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By Stephen E. Lipken

Harrison Mayor Thomas Scappaticci opened the July 16th Town/Village Board meeting, beginning with a presentation by Robert A. Daniele of PKF O’Connor Davies on the status of Harrison’s finances since December 31st, 2025.

“We issued what is called an Unmodified Opinion,” Daniele began. “An Unmodified Opinion is a clean opinion. It is the highest level of assurance that an entity can receive.  The Town is in great financial health.  It has not exceeded what has been implemented as a Tax Cap back in June 2011, so over the past 15 years it has never exceeded the Tax Cap. The Town is supported by General Fund Reserves.  You had revenues that exceeded your initial budget.  You also had expenditure savings that were below the budget and that added to the Fund Balance.

“The Town utilized some of the Fund Balance to do some Capital Improvements in the community rather than borrowing. There is a new Recreation Center being built and the Town did utilize some of its Fund Balance to fund that in conjunction with borrowing. The Town has a great AAA Bond Rating and that is going to help them develop their 2027 Budget. 

“There is a lot of Capital Construction going on; the Town spent $34 million in 2025. We do operate the Harrison Meadows Country Club, something to be monitored.  The Town is self-insured for health insurance or health benefits; those claims could skyrocket, something to be monitored as well,” Daniele concluded.

Under Personnel, Request by Debra Scocchera, Personnel/Benefits Manager to accept the formal resignation of Comptroller/Treasurer Maureen MacKenzie after 30 years of service, effective July 31, 2026.

Finally, Public Hearings to amend Zoning Code Section 235-96 entitled “Memorandum on Multifamily Dwellings;” Zoning Amendment Petition, 99 Harrison Avenue, Robert and Stephanie Hassett were adjourned to Thursday, August 20th; Renaissance Harrison, 80 W. Red Oak Lane, approval for Special Exception Use Permit was adjourned to Thursday, September 3rd.