Harvard’s new budget calls for a modest increase in its property tax request while shifting where some of the city’s largest expenditures are planned for the coming year.
The city’s 2026–27 property tax request is $296,060.92, up $5,437.40, or approximately 1.9%, from the previous year’s request of $290,623.52.
Overall spending, however, is budgeted lower than the current year’s actual or estimated total.
Harvard has budgeted $1.73 million in disbursements and transfers for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, compared with approximately $1.85 million in actual or estimated disbursements and transfers for 2025–26.
Some of the biggest differences are found in capital projects.
Culture and recreation is budgeted at $353,145 for the coming year, compared with $97,283.02 in actual or estimated expenditures during 2025– 26. The new figure includes $250,000 designated for capital improvements.
Streets move in the opposite direction.
Harvard lists $223,140 for streets in the new budget, compared with $602,929.64 in actual or estimated expenditures for 2025–26. Much of the difference can be seen in capital improvements. The current-year figure includes $394,614.16 in street capital improvements, compared with $9,300 budgeted for that category in 2026–27.
Public safety spending includes $222,800 for police, compared with $207,639.39 in actual or estimated expenditures for the current year. Fire expenditures are budgeted at $46,000, compared with $26,526.64.
The new budget also includes $238,225 for water, $106,845 for wastewater, $83,800 for solid waste and $40,000 for community development.
Harvard’s total property tax request of $296,060.92 is divided between $183,374.67 for non-bond purposes and $112,686.25 for principal and interest on bonds.
The city’s certified property valuation is $38,574,934.
Property taxes are only one source of revenue supporting the budget. Harvard also anticipates revenue from sources including highway allocations and incentives, municipal equalization aid, motor vehicle taxes, local option sales taxes and other receipts.
The budget lists approximately $2.71 million in total resources available for 2026–27.
The new fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2027.
