Harrison taxes expected to remain steady in 2022

Harrison residents likely won’t pay higher real estate taxes next year, pending a final vote by commissioners on the township’s 2022 budget.

The board is considering a $5 million budget proposal that maintains the property tax rate at 5.1 mills.

If approved, owners of a home assessed at $100,000 would again pay $510 to the township.

The township is expected to hold a special meeting Dec. 30 to vote on the budget although it has not yet been scheduled.

The state requires municipal budgets to be passed by Dec. 31.

“The tax rate hasn’t changed in at least six years since I’ve been on the board,” Commissioner Chuck Dizard said.

Highlights of the budget include nearly $1.5 million in costs for police coverage, $283,000 for fire services and $112,000 for planning and zoning.

The proposed budget is about 4% less than this year’s $5.2 million spending plan.

Dizard said capital improvements for next year will include run-of-the-mill projects such as mandated storm sewer evaluation.

“In these crazy times, especially with covid still raging, status quo is comforting,” Dizard said.

Dizard said he plans to pursue ideas on ordinance inspections and river trail development.

He also will seek tree plantings in spring and fall. Last month, Dizard led a $6,000 project that saw 15 trees planted along Federal Street in the township’s Natrona section.

A joint project between Harrison and Allegheny Technologies Inc., the trees are expected to provide protection from dust and noise pollution near the mill.

Dizard said he will pursue more trees farther up the block near the former Penn Salt manufacturing plant.

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