In 2022, the Harvard City Council actively pursued a referendum to increase sales tax by an additional 1%, with those funds being allocated solely to public infrastructure, specifically road improvements, as set by Ordinance No. 2022-110.
This referendum passed in April, 2023, and the City began collecting this additional sales tax on a monthly basis in January 2024. During this time, the City initiated a Road Rehabilitation Study, which included taking pavement cores throughout the City to better help our engineer understand the various pavement cross-sections that were installed throughout the years. Simultaneously, financial services were consulted to research bond options to fund substantial road improvements immediately.
So as not to lose momentum, and while the road and financial research was taking place, the revenues from the first full year of the tax were used to rehabilitate downtown Ayer Street.
Upon completion of the Harvard Roadway Rehabilitation Study, the City Council decided that the most economical choice for the sales tax revenue would be a bond, or series of bonds. So as not to hinder the financial resources of the City or the future City Council long term, it was decided to commit to just one bond at this time. A 4-Million Dollar Bond will fund Year 1 Road Improvements. Road improvements in Years 2 through 5 will continue, and will be funded through Motor Fuel Tax funds, as well as additional 1% sales tax funds not allocated toward bond payments.
The PDFs below provide information on the road program rehabilitation study, a map of Year 1 improvement locations, and funding information. Also provided is a 10-year history of road program improvement locations and expenditures.
For further information on the road program funding, please contact Debi Bejot at 815-943-1301.
For further information on the road program infrastructure improvements, please contact Rob Lamz, at 815-693-2290.