Despite multiple delays & distractions from outgoing judge Lina Hidalgo, today was finally the day, as Harris County Commissioners approved the $2.7 billion dollar annual budget. The final vote was 3-2.
"We did see some back and forth between Lina Hidalgo and some of the other Commissioners, with her lashing out at fellow Democrats" said reporter Holly Hansen, who has been covering the hearings for The Texan.
The OMB (Office of Management and Budget) spent months putting the proposal together, but it did not include funding for Hidalgo's early education program, which had paid for with federal Covid money.
In a statement, the OMB said: “This budget reflects hard choices and shared commitment,” said Jesse Dickerman, Interim County Administrator. “Despite a challenging fiscal environment, we’ve positioned Harris County to maintain essential services, support our workforce, and make targeted investments in public safety, health, and infrastructure.”
Key components of the FY26 budget include: Funding to support pay parity initiatives for law enforcement and county employees, Expansions of the District Attorney’s Office, Growth in the Flood Control, the District’s maintenance program, and continued focus on preserving the county’s credit rating and financial stability
"That proposed budget has created quite a bit of drama at Commissioners Court over the past two months" Hansen told KTRH, "County judge Lina Hidalgo has been very locally opposed to providing raises for law enforcement. At times, Hidalgo has abruptly left the meeting and not participated in the votes."