Harwich taxpayers could see average property tax bills climb to over $12,000 by the year 2050, according to a comprehensive long-range financial forecast presented to the Finance Committee on Thursday. Finance Director Jennifer Mince unveiled a debt model that attempts to project the town’s excluded debt obligations through the middle of the century, specifically factoring in the massive "elephant in the room"—the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP).

While the jump from the current average bill of $5,872 to a projected $12,000 sounds substantial, Mince noted that the trajectory represents a 104% increase over the next 24 years, which is actually slower than the 135% increase Harwich experienced over the previous two decades. This is a planning tool, not a promise, Mince explained, adding that the model assumes a conservative 5% interest rate. If you put five finance directors in a room, you'd get five different results, but the trajectory would be the same.

Town Administrator James McGrail noted that the projections were built internally to save the nearly six-figure consulting fee an outside firm would have charged. The forecast relies on Harwich buying into the Dennis wastewater plant rather than constructing its own $125 million facility. Vice Chair Scott Norum admitted the data helped clarify the town's daunting infrastructure goals. That took the fear of $200 million of sewer right out of my mind, Norum said. When you see only $1,700 of that increase is attributable to excluded debt, it's not as scary.

Member Mark Ameres questioned the long-term impact of shifting demographics on these costs, asking, Do you think declining school enrollment will have a capital impact? Chair Robert MacCready suggested that a smaller population might eventually force more regional cooperation. The provincial way we look at things—having six police chiefs in Barnstable, for example—doesn't help. We need creative thinking as the population gets smaller, MacCready said.

The committee also addressed immediate fiscal emergencies, beginning with a request from Harbor Master John Harker for $24,465.83 to replace de-icing pumps following a catastrophic failure during an extreme winter freeze. Harker reported that 80% of the town's aging pump inventory failed within 24 hours of deployment as six to eight inches of ice choked the harbor. To protect the infrastructure, we frantically started deploying pumps. We had 48 of them running at one time, Harker said, noting that the effort saved the docks from an estimated $5,000 in damage. Member Peter Hughes commended the department’s quick action, stating, Kudos to you and your team for preventing more damage. You could be here talking about a lot more money.

Motion Made by P. Hughes to approve the request for $24,465.83 from the Finance Committee Reserve Fund for Harbor Master expenses. Motion Passed (8-0-0).

Harker also secured funding for new security cameras at Saquatucket Harbor to address safety concerns involving theft, vandalism, and confrontations with intoxicated individuals. We've had incidents involving police, vandalism, theft, and fires in the boaters' bathrooms, Harker told the committee, adding that he used his background in Homeland Security to assess the risk. Member Daniel Tworek inquired about the oversight of the landing, asking, Does the police department patrol that area? Harker confirmed the police provide excellent support but noted the cameras provide essential 24-hour accountability. Member Mark Peterson suggested the importance of signage to act as a deterrent, to which Harker agreed, noting, If I'm going to put a sign up, I have to have a camera or else it's hypocritical.

Motion Made by P. Hughes to authorize the transfer of $3,930.74 from the Finance Committee Reserve Fund for harbor cameras. Motion Passed (8-0-0).

A third transfer was required for Veteran Services to cover a $21,125 shortfall. Mince explained the gap resulted from an administrative error in the FY26 budget and recent costs associated with the burials of two Harwich veterans. The town is required to pay $4,000 per burial for local veterans. Regarding the reserve fund's health, MacCready noted, The balance remaining in the reserve fund is close to $70,000. If we held these off until July, we'd be reducing the new year's pool immediately.

Motion Made by P. Hughes to grant the request for a reserve fund transfer in the amount of $21,125 for Veteran Services. Motion Passed (8-0-0).

Looking ahead to community recognition, Tworek introduced a proposal for a Hometown Heroes banner program to honor veterans with portraits on town light poles. McGrail expressed strong support, noting he had successfully launched a similar program in Middleborough that transitioned from veteran banners in the fall to student artwork in the winter. Tworek emphasized the educational value, stating, I’ve often wondered if our students are aware of who a veteran is and why they served.

The meeting concluded with a debrief of the recent Town Meeting. Member Michele Gallucci praised the new electronic voting systems, noting, I loved the clickers. It was wonderful to see the numbers. However, Member Tina Games expressed a desire for more informed participation from the public, remarking, I’m only going to vote if it’s an issue I know enough about. If I don't, I won't cast a vote. Peterson added that the town should consider more visuals for individual articles to help clarify complex issues for voters on the floor.