Harrison board previews 2026–27 budget, projects small tax-rate rise and continued enrollment pressures

At a public budget hearing on May 6 the Harrison Central School District outlined the adopted 2026–27 budget and the factors behind it, including enrollment growth, rising health insurance costs and debt service tied to a multi-year capital project.

Board leadership said the budget was developed to remain within New York State's tax levy cap. The board noted a budget-to-budget projected increase in expenditures of about $6.4 million and that the district levied an additional $4.6 million. That left an approximate gap of $1.7–$1.8 million that the district addressed through targeted expenditure reductions, reductions in some administrative staffing requests and additional revenue sources.

Tim, the district business official who presented budget details, said the district bridged the gap with expenditure reductions, the use of additional sales tax revenue (about $271,000) and an increased use of fund balance (about $461,000). Key cost drivers named in the presentation included salary increases (about $2 million) and health insurance increases (about $1.7 million). Transportation costs are up roughly 3.6%.

Tim also described debt service tied to the district's capital program and the first borrowing for the larger project; he said the district plans two additional series of borrowings in the next two to three years. The administration projected a tentative tax rate of about $1,045.77 per $1,000 of assessed value — an increase of about 3.59% — but said the final rate depends on assessor data to be finalized in August.

The board emphasized an intent to preserve IB and AP access, summer programs and other student services where possible and encouraged residents to vote in the budget election on May 19 at neighborhood elementary schools.