The Harwich Select Board acted swiftly on Tuesday to maintain administrative continuity, elevating Megan Eldridge to the position of Interim Acting Town Administrator. The single-purpose meeting was prompted by the town’s municipal charter, which requires the board to appoint an assistant town administrator to the role within 10 days of a full-time town administrator's departure. This move follows the recent exit of former Town Administrator Joseph Powers and underscores the board's reliance on internal veterans during a period of significant leadership transition.

Chair Donald Howell opened the session by highlighting the procedural necessity of the appointment, noting that this is a single purpose meeting. Under the charter, we have 10 days after the departure of the full-time town administrator to appoint an assistant town administrator. The board has been navigating a complex administrative landscape, recently appointing Eric Kinzer as Interim Finance Director to stabilize the town’s treasury while concurrently searching for a permanent replacement for Powers.

While the appointment of Eldridge was met with unanimous support, the discussion briefly turned toward her compensation. Vice Chair Peter Piekarski initially proposed setting a specific salary during the public session, suggesting that there will be a pay increase that is representative of an entry-level town administrator position and that value is $165,000 annually. Piekarski emphasized the need to acknowledge the increased responsibilities Eldridge has shouldered since taking over acting duties in June.

However, Chair Howell advised caution regarding public salary negotiations. I have had that discussion with Megan and she definitely deserves that, but the actual number, I think, is something we have to discuss as a contract negotiation unless the board wants to just upfront agree to it now, Howell said, adding that he would prefer to settle the specifics in an executive session. Member Mark Kelleher agreed with the cautious approach, stating I would as well prefer to defer the contract details.

To ensure Eldridge is fairly compensated for her immediate transition, Piekarski adjusted his motion to guarantee that any eventual pay increase would be applied retroactively. I would like the increase, whatever the board lands on, to be retroactive to today, Piekarski noted. Before the final tally, Jeffrey Handler requested a clarification of the language, asking to read the motion one more time to ensure the retroactivity and interim status were clearly defined.

Motion Made by P. Piekarski to appoint Megan Eldridge as the interim acting town administrator until such time that the board appoints an interim town administrator at a pay rate to be determined in the future by the board retroactive to today's date. Motion Passed 3-0-0

The board is scheduled to meet in executive session on Monday, July 14, to finalize the contract negotiations and discuss the potential appointment of an external interim town administrator to support the current staff. This dual-track approach reflects Chair Howell’s ongoing efforts to prevent burnout among current town employees while the recruitment firm search for a permanent successor continues.