a top five list of requirements for a consultant by June 24. What is it we want this person or firm to do for us? the Chair asked, emphasizing the need for a clear position paper before inviting firms for interviews. Earlier in the meeting, the commission addressed its own internal record-keeping, as Motion Made by P. Herbus to accept the minutes of the June 5 meeting. Motion Passed (7-0). Judith, participating in the unanimous decision, seconded the motion as the group continues to seek a professional recording secretary. Paul Herbus reported that Judy Molstead has expressed interest in the role, though the Chair cautioned that the commission requires concise minutes rather than full transcripts.

The commission’s internal philosophy remains divided between those seeking a radical redesign and those favoring incremental improvements. Lou advocated for a foundational rethink of town operations. I look at this as a business plan. I would take the plan and rip it up and then put it back together, Lou argued. Unless you tear it apart, you can't really analyze anything. Linda (Chair) pushed back against a total demolition of the document, stating, I don't think we need to blow up the entire charter. Instead, she suggested focusing on high-level topics such as term limits for elected officials. Paul Herbus warned that drastic changes could jeopardize the final product at the ballot box, noting that success depends on the complexity of what you're presenting.

To ensure the eventual proposal survives public scrutiny, the commission is preparing for a public hearing on June 25. Tony suggested that during public testimony, the commission should summarize the key point they were trying to make so they feel heard. Richard suggested that the commission prioritize items already flagged by previous review committees to avoid redundant efforts. We should address the items they referred to the Commission first so we aren't redoing work, Richard noted. To aid in this comparison, the Chair distributed research assignments to members to gather data on how neighboring towns handle elected offices and term limits. Members were also reminded of a June 20 deadline to sign campaign finance books at the Town Clerk's office.