For the first time in over a decade, Harwich is moving to raise its ambulance billing rates, a shift projected to generate an additional $137,000 annually for the town’s general fund. Fire Chief David LeBlanc informed the Select Board on Tuesday that Harwich’s current rates have fallen significantly below the regional average and the standards of the town's billing company. The last time we had raised ambulance fees was about 2013. Our fees have fallen down so far... our billing rates are so close to the Medicare rates that there's not much extra cost recovery there, LeBlanc said. Member J. Handler sought to clarify the impact on residents, noting that while the billing rates increase, insurance companies typically cover the difference. I need the public to make sure that they hear that increasing the rates of our ambulances and runs will not translate to another bill that they're going to get, Handler emphasized. The board reached a consensus to move the proposal to a formal public hearing in the coming weeks.

The town also moved to increase licensing fees for animal owners. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve the 2026 dog and kennel license fees. Motion Passed (5-0). Under the new schedule, personal kennel licenses for four to seven dogs will double from $25 to $50, while commercial kennel fees will rise from $50 to $100. P. Piekarski highlighted the adjustments, noting that the board was following through on a recommendation to adjust the personal kennel... from $25 a household to $50 a household and commercial kennels... from $50 a facility to $100.

In a victory for the South Harwich Meeting House, the board signaled its intent to relieve the non-profit of a $7,300 annual property insurance burden. Judy Walden, representing the volunteer group, explained that a 2017 change in their license agreement had placed the insurance cost on the group without their full realization, complicating their efforts to maintain the historic structure. Not a single utility, not an inspection, not a maintenance, not any aspect of that building has the town been responsible for, Walden said. Chair D. Howell expressed regret over the previous board's decision to shift the cost, remarking, Shame on us for not telling them that that was going on. We really should have been here before the board to make those changes. The board directed the Town Manager to draft a revised agreement where the town resumes responsibility for property insurance.

Leadership changes are also coming to the Monomoy Regional School District. School Committee Chair Meredith Henderson announced that Superintendent Scott Carpenter will step down at the conclusion of the current school year. I just wanted to come and publicly announce... that Scott Carpenter is retiring at the end of this school year. We have begun our superintendent search process, Henderson said, noting that community forums for parents and staff are being scheduled.

Harwich's efforts to fill its own leadership vacancies have hit a hurdle. Interim Town Manager Kevin Considine reported that the initial search for a permanent Finance Director yielded five applicants, but none possessed the necessary municipal experience required for the role. Unfortunately... we really didn't get a candidate particularly that had municipal experience, which I think is absolutely critical at this point. My recommendation at this point is to re-advertise, Considine said. The board agreed to reopen the search for another 30 days. Despite the hiring delay, Considine shared positive fiscal news, announcing that S&P has affirmed the town’s AAA bond rating. This rating is vital as the town prepares for $10 million in debt-excluded borrowing for major infrastructure work.

The meeting opened with a poignant tribute to local leader Dick Gomes, who recently passed away. Members recalled his extensive service to the Harwich CDC and the food pantry. A. Doucette called him a true gentleman for this town who leaves behind quite a legacy, while Chair Howell noted that without Gomes' assistance, the Quaker Lane South Harwich project never would have gotten built.

In legal matters, the board authorized a response to an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by resident Michael McAskill regarding executive session procedures. Legal counsel Michelle explained that many of the procedural issues raised have already been corrected in current practice. M. Kelleher requested that the town begin tracking the specific costs associated with responding to such complaints, noting, I think the taxpayers should know what these complaints cost us in terms of expenses... anything related to what we're dealing with from the FOIAs. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve the response pending the inclusion of hyperlinks and authorize Legal Counsel to send it on the Board's behalf. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board finalized a new communications policy that will require all 140-plus volunteer board and committee members to use official town email addresses for municipal business starting October 15. Town Clerk Emily Mitchell confirmed, We are prepared to begin issuing these emails immediately. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve the Board, Committee, and Commission email use policy as presented with an effective start date of October 15, 2025. Motion Passed (5-0).

In other business, Director of Cultural Affairs Tara Mooney highlighted the success of recent fall events, including a summit of 175 Master Gardeners and the opening of the Ghost Story performances. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve a hawkers and peddlers license for Pilgrim Lodge AF and AM to sell Christmas trees at 9 Sisson Road. Motion Passed (5-0). Bob Heppy of Pilgrim Lodge noted this is the group's eighth year selling trees on the two weekends following Thanksgiving. Finally, the board certified the town's seasonal population at 36,000 for liquor licensing purposes. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve the 2026 Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission seasonal population form as presented. Motion Passed (5-0).