Every year, Commissioners vote on Harris County’s multibillion-dollar budget. So far this year, there has been a lot of misinformation regarding the budget, but Precinct 4 is here to answer your questions and set the record straight.
What is Harris County’s budget?
generally refers to the County’s General Fund, which covers funding for , emergency preparedness, programs, law enforcement, and much more. But Harris County technically has four budgets: the General Fund, Flood Control, the Toll Road Authority, and Harris Health.
Two of the four budgets – the General Fund and Flood Control – are funded primarily by property taxes. The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) is primarily funded by the toll fees it collects, while Harris Health is funded through a combination of patient revenue, Medicaid supplemental programs, philanthropy, and property taxes.
What are Commissioner Briones’s budget priorities?
Commissioner Briones is focused on the priorities that matter to you. After holding two budget town halls, listening to hundreds of residents, and soliciting community feedback through a budget survey, Commissioner Briones is championing funding for public safety, disaster relief, infrastructure, public health, and protecting critical services.
Will this budget be balanced?
Commissioner Briones has a plan to get to a balanced budget without cutting critical programs or services. She and the Precinct 4 team have been working tirelessly to modernize government, find savings and efficiencies throughout the County, and reduce redundant or duplicated work. Commissioner Briones is also working side-by-side with other members of Commissioners Court, the budget office, and County departments to ensure Harris County continues to deliver on the core responsibilities of local government.
Commissioners continue to work together to finalize the budget. The Court will vote for the final budget on September 18, 2025, and the budget will go into effect on October 1, 2025.
Is early childhood education covered in this budget?
Yes, early childhood education is funded through the County’s federal ARPA funds, which Commissioners Court will continue to sustain through the end of 2026.
ARPA funds cover many County programs outside of early childhood care and education as well, including the Apprenticeship Advantage, , and affordable housing programs.
Where does the money from this budget come from?
of four budgets are funded at least in part by residents’ property taxes. What each property owner pays depends on their property appraisal value.
Budget tax rates are as follows (not accounting for homestead and other exemptions):
- General Fund: 38.5 cents per $100
- Flood Control: 4.8 cents per $100
- Harris Health: 16.3 cents per $100
How can I share my ideas fget?
Commissioner Briones wants to hear from you. Attend Commissioners Court on September 9th to make your voice heard. You can register to speak here. We hope to see you there!