Harwich Select Board Unanimously Opposes Cape Real Estate Transfer Tax Petition

Select Board · Meeting of March 2, 2026

Harwich Select Board votes unanimously to oppose Assembly of Delegates real estate transfer tax petition. The 4-0 vote at the March 2 meeting directed board members to draft a letter to the Massachusetts Legislature — addressed to the Senate President and House Speaker — opposing the Cape Cod Assembly of Delegates' home rule petition, which passed the assembly 51 to 49 percent on February 18 and would allow towns to opt in to a transfer fee on residential real estate sales of $1 million and above. Harwich's Assembly delegate, Elizabeth Harter, appeared before the board to defend her yes vote, saying the petition "doesn't affect Harwich unless we want it to" and that the county's work was done.

Select Board member Jeff Handler fired back: "I think you would be in a way different position if you kept the public abreast and informed of what in the heck was going on prior to voting yes," citing 14 months of delegate-level work with no formal outreach to the board or residents. The board also approved a $2,973,000 contract with GHD Inc. for Phase 3A sewer extension engineering services, citing a June 30 deadline to preserve zero-percent State Revolving Fund financing.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of March 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.