HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is criticizing the county’s newly approved budget, calling it “irresponsible” and “unsustainable” after Commissioners Court approved the largest property tax hike in county history.
Hidalgo spoke to reporters Thursday after commissioners approved higher tax rates, saying the county missed an opportunity to rework its budget and address its structural deficit.
She abstained from the final vote and said she symbolically stepped out because she did not want to sit back and do nothing.
“I want people to know that this tax rate and this budget do not substitute for a sustainable fiscal plan,” Hidalgo said.
Hidalgo says county needs a more sustainable budget
Hidalgo said there were three fundamental issues with the budget that commissioners did not address.
She argued the county should have spent more time discussing its options publicly, rather than treating the decision as a choice between approving or rejecting the budget.
“The options also included working on the budget transparently and in a way that we’re not investing money that we don’t have,” she said.
Hidalgo said the county should focus on reducing its structural deficit while continuing to fund important community programs.
She also pushed back on the idea that maintaining those programs and creating a sustainable budget are mutually exclusive.
“These are not complete opposites,” Hidalgo said. “It is possible to have a sustainable budget that funds important programs.”
What Hidalgo wants the county to change
Hidalgo outlined three areas she believes commissioners should address to improve the county’s financial outlook.
1. Reevaluate county programs
Hidalgo proposed a process similar to zero-based budgeting, which would require the county to evaluate programs rather than automatically continuing existing spending.
She said programs should align with the county’s strategic plan or fulfill a statutory responsibility.
Hidalgo argued that the county’s existing spending commitments could force future cuts to programs as officials work toward a sustainable budget.
2. Stop committing money the county cannot afford
Hidalgo said commissioners need to determine how to pay for expenses before agreeing to them.
She criticized what she described as a pattern of approving spending commitments without having the money to cover them.
“That has been a penchant of this court since 2023,” she said.
3. Restructure county operations
Hidalgo also called for changes to how county government operates, saying officials should look for ways to eliminate waste and reduce duplication.
She pointed to the possibility of consolidating certain services and departments, including engineering departments in each precinct, human resources departments across county divisions, evidence rooms in constables’ offices and a call center.
Hidalgo acknowledged that those changes could be unpopular but argued the county needs to make difficult decisions to address its financial challenges.
Hidalgo urges voters to participate in November election
Hidalgo said she has about three months left in office and plans to continue pushing for ways to reduce the county’s structural deficit.
She also expressed concern about the direction of the county’s finances as the composition of Commissioners Court has changed.
Hidalgo said she hopes her successor will make difficult decisions to address the county’s financial challenges.
“I hope people will get out and vote on November 3rd,” she said.
What homeowners could pay
The tax rate approval means Harris County homeowners will face higher property taxes.
The combined Harris County rate represents an increase of about 7.9% and is capped at 67 cents per $100 of taxable property value.
The county’s Office of Management and Budget previously estimated the increase would add more than $190 to the average homeowner’s annual property tax bill, or roughly $16 a month.
The actual amount will depend on a home’s taxable value and applicable exemptions.
Harris County’s new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, 2026.
