The Harwich Select Board finalized the fiscal year 2026 town operating budget on Monday, authorizing a $48.1 million spending plan that includes a strategic shift in how the town will cover its costs. Following concerns that projected revenue from local meals and hotel taxes was overly optimistic, the board opted to lower those estimates and lean more heavily on property taxes to ensure a balanced warrant. Interim Finance Director Ed Spelman suggested reducing the local estimated receipts for meals and hotel taxes by a combined $450,000 to reflect a more conservative 92% of previous collections. To bridge the gap, the board utilized over $300,000 in savings realized from a downward revision in the regional school assessment. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to reduce the local receipt line item within the funding source for Article 4 by $309,000 and increase the taxes line within the funding sources by $309,000 (Vote: 5-0-0). Motion Made by P. Piekarski to accept and adopt Article 4 with a total operating budget of $48,127,931 (Vote: 5-0-0).

The budget adjustment was made possible by a late-stage revision to the Monomoy Regional School District assessment. School officials presented a revised $49.2 million district budget, which represents a 5.87% increase over the current year but sits $400,418 lower than previous drafts. School Business Manager Michael McMillan noted that while the district is leveraging $1 million from its Excess and Deficiency (E&D) account, relying too heavily on one-off funds is risky. If we rely on them too much now, we risk larger assessment increases later if the funds dry up, McMillan explained. Despite the reduction, the Harwich assessment still sees a 4.23% increase. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to accept and adopt the Monomoy Regional School District budget as presented (Vote: 5-0-0).

The school discussion was marked by sharp criticism from parents regarding the reduction of Harwich’s integrated preschool program from four sessions to three. Resident Ryan Edwards argued the administration's data on students with disabilities was inconsistent and suggested the cuts might be retaliation for parent opposition or a move to force families into a Chatham-based program. Superintendent Scott Carpenter defended the decision, stating that the number of sessions is strictly driven by the 13 currently identified students with disabilities. We anticipate based on the pipeline that three sections will be sufficient, Carpenter said, though he noted the district would flex if enrollment exceeded 21 students. Select Board Member M. Howell expressed concern over the projections, stating, I hope that because this is on tape, we actually do find the money if these vulnerable children show up at a much higher number than projected.

In a reversal of recent momentum for school infrastructure, the board chose to hit the brakes on a major maintenance project. After the Finance Committee previously split its endorsement on a $6.9 million debt proposal for Middle School siding and windows, the Select Board opted to wait for more technical data expected in early April. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to indefinitely postpone Article 9 as presented (Vote: 5-0-0).

The board also grappled with a controversial $10,000 donation from Timothy Richie intended to fund the reconstruction of beach access stairs at Walter Road. Resident Matt Sutphin characterized the gift as a squeeze play designed to influence the Conservation Commission before they had even reviewed the project. Chair D. Howell agreed, noting, It is extremely precipitous to take a gift to build something we don't even know will be approved. I think it's premature. While Select Board Member M. Howell argued the town should accept the very generous gift and simply return it if the project failed, Vice Chair P. Piekarski called it the cart before the horse. The board ultimately withdrew the motion to accept the funds, deferring the matter for further research.

Infrastructure progress continued elsewhere as Town Administrator Joe provided a briefing on the Phase 3 sewer construction in East Harwich. Work remains concentrated on Martha Eaton Court and Standish Wood Circle, with Project 1E slated to begin next week near the fire station. To support these ongoing efforts, the board authorized a $50,000 contract for Waterworks Consulting LLC to provide project management assistance. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to enter into an agreement for a Wastewater Project Consultant between the Town of Harwich and Waterworks Consulting LLC, not to exceed $50,000 (Vote: 5-0-0).

Public comment also touched on the Great Sand Lakes sewer extension, with resident Ann Fett urging the board to move forward with Article 20. She challenged claims that more information was needed, pointing to the town’s eligibility for 0% financing and principal forgiveness. The board later finalized the Town Meeting warrant, including a small correction to Article 20 to specify pond water quality improvements. Motion Made by D. Howell to close the warrant with the addition of Article 37 and scripter corrections (Vote: 5-0-0). The board also approved the warrant for the upcoming Annual Town Election. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to accept and close the 2025 Annual Town Election warrant (Vote: 5-0-0).

Earlier in the evening, department heads highlighted a busy spring schedule. Youth and Family Services Director Ashley Simmington announced a new social skills club for young adults with autism and a Connect and Grow storytelling festival set for July. Community Center Director Carolyn Carrie reminded residents of the upcoming Adult Prom Night on April 18 and the Junior Theater’s production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which opens April 4. The board also handled routine business, including seasonal liquor license renewals for several local establishments. Motion Made by J. Kavanaugh to approve 2025 seasonal on-premise liquor license renewals for Pelham House, Port Restaurant, Ember Pizza, Saquatucket Snack Shack, Wequassett Harbor Resort, and Perks (Vote: 5-0-0).