Harrison property owners likely won’t see a tax increase in 2026.

Commissioners approved a proposed budget that maintains the property tax rate of 5.6 mills.

The owner of a home assessed at the median price of $75,100 would again pay $420.

Overall budget expenses reflect a 4% decrease from this year, and an 18% cumulative reduction from 2023.

Manager Amy Rockwell said the biggest challenge to budget planning is the lack of regular property assessments by Allegheny County.

“Without routine reassessments, our real estate tax revenue will fail to reflect market value, significantly underfunding essential services and improvements,” Rockwell said.

“With the lack of a countywide reassessment since 2012, and the influx of assessment appeals, the outdated tax structure does not meet current needs.”

Rockwell said the township would need $1.6 million more today to have the same purchasing power as 10 years ago.

Harrison’s budget has about 85% fixed costs for service contracts and collective bargaining agreements. Efforts were made to renegotiate service contracts to lower expenses, Rockwell said.

“While we have successfully tightened budgets and reduced services, minimizing expenses is not a viable long-term strategy for success,” Rockwell said.

Commissioners are scheduled to take a final vote during their regular meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 22.

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