The Harrison Township Committee addressed multiple issues facing the community – as well as upcoming projects – at its April 7 meeting.
First up was an update on the municipal budget. For the first time in several years, there will be no tax increase for residents. While specific details were not divulged, Mayor Adam Wingate did reveal that the zero increase is the result of reducing the price allocation for farmland allocation from 5 to 3 cents.
More budget details will be announced at the committee’s May 5 meeting.
“It’s great to deliver a zero-tax increase,” Wingate acknowledged, “There’s a lot more to look into, as we want to make sure departments with shortages have what they need. It’d be great to make sure that departments are fully funded.”
Wingate also provided an update on a proposed mental-health treatment facility on Clems Run, after the company in charge of the project, Legacy Treatment Center, announced it will not move forward with construction.
That decision came after several Clems Run residents banded together to oppose the facility. Their concerns ranged from a lack of information about the center and its patient backgrounds to potential dangers for children in the area.
“It’s great news for the township,” Wingate noted. “We’re thankful that we dealt with a company that was willing to listen and take note of the negative impacts that could come from this project. It now falls on the state legislature to ensure this doesn’t happen moving forward.”
The committee also addressed improvements at the intersection of Clems Run and Ellis Mills Road. The area is now a four-way stop, with rumble strips and additional signage. The intersection previously had only blinking stoplights.
According to Wingate, issues regarding the intersection date back to 1988. Since then, the site had been the scene of multiple car accidents, including one fatality in February.
“This has been a long time coming,” Wingate explained. “It is now a fully functional four-way stop.”
The next committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday.
