Harwich Charter Commission Deletes 1987 Financial Plan Provision, Rejects Impact Statement

HARWICH — March 19, 2026 — Harwich Charter Commission rejects two financial transparency proposals for charter inclusion and deletes a 1987 budget provision. At the March 19 meeting, the nine-member elected commission voted unanimously to delete Section 9.2.6 of the existing charter, which describes the town budget as "a complete financial plan for all town funds and activities" — language members said was inaccurate because the operating budget excludes debt service, CPC funds, and capital projects. A finance subcommittee proposal to require per-taxpayer financial impact statements in town meeting warrants was also rejected for charter placement after lengthy debate, with members noting the town's warrant goes to print in late March while assessed property values are not finalized until December, and that bonded debt — such as the $35 million Great Sand Lakes sewer project approved at the prior town meeting — may not hit tax bills for three to four years. A second subcommittee proposal mandating a pre-town meeting public information session was held without resolution. The commission agreed to pursue a formal joint meeting with the Select Board and a separate session with Town Administrator Jay before circulating the redlined draft publicly; a commission report is due in September.