Harris County releases FY2025–26 proposed budget; no millage increase, 9.2% lower than prior year

The Harris County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation on the county’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget at a May 20 work session and was told there will be no increase to the county’s millage rate.

County Manager and Chief Financial Office staff presented a proposed total budget of $64,702,571 for FY2025–26, which they described as $6,521,463, or 9.2%, less than the current year. The presenters said the general fund portion is $38,000,487; special revenue funds total $4,020,426; capital projects $10,921,636; and enterprise funds $15,299,349, with interfund transfers included in the overall figure.

The proposal includes funding for ongoing projects and commitments, the presenters said. The package still accounts for payments on the county radio system, courthouse renovation, salary increases adopted last year and higher insurance costs. Public hearings on the budget were advertised for June 3 and June 17 during regular board meetings starting at 6:30 p.m. in Room 223 of the Harris County Courthouse.

County staff told commissioners they had worked over several weeks to present the figures “more transparently” and that department heads and constitutional officers who reviewed the proposal indicated they can operate within the proposed amounts. Commissioners asked about contingencies for emergencies and were told the budget leaves room for reserves and that, for example, costs related to a recently closed bridge remain unknown and could affect contingency planning.

No vote to adopt the budget occurred at the May 20 work session; staff said the budget had been posted to the county website and that the public hearings will be the formal opportunities for comment before adoption later in the process.

Commissioners adjourned the budget work session after the presentation and moved into the regular meeting for May 20.