No tax increase expected in Harrison

Harrison residents likely will pay the same property tax rate in 2023, according to a proposed budget presented Monday by the township commissioners.

“The draft 2023 general fund operating budget is balanced and represents no tax increase,” Commissioner Chuck Dizard said.

The preliminary $6.2 million budget holds the tax rate steady at 5.106 mills. If approved, the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would again pay $510.

Commissioners are expected to discuss the plan during the township’s next regular meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 in the municipal office.

The board is expected to vote on the final budget Dec. 19.

Highlights of the budget include $1.6 million to be spent on the police department, $290,000 on fire coverage, $393,000 for public works and $477,000 for the road department.

Spending also includes up to $115,000 for the township manager’s salary, $92,880 for two new police vehicles, $31,500 for patrol car cameras and up to $95,000 for demolition costs associated with the township’s antiblight campaign.

The commissioners are expected to approve paying $2,500 to Pioneer Hose Company in Brackenridge for fire coverage in the township’s Natrona neighborhood.

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

A $640,000 sewer project is on the books for Little Bull Creek, to be paid with money from the township’s American Rescue Plan.

There also is $100,000 for Harbison Street reconstruction and $140,000 for the kayak launch project.

Established in 2013, the kayak launch sits along Veterans Way and is part of the Friends of the Riverfront’s Three Rivers Water Trail.

Commissioners are hoping to create a nine-space, paved parking lot for kayakers at Sycamore Street and River Avenue. The project also includes new sidewalks, trees, public art and a “Welcome to Natrona” sign.