Seven Cape Cod Communities Plow Through Spring Town Meeting Warrants

HARWICH – Seven Cape Cod communities held town meetings on Monday night.

Sandwich town meeting voters approved a measure allowing for the sale of the Henry T. Wing School and the creation of a new recreation park with pickleball courts.

Residents also supported a tax override to make permanent repairs to the storm-ravaged Sandwich Boardwalk and a $75 million town budget.

“We have been conservative in our revenue assumptions and careful with our expense estimates,” said Town Manager Bud Dunham.

“So based on what the governor and the House of Representatives have told us, we believe the vote being recommended this evening is very safe and our budget is balanced,” he said.

Mashpee residents sped through their warrant, approving the $57 million operating budget and several Community Preservation Act items.

$167,000 will be spent for three Habitat for Humanity homes.

Harwich town meeting took no action on a controversial pet crematorium and approved money for Saquatucket Harbor improvements and new bathrooms at the high school field.

Harwich residents also agreed to join a partnership with Dennis and Yarmouth to further explore wastewater partnerships.

Finance Committee Chairman Jack Brown said the town still has some financial challenges.

“Efforts continue to move us from an AA+ bond rating to AAA rating, an important hurdle to clear on our future bond offerings,” he said.

They also said yes to a $37 million operating budget in Harwich.

Orleans residents okayed a master plan for Nauset Beach, rejected money for a Skaket Beach project and approved the $37 million operating budget.

Money for affordable housing was also approved.

In Brewster, money for open space preservation was approved and an affordable housing trust created.

Bourne residents approved new zoning for an assisted living facility in Sagamore Beach, a 3 percent tax on marijuana retailers and the $65 million budget.

“This project would bring needed senior residences, senior care facilities and medical services to Sagamore,” said Planning Board Chairman Elmer Clegg, who spoke in favor of the housing project.

Eastham town meeting approved money for police station repairs and a $28.4 million dollar operating budget.

By MATT PITTA, CapeCod.com News Director