Harris County raises property tax rate 7.6% after budget vote

Harris County commissioners approved a 7.6% increase in the county’s combined property tax rate on Thursday, pushing the rate to its highest level since at least 2006. The move comes after a $3.1 billion budget vote and is expected to cost the average homeowner about $198 more this year.

Why it matters: - Harris County homeowners are facing a higher tax bill as the county tries to close a projected $180 million budget shortfall. - The new rate is the highest combined county property tax rate since at least 2006. - The county says the change will add about $198 to the average homeowner’s annual property taxes.

What happened: - Harris County Commissioners voted 3-1-1 Thursday to raise the county’s combined property tax rate by about 7.6%. - The rate moves from $0.6241 to $0.6715 per $100 of taxable value. - Commissioners approved a $3.1 billion budget for fiscal 2027 before the tax vote. - The combined rate covers four taxing entities: Harris County, Harris County Flood Control District, Harris Health System and the Port of Houston Authority.

The details: - The Harris County Office of Management and Budget estimates the increase will cost the average homeowner about $198 more in property taxes this year. - The actual change for any homeowner will depend on taxable property value and applicable exemptions. - The higher combined rate will be used to calculate the county-related portion of property tax bills. - The previous high for the combined county rate was $0.63998 in 2006. - The tax increase comes as the county works to fund operations and services for the next fiscal year while addressing the shortfall. - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who stepped away before the vote, called the budget “irresponsible” and “unsustainable” and said the county missed a chance to address its structural deficit.

Between the lines: - The vote underscores the pressure on local governments trying to balance rising costs, service demands and large budget gaps. - The average-homeowner estimate masks uneven effects, since tax bills will vary by property value and exemptions. - Property owners with higher assessed values or fewer exemptions could see a larger increase than the county average.

What’s next: - Property owners will see the new combined rate reflected in county-related tax calculations for the upcoming tax year. - Homeowners may want to review property values and exemptions to make sure they are not paying more than necessary. - The county will need to manage the new budget while continuing to address the projected deficit.

The bottom line: - Harris County has locked in a higher property tax rate to support its budget, and homeowners should expect higher bills unless exemptions or valuations offset the increase.