Building Harrison’s Future - FAQ on Harrison Income Tax Credit Changes

In 2024, the City of Harrison began a phased elimination of the income tax credit for residents working in other Ohio cities. By 2025, this credit will be fully removed. While this change may feel significant, it is rooted in a commitment to progress and fiscal responsibility.

Harrison has just a 1% income tax rate, which is one of the lowest in the state and county. However, this income tax is a significant aspect of how we maintain and improve our City’s infrastructure. 

The decision to phase out the elimination allows the City to address critical needs without renewing the upcoming Fire Levy. This presents a savings on property tax for homeowners in the city, and oftentimes, a net savings overall and ensures a more equitable structure for residents to contribute to the community. 

These funds are being directed to infrastructure projects that will benefit all residents, including road improvements on Dair Avenue, Circle Drive, and others, as well as the Dry Fork Road bridge project.

Thanks to grants and interest-free loans, the City has kept local costs low while pursuing an ambitious infrastructure agenda. To ensure future needs are met, Harrison has engaged JMA Consultants and TEC Engineering to develop a comprehensive Road Assessment Plan.

Community engagement is essential to this process. Residents are invited to attend the public Streets meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:15 PM to share input and stay informed. Together, we can create a city built to last.

Your Questions Answered: 

FAQ on Harrison Income Tax Credit Changes

1. What is the Harrison income tax credit? The income tax credit previously provided by the City of Harrison reduced the tax burden for residents who work in another city within the State of Ohio. This credit is being phased out entirely in 2025.

2. Who is affected by these changes? Residents working in Ohio townships or out of state were already ineligible for this credit due to lack of reciprocity agreements. With the elimination of the credit in 2025, all residents working outside the City of Harrison will no longer receive this tax benefit.

3. Why is the tax credit being eliminated? The City Council opted to eliminate the tax credit for two main reasons:

• To avoid renewing the upcoming Fire Levy while maintaining necessary funding.

• To address infrastructure needs and allocate resources for future road construction and repairs.
  

4. How is the City using the additional tax revenue? Funds are being directed toward critical infrastructure projects, such as:

• The Dry Fork Road bridge project.

• Road work on Dair Avenue, Circle Drive, Weathervane, Mackie Court, and Burk. These projects leverage grants and interest-free loans to minimize local costs.
  

5. How can residents participate in discussions about city projects? Residents are encouraged to join the public Streets meeting held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:15 PM. Your input helps shape the Road Assessment Plan developed by JMA Consultants and TEC Engineering.