Harwich Water Board Approves FY27 Budgets, Chair Announces Resignation

HARWICH — March 3, 2026 — Harwich water board approves tight FY27 budgets and chair announces she will step down. The Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a fiscal year 2027 water budget projecting revenues of $5,644,591 and a net surplus of just $202,262 — far below the board's preferred $1 million floor — along with a wastewater budget carrying a roughly $784,000 deficit subsidized by the general fund. Finance staff Sandy Seagga said the slim water surplus is "planned that way" pending a rate study expected to add $700,000 to $800,000 in annual revenue beginning July 1. Superintendent Jason Trapana reported the department weathered a major February 22-24 storm by running generators around the clock, though several units failed and required field repairs, and said annual generator maintenance scheduled for April will be brought forward. At the close of the meeting, Chair Narin Dunn announced she will step down at the board's next reorganization, citing two years in a difficult role: "I'm just plain worn out and I've accepted it." The board also faces at least one open commissioner seat as of March 3, with nomination papers closing March 27.