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Commissioners review proposed fee increases for animal control, park rentals, solid waste and recommended water rate changes
Summary
During the FY2026 budget work session Harris County staff proposed fee adjustments for animal control registrations, out‑of‑county park rentals, solid‑waste fees and a phased water‑rate increase recommended by consultants Carter & Sloot intended to generate roughly $1.2 million in additional annual revenue.
Harris County commissioners discussed a set of fee and rate changes tied to the FY2026 budget at the May 6 work session, including animal control registration fees, out‑of‑county rental charges at Ellersley (Donna Ellersley Park), solid‑waste fees and recommended water‑rate increases from the county’s consultants.
County Manager Cheryl walked the board through departmental requests and recommended adjustments. On animal control, staff proposed raising owner turn‑in fees from $35 to $50, eliminating the grooming fee, and adding a convenience/credit‑card charge. The county discussed and reached a decision to align nuisance and potentially dangerous dog registration at $75 for both categories after board comment.
Park rentals: staff proposed raising the out‑of‑county daily rental for Donna Ellersley Park from $300 to $400. Commissioners debated larger increases; discussion coalesced around $500 for out‑of‑county rentals (roughly double the in‑county rate), with at least one commissioner noting heavy wear-and-tear from non‑county renters and that the facility is frequently booked.
Solid waste: staff said the county’s per‑ton or per‑tire pricing remains below some peers and that the county offers a two‑day annual tire‑amnesty program to reduce illegal disposal. Commissioners asked staff to review fees for commercial trailers and out‑of‑county customers; staff said they would return with a more detailed evaluation.
Water rates: county staff presented recommendations from consultants Carter & Sloot to phase in higher water rates. Representative figures presented in the packet included a proposed residential minimum of $16.32 for 0–1,000 gallons; tier 1 at $6.50 per 1,000 gallons and tier 2 at $8.20 per 1,000 gallons, with corresponding multifamily and industrial schedules. Staff said the proposed increases are expected to generate about $1.2 million in additional revenue annually once fully implemented; commissioners noted last year’s incremental increases and that a phased approach avoids steep future increases.
What’s next: staff will refine the solid‑waste fee analysis and return updated fee schedules. The water‑rate recommendations will proceed through the budget process and public hearings; the county indicated the tiered increases are a continuation of earlier consultant guidance and that some minimums were already adjusted last year.
