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Harris County Approves 7.6% Property Tax Hike

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Harris County Commissioners approved a 7.6% property tax hike to 67¢ per $100.
The 3-2 vote faced opposition from Democrat Lina Hidalgo and Republican Tom Ramsey.
Officials say the increase will close a $180 million deficit and create a $15 million surplus.
The Office of Management and Budget estimates the hike adds $198 to the average homeowner’s annual bill.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers sparked a $700 billion federal bailout that strained municipal budgets, as Texas Comptroller Susan Combs recorded a 12 % revenue drop that year. Echoing that fiscal tightening, Harris County Commissioners in 2024 approved a 7.6 % property-tax hike to cover a $180 million deficit and generate a $15 million surplus.

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Story summary

Harris County Commissioners approved a 7.6% property tax hike to 67¢ per $100.
The 3-2 vote faced opposition from Democrat Lina Hidalgo and Republican Tom Ramsey.
Officials say the increase will close a $180 million deficit and create a $15 million surplus.
The Office of Management and Budget estimates the hike adds $198 to the average homeowner’s annual bill.

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