The Harwich Finance Committee issued a full-throated defense of Town Administrator James McGrail on Tuesday, signaling unified support for his leadership despite recent media reports concerning his previous tenure in Middleboro. Member Peter Hughes initiated the discussion, noting that while recent reports might offer a shock factor at first, his personal experience with McGrail since his arrival in Harwich has been overwhelmingly positive. I have found him to be extremely professional, straightforward with us, very sharp, very much on point with what we’re dealing with, Hughes said, urging the committee to endorse McGrail as the right town administrator for us.

The sentiment was echoed across the board. Vice Chair Scott Norum noted that his confidence grew after seeing the solidly creative methodology used for local receipt estimates, while Member Daniel Tworek, the committee’s senior member, described the current administration's work as heads and shoulders above everything we’ve received in the last two administrations. McGrail, clearly moved by the support, described the recent professional attacks as a low point in his life. I never had any issues in Middleboro until I left Middleboro, McGrail told the committee. Two weeks ago they were giving me awards and two weeks later I’m getting crucified in the paper for a budget that never even made it to town meeting. I am extremely grateful for Harwich. I know that I made the right decision.

Following the show of solidarity, the committee moved to approve the town’s foundational spending plans. Motion Made by P. Hughes to recommend Article 4, the Town Operating Budget, in the amount of $51,763,298. Motion Passed 8-0. Finance Director Jennifer Mince highlighted several new efficiencies in the budget, including a transparency portal through the Munis system. It’s a way Munis can put outward data that I can organize in a usable fashion on the website, Mince explained, noting that the public will soon be able to drill down into specific accounts. McGrail added that the budget also includes increased funding for snow and ice and building maintenance at Town Hall, which has long needed TLC for items like carpets and paint.

The committee also sanctioned a $33.1 million assessment for the Monomoy Regional School District, which includes an additional $500,000 intended to ensure level services for the coming year. Motion Made by P. Hughes to recommend Article 5, the Monomoy Regional School District assessment, for $33,104,137. Motion Passed 8-0. Member Tina Games reported that the school committee had approved the budget earlier that evening. Member Dana DeCosta noted that while the school budget remains a large percentage of town spending, she supported the motion as the right thing to do for us. McGrail noted that the district is utilizing a window of declining enrollment to stabilize services, but warned this trend would likely only provide relief for another five years.

The financial fallout from a recent blizzard also took center stage as the committee authorized a reserve fund transfer to cover emergency sheltering costs. Motion Made by P. Hughes to approve a reserve fund transfer of $10,652 for storm shelter expenses at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School and authorize the chair to sign. Motion Passed 7-0-1 (M. Ameres abstaining). McGrail explained that while the shelter was opened at the governor's request, Harwich as the host town was ultimately responsible for the bill. The storm proved the regional sheltering plan is not as robust as it originally was designed for, McGrail said. Member Tina Games supported the payment, stating Cape Tech doesn’t need to eat this. That’s not fair. Member Mark Ameres abstained from the vote as he had participated in the storm response effort. This transfer comes as the town stares down a projected $900,000 deficit in its snow and ice account, which officials plan to address through a special town meeting and leftover free cash.

The committee also reversed course on several articles previously seen as controversial. Member Dana DeCosta and Peter Hughes led the charge to indefinitely postpone Article 56, a citizen petition that sought to ban multifamily development special permits in certain residential zones. I don’t think the finance committee should be doing the planning board’s work quite frankly, Hughes remarked. Motion Made by P. Hughes to indefinitely postpone Article 56. Motion Passed 8-0. Similarly, the committee voted to set aside Articles 13 and 14, which originally dealt with tourism and cultural grants, in favor of a new proposal from the Town Administrator to use $50,000 for beautification and lighting at Brooks Park. Motion Made by P. Hughes to indefinitely postpone Articles 13 and 14. Motion Passed 7-1 (M. Peterson opposed).

Technical corrections were also made to school-related capital projects. Motion Made by P. Hughes to recommend Article 7 for $47,139 and Article 8 for $137,954 from the Harwich PEG access fund for Monomoy studio and press box equipment. Motion Passed 8-0. Member Mark Peterson inquired about the source of the funding, to which McGrail explained that PEG funds are derived from cable subscriber percentages. Every time one of you cuts the cord, the bucket gets smaller, McGrail noted. Chair Robert MacCready concluded the meeting by confirming he would begin assigning specific articles to members to champion at the upcoming Town Meeting, ensuring the committee is prepared to answer resident questions on the floor.