Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Harrison is the County Seat of Boone County, Arkansas, with a population of approximately 13,000 residents within the city limits and approximately 40,000 in the county. It is nationally recognized as one of the "Best Small Towns in America" with a downtown lake and a beautifully renovated town square complete with hanging flower baskets. Harrison was also featured in the Jan/Feb 2007 issue of Where to Retire Magazine as one of the best retirement towns.
Harrison's scenic canyons, hills, and rivers allow privacy and wide-open spaces, and the nearby cities of Branson and Springfield offer metropolitan amenities such as live performances and varied dining options. For outdoor lovers, canoeing and fishing amid the limestone bluffs and serene scenery on Buffalo National River are popular activity's. The low cost of living, laid back lifestyle and historic downtown continue to draw retirees to Harrison.
The climate is moderate with four distinct seasons. The average winter temperature is 45 degrees and the average summer temperature is about 92 degrees. Precipitation is usually well distributed throughout the year. One or more snowfalls occur each winter but the snow cover usually only remains for a few days.
UPCOMING EVENTS and/or PRESS RELEASES
CREDIT CARDS NOW ACCEPTED
The City of Harrison has connected with Paymentus, and can now accept your water bill payments using your credit card, as of Dec 5, 2011. Accepted are: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and e-checks. You may pay by using your credit card at the billing counter in the office, by phone during normal business hours, or use the link below:
If you wish to contact Paymentus directly, you may call our 24/7 Call Center at 888-476-8910, or email inquiries to: customercare@paymentus.com.
Note: There is a non-refundable fee of $2.75 each time this service is used (up to maximum of $100).
BUSINESS LICENSES
The City of Harrison has enacted that all businesses in the city must possess a license to conduct business within city limits. The effective date will be June 1, 2011, and will not be delinquent until January 1, 2012 for the first year. Penalties will be in effect at this point and for the first 30 days will be an additional 10% until Feb 1, 2012; will increase to 30% until Mar 1, 2012; will increase to 50% until April 1, 2012; then after April 1, 2012, payments in are subject to termination of water services and a fine of up to $1,000.
On-line payments will not be accepted between January 11, 2012 and June 1, 2012. To make payment, mail checks in or pay in person (with penalties if applicable) to Christeen Waters' (Human Resources Director) office, adjacent to the Mayors office.
In 2012, the Business Licenses will be due on March 1,2012. Late penalties will be enacted if not purchased in the established time frame: up to 30 days a 10% penalty; 30-60 days a 30% penalty;60-90 days a 50% penalty; then after 90 days subject to termination of water services, revocation of business license and a fine up to $1,000.
The on-line application is available on this website. Click on the last tab at the top of the page (Business License App) or CLICK HERE. The ordinance regarding this is available under the tab of Areas of Interest, then chose Ordinances. If you have any questions, you may contact Christeen Waters at the Mayor's Office @ 870-741-2777 or email her at admin@cityofharrison.com.
Other Interesting Topics
Harrison wins Arkansas Shine Award
The City of Harrison has won its first Arkansas Shine Award from Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission for outstanding environmental and community improvements efforts.The ward will be presented to city officials on Nov 7, 2011 at a reception located at Harrison's Durand Center. The Arkansas Shine Awards program recognizes communities that are making significant strides in providing programs and instituting policies to create sustainable communities. Harrison is one of six statewide recipients of the fourth annual Arkansas Shine Awards. Harrison's award entry highlighted the efforts of one community initiative, the Central Organization for Revitalization and Enhancement (C.O.R.E.) This organization works to engage community members to revitalize Harrison's cultural, historical, social, and entrepreneurial enterprises. Through concentrated efforts to preserve Harrison's historical downtown business district and encourage tourism with various city festivals and events, C.O.R.E. has been successful in imporivni residents' quality of life and attracting visitors and economic development. C.O.R.E's successes include 'Friday on the Square', weekend festivals and Farmers Market. Another unique community improvement featured in the award entry is the development of the Harrison Skate Park, adjacent to the city's Riverfront Park. In addition to improving the appearance of the downtown area, it established a much safer skate park with well-constructed obstackes and ramps.
