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1. Who can participate?

The Adopt-A-Park Program is open to: 

• Businesses
• Civic groups
• Individuals
• Neighborhood associations
• Religious organizations
• Schools (school groups and teams)
• Service organizations
• Other community organizations throughout the Town of Harrisburg

2. What are the Adopt-A-Park Guidelines?

Guidelines include:

• The parks/trails will be assigned to groups on a first-come, first-served basis to be determined by the Adopt-A-Park coordinator.
• Each group will receive volunteer waiver forms that must be completed on or before each workday. Waiver forms should be returned to the park office.
• All participants over the age of 18 will be required to complete a background check form provided by the Town of Harrisburg.
• Work is to be completed during park hours only.
• Must be a minimum of 10 participants in a group to apply.
• All participants should be over the age of 18 or accompanied by an adult.
• Groups are to commit to a minimum of 160 hours of work per year. Example: 10 participants times 16 hours equals 160 hours
• Minimum of 40 hours completed before establishing ownership plaque.
• Appropriate clothing and gloves for weather and work should be worn at all times.
• All participants are to follow the park policies set by the Town of Harrisburg’s Parks and Recreation department. Failure to do so will result in removal from the program.
• Special projects that go beyond the scope of regular maintenance must be approved by the Parks and Recreation Director.
• Groups that cannot fulfill their commitment to work on scheduled dates will risk being removed from the Adopt-A-Park program.
• Have fun and be Safe!!!

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1. Where can I obtain a copy of the current year budget for the Town?

View or download the budget at https://harrisburgnc.org/190/Budget.

2. Where can I obtain a copy of the most recent audited financial statements for the Town?

A link to the three most current audited financial statements is available for viewing.

3. How often is financial information related to the Town communicated to the public?

Each month, the Finance Director provides an abbreviated “snapshot” of the Town’s financial position and performance to budget at Council meetings. However, the Town’s financial statements are audited only once a year by an external auditor and delivered near the end of October.

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1. How big is your service area and population?

We serve over 32 square miles. The population is over 27,000 people in the Harrisburg Fire District. We also provide automatic mutual aid to City of Concord Fire Department, Flowes Store VFD, Jackson Park VFD, Charlotte FD, and other agencies upon request.

2. How many calls for emergency service do you get each year?

In 2019, we responded to 2,757 active calls. That’s an 8% increase from 2018.

Note that the Harrisburg Fire Department operations consist of fire suppression, motor vehicle accidents, first responder medicals, technical rescue including water rescue, and hazmat. in 2019, 57% of calls were medical calls, 14% active alarms, 9% service calls, 7% motor vehicle accidents, 7% other and 6% active fire calls.

3. What is your average response time to emergencies?

Since July 1, 2016, our turnout time (time dispatched to time truck checks in route) has averaged 1 minute, 45 seconds.

Our travel time (leaving station to scene of emergency) has averaged 6 minutes, 31 seconds.

Our overall response time is 7 minutes, 19 seconds.

4. Why does a fire engine respond to medical emergencies?

Most Harrisburg Firefighters are trained as an EMT - Advanced level and function as first responders for Cabarrus County EMS. To provide rapid response, fire engines are equipped with lifesaving ALS medical equipment and respond to medical emergencies because it is the best use of our resources and provides a better outcome for the patients. Contact the Fire Department for more information.

5. How many stations does your Department have?

Three. 

Station 1 (Headquarters)
6450 Morehead Road
Harrisburg NC 28075

Station 2
9331 Rocky River Road
Harrisburg, NC 28075

Station 3
8045 Rocky River Road
Harrisburg, NC 28075

6. How many firefighters are on shift?

There are three shifts of four full-time firefighters on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year for a total of 12 firefighters. We operate two Engine companies with our current staffing. Each Engine has 1 Captain, 1 Engineer (Driver), and 2 Firefighters. There is one Battalion Chief over all stations. Administrative staff consists of Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief of Operation, Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal, Logistics Captain, and an Administrative Assistant. A part-time Assistant Chief of Training is also assigned to the administrative offices.

7. How do I schedule a Fire Prevention Activity?

To schedule a Fire Prevention activity or class, contact our Fire Prevention team, or call our Administrative Assistant at 704-455-0740.

8. What do I do when I see an emergency vehicle approaching when I am driving?

Always remember to safely pull your vehicle to the right when you see an emergency vehicle approaching. Never stop in the middle of the road or precede though an intersection against the signals. An oncoming vehicle going through the intersection might not see you in time. Always pull to the right whenever possible. For further questions, contact the Fire Department.

9. Why do I see fire trucks around town?

You may see the fire trucks around town responding to emergencies, providing fire prevention educational events, meeting with local businesses to do pre-incident surveys, providing hydrant maintenance or other fire department business. For further questions, contact the Fire Department.

10. Why do the fire trucks turn on their lights to back into the station bays?

Unlike other fire stations, our large number of needed response vehicles make what we call “pull through” bays not a feasible option. Therefore, we have to back into the station. Normally, when approaching the station a warning light stick will begin 50 to 100 feet prior to the front pad (driveway.)  Once we get closer we turn on our emergency lights (red lights) to warn all vehicles to stop so that we may back into the bay.

11. What do I do if a fire truck is on the side of the road at an emergency scene?

Recently, the state of North Carolina has made traffic laws that while approaching an emergency incident that you slow down and either continue on through or stop if signaled to by an emergency official. Contact the Fire Department for more information.

12. Will the fire department call me and ask for a donation?

We will never call and ask you for a donation.

13. Why does the fire department have so many trucks?

Currently, Harrisburg Fire Department operates four engine companies, one ladder company, one heavy rescue unit, one brush unit and one specialized swiftwater rescue unit. Each of these units are used for a specific purpose whether it be putting water on a fire, ventilating above a fire, extricating victims from an auto collision, transporting equipment and personnel to water emergencies, or putting out forestry fires. According to the Office of State Fire Marshal we are in need of a fifth engine to continue our current insurance rating.

14. How can I request a smoke detector installation?

You can click here to complete the form for a smoke detector(s) installation. Your form will be emailed to Jason Dickson (Fire & Life Safety Educator) and the Administrative Assistant, who will then call to set up an appointment for installation. 

All installations must be in Harrisburg Fire District, and are completely free of cost.

15. Who do I call for fire insurance related questions?

Your insurance company is who should be called for questions relating to fire insurance. The insurance company should contact ISO for questions relating to ratings and hydrant locations.

16. How can I help?

To help the Fire department, visit our Recruitment page.

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1. What athletics and programs are offered by the Town and how can I register myself or my child?

The Harrisburg Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of team sports in the spring, winter and fall of each year, as well as year-round camps, after school programs and more.

For more information or to register for Parks and Recreation athletics or programs, visit https://harrisburgnc.org/214/Athletics-Programs.

2. How can I apply for a passport?

Passport applications are now accepted by appointment only at Harrisburg Town Hall, 4100 Main Street, Suite 101. Walk-in applications can no longer be accepted. Appointments will be scheduled Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 704-455-5614 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.harrisburgnc.org/180/Passport-Applications .

3. How do I apply for or cancel my Water/Sewer service?

To apply for service or cancellation of service, residents will need to complete the online or paper application for service that can be downloaded from the Town website or provided in person. A copy of a valid driver’s license or photo ID and a deposit is required.

For more information or to download an application, visit https://www.harrisburgnc.org/159/Water-Sewer.

4. How big is the Harrisburg Fire Department's service area and population?

The Harrisburg Fire Department serves more than 30 square miles and the population is over 27,000 people in the Harrisburg Fire District. We also provide automatic mutual aid to City of Concord Fire Department, Flowes Store VFD, Jackson Park VFD, Newell VFD, Robinson VFD and other agencies upon request.

5. What is the current tax rate?

Harrisburg's total tax rate is $0.355 per $100 of valuation.

6. How can I reserve a park shelter?

Stallings Park, Harrisburg Park, Harris Depot Park and Pharr Mill Park each have a shelter that you can reserve. To reserve a shelter, please call 704-455-7275.

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1. Where is the Parks and Recreation office located?

The Parks and Recreation office is located at:
Town Hall
4100 Main Street
Suite 103
Harrisburg, NC 28075

2. What are the office hours?

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. What is the phone number for the Parks and Recreation office?

The phone number for Parks and Recreation is 704-455-PARK (7275).

4. What services does Parks and Recreation offer?

All of our programs are listed on our webpage under Harrisburg Parks and Recreation. We offer programs such as tennis, art classes, karate, tae kwon do and summer camps! We also have annual special events such as the Rockin' the Burg, Harrisburg July 4th Celebration, Trick or Treat in the Park and Annual Christmas Tree Lighting event!

Youth Athletics

We offer youth athletics such as:

• Baseball - Spring and Fall
• Softball - Spring and Fall
• Soccer - Spring and Fall
• Tackle Football - Fall
• Cheerleading - Fall
• Flag Football - Fall 
• Basketball - Winter

Adult Athletics

We offer adult athletics such as:

• Coed Soccer - Spring and Fall
• Coed Softball - Spring and Fall
• Flag Football - Winter

5. What do we do if inclement weather arises during outdoor athletics?

You can check our website for weather-related cancellations or call our inclement weather hotline at 704-455-2903.

6. How do I reserve a shelter?

We have shelters available for rent at each of the Town of Harrisburg parks - Stallings Park, Harris Depot Park, Harrisburg Park, and Pharr Mill Park. The reservation request form and fee schedule can be located under each individual site listed on the Parks & Shelters page. To inquire about shelter availability, please call 704-455-7275 or email [email protected]. Completed and signed forms should be emailed to [email protected]. Payment can be made over the phone or in person. Reservations are not confirmed until payment is made. 

7. How do I reserve a field?

We have three parks in Harrisburg with ball fields: Harrisburg Park has five fields, Stallings Park has two baseball/softball fields, and Holcomb Woods Athletic Complex two fields. The reservation request form and fee information can be found on the Parks & Facilities page.

To inquire about availability, please call 704-455-7275 or email [email protected]. Completed and signed reservation forms should be emailed to [email protected].  Payment can be made over the phone or in person. Reservations are not confirmed until payment is received. 

8. Can I just go to the park to play on the fields with my family?

Sunday is an open day at our parks. Families and individuals can use the fields on a first-come, first-served basis. For other days of the week, please check with staff for availability.

Park playgrounds and common areas are always open to the public during park hours.

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1. How can I get a copy of the Unified Development Ordinance (zoning code)?

The Town of Harrisburg’s Unified Development Ordinance is available at https://harrisburgnc.org/278/Unified-Development-Ordinance. You can request a print copy of the Unified Development Ordinance for a $35 fee.

2. How can I find out what my property is zoned?

You may call the Town’s Planning and Zoning Department at 704-455-5614 and ask our staff about the zoning of your property, or you may use the Cabarrus County online GIS system. After searching for your property address, select the “zoning” tab at the top of the map. The zoning layer will then display on the map. If you have questions about the zoning of your property, feel free to contact the Planning and Zoning Department and ask our staff any questions you may have.

3. What do I need to get a building permit?

Before going to the Cabarrus County Commerce Department for a building permit, you must submit an application for a Zoning Clearance Permit to the Town of Harrisburg. Any new construction, additions, or expansions of an existing building must get a zoning permit from the Town of Harrisburg prior to obtaining a building permit. If you have any questions about whether or not your project will require a zoning permit, contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 704-455-5614.

4. Do I need approval to run a business out of my home?

Home businesses, also known as home occupations, are regulated by the Town of Harrisburg’s Unified Development Ordinance. While not all home occupations require that you obtain a home occupation permit, all businesses in the Town require a Privilege License, which cannot be obtained without proper zoning documentation. Article 5 of the Unified Development Ordinance has more information on the requirements for home occupations.

5. Do I need a permit to build a deck?

Yes, all structures require zoning permits, even decks. Once you obtain a zoning permit, you will need to apply for a building permit with the Cabarrus County Commerce Department.

6. Do I need a permit to build a shed?

Yes. Even if a building permit is not required, a zoning permit is still required for the erection of any structure within the Town Limits and ETJ. For more information, contact Planning and Zoning.

7. Where can I find floodplain information?

The Planning and Zoning Department has all of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) in our office; the public is more than welcome to come to our office and inspect these maps. Also, the State of North Carolina provides floodplain maps for viewing online.

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1. Can the timeframe be extended if required?

The timeframe for completion of the plan will depend on the final scope of work – which may, or may not include all of the tasks identified in the RFQ.  If, after the Town selects a consultant, it determines that additional time is required, then we will consider modifying the schedule.  

2. Is there a budget for this project?

The budget has not been finalized for this project, but will depend upon the final scope of work.

3. Will the Town accept final plan documents in bulleted form? Or, does the Town require a comprehensive narrative report

Again, that is a question which we will address with the consultant chosen to complete the plan.

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1. What is a "tax year"?

Real Estate, Business and Personal Property Tax Bills are mailed out annually in July. The Fiscal tax year for Real Estate, Business and Personal Property billings spans January 1 to December 31.

2. What is the current tax rate?

Harrisburg's total tax rate is $0.355 per $100 of valuation.

3. I'm looking to purchase a house for $250,000, what would my annual town property tax levy be?

The Town's property tax rate is $0.355 per $100 valuation. On a $250,000 house, the annual levy would be $887.50. For more information contact our Finance Department.

4. When is my tax bill mailed? When is my tax bill due?

Harrisburg residents will receive one tax bill for both Town of Harrisburg and Cabarrus County property taxes. Tax bills are expected to be mailed to residents in mid-July and are due on September 1. Penalties and interest are then assessed on a monthly basis, beginning January 5 of the following year. Contact our Finance Department for more information.

5. What is the penalty for delinquent payment?

2% in January and 3/4% the first of each month thereafter.

6. How can I pay my tax bill?

Tax payments can be paid:

• Online through Cabarrus County’s website
• By mail to the
  Cabarrus County Tax Collection
  P.O. Box 707
  Concord, NC 28026
• In person at the
  Cabarrus County Government Center
  65 Church Street
  Concord, NC 28026
  Monday through Friday
  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call the Cabarrus County Tax Collection Department at 704-920-2119 with questions.

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1. Who do I call for water and sewer emergencies?

In case of a water- or sewer-related emergency, such as a leak or water main break, contact Harrisburg Town Hall at 704-455-5614, during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, call 704-556-8257.

2. How often am I billed and when is my bill due? When is my bill late?

Water bills are generated and mailed on the 20th of each month. The bill is due on the 15th of the following month. A bill is considered late on the 16th of the month and a $10 late fee is added to the customer's account balance.

3. When can I be disconnected for nonpayment? When will service be restored?

All balances must be collected by 5 p.m. on the 25th of each month (or the next business day if the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday) or that meter will be scheduled for disconnection. Disconnections are done on the 26th of each month (or the next business day if the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday). Water service will be scheduled for reconnection at such time as the Town of Harrisburg receives the entire past due balance of the bill and the additional $100 account delinquency fee. Water service will be restored within 24 hours of payment being received.

4. How can I pay my bill?

Town Hall

Bill payments can be made at the Town Hall building by utilizing the outside drop box, 24 hours a day, or by coming into the Town Hall offices between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m, Monday through Friday. Town Hall is located at:

4100 Main Street

Harrisburg, NC 28075

Mail

Payments can also be mailed to:
P.O. Box 100
Harrisburg, NC 28075

Online & By Phone

Online or by calling the Town Hall offices and using your credit card. A $2.50 charge will be assessed for each credit card transaction.

5. What day is my yard waste collected? What is a bulk item and when is it picked up?

Yard waste, which consists of brush, limbs, leaves, and grass, is collected Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of every week. A complete schedule of subdivisions and streets is on our website. Bulk Items are picked up by Waste Pro on your normal trash service day. An item is considered to be a bulk item if it is not usual household garbage, i.e. old furniture and appliances or yard equipment. 

Waste Pro does not pick up anything in boxes or bags, hazardous waste or large amounts of construction material. Please see our Yard Waste page for more detail.

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1. What is water system flushing?

Hydrant flushing is simply the periodic opening of a fire hydrant nozzle and valve to allow water to flow from the hydrant.

2. Why is flushing necessary?

Flushing of hydrants is necessary to promote water quality and test hydrants for pressure and flow. Chlorine residuals in the water distribution system can drop drastically at certain times during the year. Maintaining good chlorine residual levels is essential to ensuring proper system disinfection and is required by law. Flushing the system helps to maintain these residuals, particularly in areas with long residence times (i.e. water that spends a long time in the pipe before being used).

In addition, fire hydrants can be flushed to analyze the flow and pressure in an area. These tests are often performed by Fire Department personnel and are typically done for insurance rating purposes.

3. How often/long are the hydrants supposed to be flushed?

It depends. Flushing is performed until the chlorine residual is brought to an acceptable level. On large lines at the far reaches of a water system in the hottest summer months, this can take hours every day.

4. What are the alternatives to flushing?

Looping lines in the distribution system will significantly reduce the amount of flushing required for water quality purposes. The Town is currently considering several projects in its Water and Sewer Capital Improvement Plan to address these issues in several areas.

5. Is flushing wasting water?

Absolutely not! The quantity and cost of the water used are insignificant when compared to the benefits of assuring you quality drinking water.

6. Why has the Town installed automatic hydrant flushers?

Because the Town’s water distribution system is still growing it contains many “dead end” mains (i.e. lines not connected to other lines that create loops). The manpower requirements to properly flush the system were significantly reduced with the installation of the flushers. These flushers will be in service mainly during the peak times of the year.