After hours of public comment and debate the Commissioners Court adopted the FY2027 budget and approved tax rates for Harris County, the flood control district, Harris Health and the Port of Houston. The votes followed required public hearings and split the court on the county rate amid debate over sustainability.

After more than six hours of public comment and back‑and‑forth among commissioners, the court voted to publish notices for Sept. 17 hearings on the county’s proposed FY2027 budget and a set of tax‑rate proposals, including OMB’s recommended general‑fund rate and Harris Health’s request.

Budget Director Daniel Ramos presented a $3.08 billion recommended FY27 budget driven by rising healthcare costs, law-enforcement pay parity and inflation. Commissioners pressed for deeper recurring savings, raised eviction-fee options and directed staff to return with follow-ups before finalizing tax-rate decisions.

After a public hearing, the Harris County Board of Commissioners adopted the FY2026–27 budget. Officials and residents questioned whether the plan will require higher millage rates amid declining taxable growth and a multi‑year deficit trend.

Commissioners finalize a budget prioritizing public safety while addressing a $410M flood bond deficit.