Harrison holds the line on taxes

Harrison residents won’t face a property tax increase in 2023.

The township commissioners on Monday approved the $6.3 million budget and held the tax rate steady at 5.106 mills.

The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 again will pay $510.

“I’m glad to see we could keep the millage the same and include some exciting projects,” Commissioner Jim Erb said.

He cited the reconstruction of Harbison Street, which the board recently committed to by applying for a nearly $500,000 state grant.

Erb said a string of demolitions also will improve the township.

Commissioners applied for a $194,500 grant from Allegheny County to take down several tax delinquent, vacant or abandoned structures throughout the township, many of them in Natrona.

Other highlights of the budget include $1.6 million to be spent on the police department, $353,000 on fire coverage, $393,000 for public works and $36,000 for snow and ice removal.

The budget also includes $477,000 for the road department, $50,000 for Citizens Hose ambulance service and $15,000 for the Community Library of Allegheny Valley.

The new township manager, Amy Rockwell, will be paid $115,000.

Harrison police are expected to get two new vehicles at a total cost of just under $93,000 and new cameras for the patrol cars at $31,500.

Commissioner Chuck Dizard said residents can look forward to several projects from the $880,000 capital improvement budget.

A $640,000 sewer project is planned for Little Bull Creek and will be paid for with money from the federal American Rescue Plan.

Another $140,000 is planned for the kayak launch along Veterans Way in Natrona. Work includes a paved parking lot for kayakers to be built at Sycamore Street and River Avenue, along with sidewalks, trees and a “Welcome to Natrona” sign.

The budget is available for review on the township’s website at harrisontwp.com.