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Judge proposes letting voters decide penny tax to sustain early childhood programs
Summary
The county judge asked the court to place a one‑cent-per‑$100 property tax ("penny" tax) on the ballot to raise an estimated $66.6 million annually to continue early childhood education slots and workforce supports; commissioners debated timing and fiscal implications.
The Chair proposed setting a public hearing for Aug. 10 and placing a "penny" tax question before Harris County voters to continue early childhood education programs currently funded by federal American Rescue Plan dollars. The motion described a tax of $0.01 per $100 of taxable value — roughly $25–$26 per average homeowner — estimated to generate about $66.6 million annually to sustain early‑reach slots, workforce training and facility standards.
Commissioners discussed whether to ask voters now or wait until the county finalizes the FY‑27 tax rate. Commissioner Ramsey warned the panel must understand the county’s overall tax outlook before adding a ballot item, noting recent rate increases and budget pressures; he argued for more homework on the budget. Commissioner Garcia said constituents in his precinct were overwhelmingly opposed to additional property taxes now and preferred pursuing state support. The Chair said the motion is "not a proposal to increase taxes" by the court but to "let the voters decide," noting the item would only appear on the ballot with voter approval.
The court set an Aug. 10 public hearing and directed staff to publish required notices. No final ballot placement or tax‑rate decision was made at today’s meeting; the court indicated tax‑rate deliberations would continue in upcoming budget sessions.
