Harris County commissioners voted 3-2 on Tuesday, Sept. 8, to advance a 7.6% property tax rate increase, moving the county closer to what Houston Public Media called the largest proposed tax hike in two decades.

The vote would raise the combined county tax rate to roughly 67 cents per $100 of taxable value, up from 62 cents. The increase is meant to close an estimated $180 million budget deficit heading into fiscal year 2027, which begins Oct. 1.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, who represents the Spring area, and outgoing County Judge Lina Hidalgo voted against the increase. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones voted in favor, according to ABC 13.

Ramsey introduced an amendment during the meeting that would have held the county's general fund tax rate flat. The court struck it down 3-2.

What it means for Spring homeowners

Estimates of the annual cost to homeowners vary. The Harris County Office of Management and Budget pegged the increase at more than $190 per year for the average homeowner, according to ABC 13. Hidalgo separately estimated the figure at about $120, as KHOU reported.

The rate would not trigger a voter-approved tax rate election as long as it does not generate more than 3.5% in additional year-over-year revenue, according to Community Impact.

Nearly 200 speakers packed the hearing

Nearly 200 people signed up to speak at the meeting, KHOU reported. Some urged commissioners to preserve health care workers and programs. Others criticized county spending, including money spent on Flock surveillance cameras.

Harris Health System President and CEO Dr. Esmaeil Porsa defended the funding, saying operating costs will rise with the opening of new John S. Dunn and Lyndon B. Johnson hospital projects and additional clinics tied to the county's 2023 bond program.

Ramsey and Hidalgo opposed for different reasons

Hidalgo said the county needs to examine its spending before asking residents to pay more. She described the budget approach as constant spending and said she could not support raising taxes without what she called a sustainable budget, CW39 reported.

Ramsey had signaled his opposition well before the vote. In a Thursday, Sept. 3, email newsletter to Precinct 3 constituents, he wrote: "I believe we could pass a flat tax rate this year, if we focus [on] funding statutory responsibilities and stop expanding government services and bureaucracy."

In a KHOU preview published Sept. 7, Ramsey proposed cutting salaries above $400,000 by 10% as an alternative to raising taxes.

The deficit grew from an initial $129 million estimate after updated health care costs added $51 million in July, according to Fox 26. It is the fifth consecutive year that county spending has outpaced revenue, Houston Public Media reported.

What happens next

The Sept. 8 vote was not the final step. A public hearing and final vote on both the tax rate and the full county budget are scheduled for Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. at the Harris County Administration Building, 1001 Preston St. in downtown Houston. Residents can attend in person or watch the livestream.