June 1, 2020

“Mr. MacAskill moved to close the Public Hearing. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Ford said that he had given this some thought and had spoken with Mr. Hooper. He does think it is right for the presentation to be made to them, as to where they stand and where the action they take might affect the residents of the town. He thinks they have two options here. As the Board, they are concerned about raising fees at this time, and they are going to a 1/12 budget. They are all waiting to see where they are at, going into the Fall. He would be as comfortable postponing, with a caveat to the residents that there will be an increase at some point, and it could be $30 or $40, as Mr. Hooper pointed out. Mr. Ford said that it is Mr. Hooper's job to point out to us what they need as revenue in order to run the transfer station and dump as he has been running it all along. He has had calls from people with concern about raising fees. But he thinks at some point, it will need to happen to keep the economic cart moving in the right direction. Mr. McManus said that he agrees with what Mr. Ford said. He has advocated for reviewing and raising fees each year to avoid having to make such a big jump. As Mr. Hooper has indicated, if they don't increase this year, it will be a bigger increase next year. But with the uncertainty of the municipal budget and citizen's personal budget, it probably makes this the year that we try and tough it out. That goes against the position he has held since he was elected, but they are in a position, where all bets are off. With that he would make a motion to not increase the fee structure this year. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill, with discussion. Mr. Howell recognized that he is going to get comment from people, from off Cape, with this comment. Though by definition, the non-residents showing up here have a second home. They are coming here not being a resident. He would have approved the non-resident part of this, but he could not see raising fees for anyone who lives here, especially since we have such a large population on fixed incomes over 65. They need to rethink what the spread is. The difference is less than $2 per month, and he does not understand that at all. Mr. MacAskill commented, if this does not get voted, someone could make another fee schedule, if so inclined. He thanked Mr. Hooper for the answers to his questions and at some point those answers should get into the packet. He still does not agree with him, but appreciates what he brought forward. Mr. MacAskill does agree with Mr. Howell, on the non-resident fees and also would consider recycling fees going up. As a Board they need to dive into taking care of the Town of Harwich, and only the Town of Harwich. They have some tough decisions coming up, on staff and the size of their operation. He would not support raising fees for residents, but would consider nonresident fees. Mr. McManus said, to clarify, that the non-resident stickers are not for those with second homes. They are for other town residents, that look to use the transfer station in Harwich. Mr. Hooper confirmed that was correct. The nonresident sticker, which they sell 145 annually, is for people coming from other towns. Particularly those coming from towns that have adopted the pay as you throw regulations. He is one of them, and would not be opposed to raising whatever the Board thought on that, as well as, the recycle only sticker. They do not sell a lot of them, only 325 annually. Serious consideration, that should go up, because recycling has been in the tubes for the last couple of years. Mr. Howell would like to know why those with second homes are grouped together with full-time residents. Mr. Ballantine said that it would require a further, down the road answer, but they can take two actions tonight. They can take an action, and look to raise the recycling and non-resident rates. Mr. McManus said that he assumed, the reason why people who have second homes here are grouped with those that live here year round, is because they pay the same taxes here. As opposed to people who live in another town and may have some contact to Harwich, or a matter of convenience. He would not support raising fees. Though he would offer an amendment to his motion, to increase fees for the non-resident and recycling. Mr. Ballantine said they should vote on the original motion; to leave the sticker fees the same. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)