Harris County adopts $64.7 million FY2025-26 budget with no millage increase

Harris County commissioners on June 17 adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget by resolution, approving a $64,702,571 spending plan that the county manager said carries no anticipated millage increase and will take effect July 1, 2025.

The budget adoption followed two work sessions and an earlier public hearing. County Manager (public staff) told the board the proposed budget "has no anticipated millage increase" and that the total proposed spending is "$64,702,571, which is 9% less than last year's budget." The board then voted to adopt the budget by resolution.

The budget matters because commissioners and staff said it relies in part on reserves. One commissioner (unnamed) said, "This budget is funded with reserves. ... It is not sustainable," and urged the board to pursue revenue options or spending cuts. Another commissioner praised the process and finance staff for producing a plan that is 9.2% lower than the prior year but acknowledged the county faces difficult choices about services, personnel and potential future tax increases.

Board members thanked department heads and the finance team for their work. County finance staff (CFO Elizabeth Barfield) and the county manager participated in the budget hearings and responded to questions; no members of the public addressed the board during the second public hearing on the budget.

Action taken: the board moved, seconded and approved adoption of the FY2025-26 budget by resolution; the motion passed (vote taken by voice; no roll-call tally recorded in the transcript). The budget will go into effect July 1, 2025.

Commissioners debated next steps for fiscal sustainability, naming three broad options: cut services, reduce costs or raise taxes. Several members urged the board to develop new revenue streams and to continue financial review in future meetings.

The board adjourned after adopting the budget; no further formal budget actions were recorded.