During a recent government meeting, discussions highlighted critical issues affecting the local community, particularly concerning environmental safety and labor shortages. A member of the board reported their involvement in addressing the serious concern of radioactive water potentially being dumped into Bugatti Bay, emphasizing the need for community engagement in environmental protection efforts.

The meeting also showcased the success of the Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program, which drew significant participation at the Harwich Community Center. The program aims to educate residents on winter gardening techniques and is part of a broader initiative to support local agriculture and sustainability.

Another pressing topic was the ongoing challenge of securing guest workers, particularly H-2B and J-1 visa holders, essential for maintaining the local economy, especially in the hospitality sector. The board acknowledged the increasing difficulty in attracting these workers, with discussions around potential solutions, including housing initiatives for seasonal workers funded by ARPA.

Concerns were raised about the diminishing availability of host families for J-1 workers, as many traditional hosts are aging out and younger community members are less inclined to participate. This has led to reports of inadequate living conditions for some workers, raising alarms about their treatment and safety.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on how the county government can better support these initiatives and address the challenges faced by both workers and the community.