Harwich prepares joint meeting with Chatham to revisit Monomoy school assessment formula

Harwich officials briefed the Select Board on a planned joint meeting with Chatham this week to reopen discussion of how the Monomoy Regional School District assessment is allocated between the two towns.

Town Administrator Jay said Harwich is at roughly 99.76% of its levy limit with only about $50,000 of levy capacity remaining, and that the district’s $1.96 million assessment increase in the last budget cycle far outstrips local taxation room. "We have about $50,000 in our levy limit," Jay said as he framed why Harwich needs to pursue changes to the assessment formula.

Jay proposed two immediate meeting objectives: establish a working group with representatives from both towns, the district and select stakeholders to explore formula alternatives, and present a preliminary framework for negotiation. He suggested resetting the operating assessment above the state minimum contribution to the district’s early years split (roughly 72/28) while moving capital, debt and transportation costs to a 50/50 split, paired with a five‑year transitional schedule to avoid sudden shifts for either town.

Select Board members stressed that Thursday’s meeting should aim to secure agreement to convene a focused working group with tight timelines and subject‑matter members (finance committee members, school committee representatives and municipal staff), rather than to finalize a new formula on the spot. Several Select Board members also recommended including community representatives with financing or building experience to help explain options to voters if a warrant article becomes necessary.

The board emphasized that any change would require school-district and town approvals and that, even if a formula is agreed, the earliest implementation would be in FY29 because changes must be adopted through the budget and warrant process. Jay said he will refine the presentation and proposed working‑group charge ahead of the joint meeting and that Select Board members will represent Harwich at the session.