The Town of Harrisburg Town Council unanimously approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Manager’s Recommended Budget during the regular Town Council meeting on May 12, 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year the Town Council has unanimously adopted the annual budget, reflecting a continued spirit of collaboration and shared vision for the future.  

The total adopted budget for FY 2026 is $127,853,875, which includes all operating funds, capital projects, and grant-funding initiatives. The General Fund budget totals $34.9 million, marking a $1.7 million decrease from the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The total proposed budget across all major operating funds, which includes the General Fund, Water and Sewer Fund, and Storm Water Fund, is $50.4 million, a 0.8% decrease from FY 2025.  

The budget maintains the Town of Harrisburg’s current property tax rate of $0.41 per $100 of valuation, freezes all rates and fees at last year’s level including water and sewer rates, while still supporting the Town’s strategic priorities without increasing the tax rate for residents.  

The FY 2026 budget was developed through a rigorous and transparent process that included Town Council planning sessions, budget workshops, and more than 20 hours of public engagement. It aligns with the Town of Harrisburg’s adopted Vision, Mission, and Strategic Goals, ensuring progress toward becoming a distinctive, family-focused community where memories are made.  

Key Budget Highlights:  

• No increase in the property tax rate, which remains at $0.41 per $100 of assessed valuation. The Town of Harrisburg tax rate remains one of the lowest for full-service municipalities in the region. 

• Freeze of all fees, including water and sewer rates and youth athletic fees  

• The $34.9 million General Fund annual budget is a 4.7% reduction from FY 2025.

• $12.6 million investment in Public Safety, including funding for the Harrisburg Fire Department operations, Sheriff’s Division staffing expansion, and capital improvements.  

• $5.6 million dedicated to transportation improvements, including matching funds for federal grants supporting major road and pedestrian projects.  

• $4 million allocated for Parks and Recreation facilities, including artificial turf fields, Historic Phar Mill Park design, and greenway expansions.  

“This budget reflects the priorities of our Town Council and the values of our residents,” said Town Manager Rob Donham. “All funds within the adopted budget are balanced and designed to meet the needs of our growing Town. From enhanced public safety and long-term infrastructure planning to employee compensation and youth recreation, this budget supports the core commitments made to our residents.”  

The adopted FY 2026 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan is available online for review on this dedicated webpage at the Town of Harrisburg website. Residents can request a physical copy of the budget by contacting the Town Clerk, Janet Rackley, at jrackley@harrisburgnc.gov.