Hartford Council sets 2027 levy at 5.3%, approves $322,635 road project
The Hartford City Council set the 2027 property tax levy at 5.3% and approved a $322,635.95 bid for the Ruud Lane and Diamond Trail intersection reconstruction during recent meetings. The council also approved several ordinances and allocated funds for parks, sidewalks, and community organizations.
2027 budget and levy
At a special budget meeting on August 17, the council agreed to keep the levy rate at 5.3%, generating $2,080,144 in tax dollars. All funds are projected to have a surplus for 2027 except the Sewer Fund.
The council approved the following allocations:
- $290,000 for a new street sweeper
- $300,000 for park improvements (pickleball courts, a basketball court, shade structures, and more)
- $100,000 to Hartford Area Fire & Rescue
- $100,000 to Gateway Hartford, Inc.
- $100,000 for a sidewalk rebate program
- $50,000 for sidewalk improvements
Road and infrastructure
On August 18, the council approved a $322,635.95 bid from Black Top Paving for the Ruud Lane and Diamond Trail intersection reconstruction. The council also approved a $25,000 landscaping plan for the wastewater plant.
Zoning and ordinances
The council approved second readings of three ordinances:
- Ordinance #773, raising the accessory building size limit from 150 to 200 square feet.
- Ordinance #774, removing campground references from the Manufactured Housing District.
- Ordinance #776, adding regulations for motorized foot scooters and personal assistance devices, with an amendment to include "or streets" in restrictions on Main Avenue.
The council also received a bridge inspection report from Brosz Engineering and discussed a resident's concern about an asphalt plant.
Other recent meetings
The Planning and Zoning meeting scheduled for August 11 was cancelled. The next scheduled meeting, August 25, has also been cancelled; the following meeting is set for September 8.
Coming up
- **Park and Recreation Board, August 24:** The board will review the 2026 budget and outstanding park projects, discuss the approved 2027 budget and the 1-5 year Capital Improvement Plan, and consider possible grant applications for a trail to Swenson Park (TAP, RTP, or LWCF). The board will also consider using $35,500 in unallocated 2026 funds for items such as sand diggers, a basketball court, team benches, and pool shade structures. Public comments on Swenson Park field use (flag football, softball, baseball) are on the agenda.
- **Planning and Zoning, August 25:** Cancelled. The next meeting is September 8.