Harris County Judge Ed Emmett (left) and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle (right)[/caption]

Big decisions made in 2015

The bond package approval
Commissioners Court issued four separate bond proposals totaling
$848 million, which were all approved by voters Nov. 3. The bond referendums included $700 million for mobility projects.

Toll road segment completion
The county completed the first leg of the Tomball Tollway—from south of Spring Cypress Road to north of FM 2920, in April. The first major expansion to the toll road system in years, the project was a partnership with Montgomery County. 

Law enforcement initiatives
The county appointed a new sheriff, Ron Hickman, who agreed to allow the county jail to be managed by a jail administrator. Commissioners have also made progress on a new joint inmate processing center with the city of Houston.

Top issues for 2016

Service demand
Demand for countywide services will continue to grow as Harris County is expected to keep growing by 80,000 residents per year. The growth places strain on roads, parks, law enforcement, health care and other services.

Changing economy
The economy of the Greater Houston area continues to feel the effects of the oil and gas decline. General fund revenue for the county has increased for years, but the economy could affect that funding.

City and county relations
The county will continue to work with Houston on the joint inmate processing center. The election of a new mayor in Houston could lead to other opportunities for collaboration with the city in areas such as parks, libraries and health care.