Harwich Charter Commission Agrees on Removal, Vacancy, and Evaluation Language

HARWICH — April 23, 2026 — Harwich Charter Commission advances draft language on committee removals and town administrator succession. The commission, chaired by Linda Cebula, worked through Chapters 1 through 5 of its proposed charter revision at the April 23 meeting, reaching consensus — without formal votes — on three significant provisions: a two-tier interim-then-acting succession structure for town administrator vacancies, a requirement that the town administrator annually evaluate all department heads, and Select Board authority to remove appointed committee members for non-compliance with the terms of their appointment. Select Board member Jeff Handler attended as an observer and shaped the vacancy discussion, noting that ambiguity during a recent transition led to confusion about who held full authority. "I think anyone who sits in that seat should have all the powers," Handler said. The commission also removed Chapter 5's enumerated list of town divisions, which members said prevented the town administrator from reorganizing departments without a full charter amendment. A preliminary report is due to the state by early September, a public forum is scheduled for June 18, and the commission must submit a final draft in November for a voter ballot.