As preparation for Harris County’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget adoption continues into September, county commissioners will meet Aug. 14 to discuss spending priorities surrounding all county operations within its general fund, the Harris County Flood Control District, Harris Health Hospital District and Toll Road Authority.

Preliminary budget expenses are estimated to be at least $2.95 billion, according to budget town hall information presented by Budget Director Daniel Ramos.

Ramos said while the county remains financially stable, increasing costs in the FY 2025-26 budget forecast are related to justice initiatives such as indigent defense, as well as pay equity and compensation costs for employees and growing health care premiums.

Zooming out

Last September, Harris County commissioners approved an increase in the county's property tax rate—a combined $0.6038 per $100 of valuation, an increase from the tax rate of $0.5302 per $100 of valuation.

Last year's vote was the first time the county hadn't lowered its tax rate since it maintained the same tax rate in FY 2018-19, as previously reported in Community Impact.

Also on the agenda

The county’s Office of Management and Budget will also request a discussion on its contract patrol rates. Last year’s $2.67 billion adopted budget saw a $750,000 increase for contracted patrol rates. The increase accounted for how all eight of Harris County’s constable precincts added more than 1,200 contract patrol positions, according to budget documents.

The county’s patrol program provides supplemental law enforcement coverage to areas in the county that hire out patrol officers.

Going forward

Harris County plans to hold its FY 2025-26 budget hearings for its more than 70 individual departments from Sept. 2-5, before budget adoption in late September.

What residents should know

Harris County Commissioners Court meetings are held at 10 a.m. at 1001 Preston St., Houston. Meetings are also available to livestream here.