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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — One Harris County commissioner had a warning for homeowners ahead of a property tax rate increase that could be coming.
On Thursday, commissioners met and discussed the county’s financial situation. Later this month, they’ll receive a proposed budget and vote on it by October.
Although we haven’t seen numbers, Commissioner Tom Ramsey said homeowners may not like what’s coming.
“Please understand the tax rate that we will be considering in just a few short weeks is probably the greatest tax rate increase in the history of Harris County,” Ramsey said.
Budget Director Daniel Ramos said that in order to close the county’s $130 million deficit, he’s planning to propose a three-cent increase to the general fund tax rate.
Ramos said that the flood control district is also eyeing a three-cent increase; Ramsey added that the hospital district is thinking of asking for the same.
If that happens, Ramsey said the property tax rate could climb from 62 cents to 71 cents.
“In this time of affordability, where you can’t turn on the TV. That’s what people want to talk about,” Ramsey said. “For us to be considering a significant tax increase this year would be not listening to the folks that are out there.”
ABC13 asked the budget office how much more the average homeowner could pay with these potential increases, but they couldn’t provide an answer on Thursday. Ellis disputed Ramsey’s statements and told ABC13 he doesn’t believe homeowners will see an increase that could add hundreds of dollars to their property taxes.
“There won’t be a change with the rate we have,” Ellis said.
Judge Lina Hidalgo wanted to give taxpayers an option on the ballot to decide if the rate would be even higher for a childcare program. On Thursday, she asked commissioners to have voters decide on a penny tax to generate more than $60 million for the program.
It’s something she attempted last year, and on Thursday, it failed. This time, it failed again after no other commissioner would move it forward.
“I’m so sorry that this is your position,” Hidalgo said. “Really, my heart hurts about it. I don’t have children, but I know that people who have children want the best start for the children.”
Commissioners voted 4-1 to increase constable pay to $305,000, a year after it was raised to over $290,000. Since 2024, constable pay has increased by over 129%. In comparison, Travis County, Tarrant County, and Dallas County all reported 2025 salaries for constables under $150,000. The money, according to the court, cannot come from the constables’ offices’ budgets.
Commissioners also voted to increase pay for the county attorney, district attorney, district clerk, county clerk, and tax assessor.