Accountability Alerts
Town Council rejects new housing development
Posted 7/12/23
Members of Town Council have unanimously denied conditional rezoning for the Divine project on Peach Orchard Rd (155 homes). The decision comes after several neighbors voiced concern at the public hearing in person and online, reaffirming that active citizen participation can be an influential way to express opposition to unchecked growth in our community. The developer will have another opportunity to seek approval for the project after a 12-month waiting period, or can submit a new application earlier if material changes are made to the proposal.
Epcon sues Town over left turn lane
Posted 6/20/23
Download a PDF copy of the complaint
The Town of Harrisburg has been served a lawsuit over the proposed left turn lane from Robinson Church Road to Tom Query Road near the Epcon / Howie development site. The Howie property conditional rezoning was rejected by Town Council two times before finally being passed after a third try by only one vote. During the zoning process, Epcon made several seemingly generous concessions to ensure approval, including a promise to work collaboratively with the town on intersection and perimeter road improvements. After approval however, the developer now posits that conditions it formally agreed to concerning off-site transportation improvements are unlawful or were never agreed upon and it is under no obligation to meet them. Epcon also seeks to have their attorney fees reimbursed by the town.
Council demonstrates a commitment to Accountability
Posted 5/17/23
HarrisburgAccountability.org is encouraged to learn Town Council has unanimously voted to adopt Accountability as a core value. We welcome and advocate for elected officials to keep Accountability at top of mind when considering decisions at the town level.
Unfortunately, some north star elements of the previous vision have been dropped. For example “reasonable tax rates” has been replaced with “maintains a strong financial position” and “low density housing” has been replaced with non-specific platitudes around community.
The new vision, mission statement, along with the new values embracing Accountability can be found on the town's website.
Council to vote on new water/sewer rate increase
Posted 5/2/23
Town Council will soon be voting on the FY2024 budget which includes a 5% increase in water and sewer rates for Harrisburg residents. While this increase is lower than the annualized inflation rate, it will mark the third consecutive year Harrisburg families will be asked to pay higher rates for their municipal utilities. In all, if the new rate is adopted, water and sewer rates will be over 15% higher than they were just three years ago. If you have feedback on this rate increase, please reach out to your elected representatives or attend the public hearing on May 8th.
Council to vote on new residential development
Posted 2/8/23
On Monday, February 13th Harrisburg Town Council will vote on the Blackwelder conditional rezoning. If rezoned by council, it will bring over 50 new homes clustered in an area that is currently zoned low density. Unique to this project, the developer has requested to pay an additional fee to forego normal open space requirements. You can share feedback on this proposal by emailing Town Council or attending the meeting Monday @ 6pm at Town Hall.
Council to vote on new tax increase and water/sewer increase
Posted 5/17/22
The town will soon raise your property tax rate by 22.5%. This could increase your tax burden by hundreds of dollars and represents the largest tax hike in the history of Harrisburg! Contact info for Town Council can be found on the Resources page and now is the time to provide your input. If the proposed budget is adopted, it will also increase your water and sewer rates as well.
Remember Town Council is elected to serve YOU, the taxpayer. Be sure to make your voice heard and see you at the next public hearing!