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Harris County Commissioners Court has approved the fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget, marking the fifth consecutive year of a budget accompanied by a lower tax rate. The budget, totaling $2.4 billion for the county's general fund, was unanimously adopted at the court's recent meeting. The Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo stated that the budget provides the necessary funding for the services required to run such a large and diverse county.
According to Houston NBC station KPRC News, the budget includes $128 million for the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and $888 million for the Harris County Hospital District (HCHD). This allocation aims to address the county's flood control needs and support the healthcare services provided to its residents.
Unlike the previous year, the court had a smoother budget process as there was no opposition from the two Republican members, Commissioner Tom Ramsey and former Commissioner R. Jack Cagle. Last year, Ramsey and Cagle expressed their concerns about unnecessary spending, leading to their absence from budget talks and causing the court to miss the deadline. Ramsey, who won reelection, expressed satisfaction with the budget's $119 million allocation for law enforcement.
Notably, Judge Lina Hidalgo was absent from the court's proceedings due to her medical leave to receive treatment for clinical depression. The 32-year-old county judge is currently undergoing outpatient care and is expected to return to her duties on October 2nd. In her absence, Commissioner Rodney Ellis is presiding over the court.