Harris County\u2019s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) provided an overview of the issues in April 2026. The 12-page presentation<\/a> shows:<\/p>\n Historical rates dating back to 2018<\/p>\n A $5 billion budget for 2027<\/p>\n Where the money comes from; 81.5% of the general fund comes from property taxes<\/p>\n Where the money goes; 60% to Justice and Public Safety<\/p>\n A breakdown of increases<\/p>\n Revenues vs. expenditures; $129 million deficit using the Voter Approval Rate and $257 million using the No New Revenue Rate.<\/p>\n Need for Greater Transparency<\/p>\n The presentation above contains a link for more details, but the link does not work<\/a>. OMBs Open Budget Dashboard<\/a> website contains no content as of 7 pm on 8\/16\/26. And no explanatory information is linked to the agenda. Perhaps OMB will share budget details after the meeting.<\/p>\n The 12-page presentation from April at least contains a list of budget objectives. See below.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, with no details that connect goals with expenditures, it\u2019s hard to tell how the county hopes to achieve these objectives.<\/p>\n I broke out laughing when I saw \u201chousing stability.\u201d One of the single largest expenses for most people is housing. And Harris County could increase property taxes 9-14% according to initial indications. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey PE<\/a> said it may be the single largest tax increase in Harris County history. It\u2019s hard to see how increasing property taxes improve housing stability.<\/p>\n I also broke out laughing when I saw the typo in the last line which has escaped the notice of OMB for 5 months. That certainly does not inspire confidence in the accuracy of the numbers commissioners will soon be voting on.<\/p>\n For More Information and Next Steps<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/FY27_Budget_Town_Hall_PPT_Page_04.jpg\")
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