No increase likely for Harrison property taxes

Harrison property taxes are not expected to increase next year after the township commissioners approved a preliminary $7.8 million budget.

The tax rate is expected to remain at 5.1 mills. The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would again pay $510.

The commissioners will take a final vote Dec. 18.

Township Manager Amy Rockwell said the township has a new capital improvement plan that is long range, spanning five years, and identifies the needs and lifespans of machinery, equipment and buildings.

In 2024, commissioners plan to purchase a sewer-cleaning truck and various piece of police equipment.

Rockwell said the police department needs in-car computers with printers because of changes with court citations, and the department needs a new server.

The sewer-cleaning truck will be paid for from the general fund, and the police purchases will come from the capital improvement fund.

“That was created to allow the township to prepare for anticipated expenses and smooth costs over a number of years,” she said.

“It is our hope that we can supplement our funding and explore grant opportunities to offset costs.”

Highlights of the budget include $1.8 million for police services and $1.7 million for roads, which includes $400,000 for paving projects.

Salaries in the budget are placeholders and don’t reflect actual figures, Rockwell said.

Non-uniformed employees will have their salaries approved by the commissioners in December.

The proposed budget is available for review at harrisontwp.com.