Harwich Board Hires New Legal Teams, Ratifies Assistant Town Administrator Appointment

HARWICH — April 27, 2026 — Harwich Select Board approved new legal counsel, ratified an assistant town administrator, and received a stark 25-year financial projection at its April 27 meeting. Finance Director Jen Mince presented a long-term debt model projecting that the town's excluded debt service will more than triple — from roughly $6.5 million in fiscal year 2027 to approximately $23 million by fiscal year 2050 — driven almost entirely by the phased sewer program financed through the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. The board voted unanimously to designate Clifford and Kenney as labor counsel and retain KP Law as general counsel, with Town Administrator Jay McGrail endorsing both selections. McGrail's recommendation of Jim Mulcahy — currently assistant to the town manager in Middleborough, overseeing a $131 million capital and operating structure — as assistant town administrator was ratified unanimously, pending contract negotiations. The board also unanimously approved a new part-time grant writer and communications coordinator position, graded at $41 to $51.95 per hour for 24 hours per week, to pursue infrastructure grants and manage public communications. A $270,280 intermunicipal dredging agreement with Barnstable County for Sackatucket Harbor was approved within a $400,000 operating budget line.