HOUSTON — Harris County Commissioners Court adopted a combined property-tax rate of approximately 67 cents per $100 of taxable value Tuesday, the county’s highest rate in modern records and one expected to raise the average homeowner’s annual bill by about $198.
The measure passed 3-2 as county leaders sought additional revenue to address a projected budget shortfall of more than $180 million. County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a Democrat, joined Republican Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey in voting against the increase, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The combined rate covers several county-controlled taxing entities, including Harris County government, Harris Health, the Harris County Flood Control District and the Port of Houston Authority. The actual change on an individual tax bill will depend on a property’s taxable value, exemptions and the rates imposed by school districts, cities and other local jurisdictions.
County budget officials said the higher rate is needed to help cover growing expenses. Major pressures include law-enforcement pay increases approved in 2025, rising healthcare costs for county employees and retirees, and higher fees for private attorneys appointed to represent defendants who cannot afford counsel.
Some of the increase also supports debt tied to voter-approved investments, including flood-control work and healthcare infrastructure. County officials have also discussed selling underused property and raising certain fees as they attempt to close the gap.
Supporters of the rate said Harris County must maintain public safety, healthcare, courts and flood protection for a growing population. Opponents argued that residents are already struggling with housing, insurance, food and utility costs and said the county should reduce spending before collecting more from property owners.
The vote does not end the budget debate. Commissioners are expected to consider additional spending reductions and finalize the county’s fiscal plan before the new budget year begins Oct. 1. A budget meeting is scheduled for Sept. 17.
For homeowners, the county portion is only one part of the total property-tax bill. Residents should review their tax statements carefully, confirm that eligible homestead and other exemptions are applied, and contact the Harris Central Appraisal District if they believe their property information is incorrect.
The decision comes as affordability remains a major concern across Greater Houston. Even when a tax rate changes by only a few cents, rising home values and overlapping local tax rates can produce a noticeable increase for families on fixed or limited incomes.
Sources: Houston Chronicle, Sept. 8, 2026; KHOU 11 reporting, Sept. 8, 2026; and the Harris County Tax Office.
