Harris County’s preliminary budget expenses are estimated to be at least $2.95 billion for fiscal year 2025-26, according to data from Precinct 4’s Aug. 4 budget town hall. Commissioner Lesley Briones spoke to families about different county initiatives at the event.
“You're going to hear about a multitude of investments in a very holistic way to make sure we're investing your taxpayer dollars strategically,” Briones said. “You're also going to see the vast amount of resources we are investing in to keep your family safer from flooding, to make your roads safer [and] to build sidewalks to get to school safely.”
Harris County commissioners are looking at potential countywide cuts to address a $130 million budget shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year. Briones’ motion to request county departments to adjust their current level of spending from 93% to 90% was approved unanimously by commissioners at a May 22 court meeting.
Public input
Within Precinct 4, where there are more than 1,600 miles of roads, 55 parks, 10 community centers and 23 watersheds according to officials, residents weighed in on where they would like to see more or less funding within the county’s infrastructure projects, public health resources and justice and safety programs.
The takeaways
Harris County Budget Director Daniel Ramos highlighted five different county initiatives in public safety and justice initiatives that would cost the county more than $18 million within the FY 2025-26 budget, including:
- $3.1 million for Harris County’s violent persons warrants task force
- $5.7 million to improve Harris County Flood Control maintenance capabilities
- $8.5 million for three new criminal district courts to alleviate the county court backlog
- $2.5 million for cybersecurity projects
County officials said the budget will be presented at the Aug. 14 commissioners court special meeting, with budget hearings occurring in early September.
