Council moves to delay budget submission and public hearing to November under ordinance amendment

The council approved a motion to set a second reading for an amendment to the municipal ordinances that would change the city budget timeline and allow the city to submit its annual budget in November instead of September.

City staff explained that moving the submission and final public hearing later gives the finance team more up‑to‑date revenue and expenditure information to work from and aligns Harrisburg’s schedule with several neighboring communities. Under the proposed schedule staff would certify the property tax levy in September, hold budget hearings in October, and hold the public hearing and take final action on the budget in November.

Staff described the change as a timing adjustment rather than an overhaul of the budget process; budget development would continue to begin in the spring and early summer months but the later final hearing would allow inclusion of more current revenue figures. Council members moved and approved a second reading of the ordinance, slated for July 15, 2025.