The Charter Commission moved to temper the language governing Harwich's public safety departments this week, reaching a consensus to remove the word absolute from descriptions of the authority held by the town’s police and fire chiefs. The decision highlights a careful balancing act as the commission works to professionalize town government through a Strong Chief model while remaining sensitive to public perception and existing labor protections.

The discussion centered on draft revisions for the town charter that reference Massachusetts General Law Chapter 48. While the state statute uses the phrase full and absolute authority to describe a fire chief’s powers, commission members expressed concern that such a term could be misinterpreted by voters or city employees. Chair Christine Flynn noted that the chiefs' power is already limited by broader town policies and collective bargaining agreements. Within the meets and bounds of union contracts and town policy, they can't just unilaterally fire someone, Flynn said, advocating for a description that reflects those legal realities.

The commission is currently refining the charter to formally adopt the Strong Chief model for the Police Department, a structural shift that would grant the chief hiring and firing authority previously held by the Select Board. One commission member suggested that removing the word absolute would help the transition go more smoothly at Town Meeting. If we soften it up a little bit, I'm good with that, the member noted. Everything we can do to not alarm people is a plus.

Another member, who had researched the state citations, agreed that while the legal authority remains established under state law, the optics of the charter language are critical for community support. It's just the law. But I have no problem if they change it. You could just say 'authority.' I think that'll be fine, the member said. The commission ultimately agreed to strengthen the charter’s legal framework while maintaining a tone that emphasizes professional management over unilateral power.

This structural refinement comes as Harwich navigates a period of significant administrative change, including recent moves to grant the Town Administrator full hiring authority over department heads. The commission is also preparing for a deep dive into the town’s long-term financial health. Town Administrator James McGrail is scheduled to attend the next meeting to discuss the capital outlay plan and potential shifts to the budget timeline, which currently faces pressure from rising regional school assessments and a narrow tax levy capacity.