Harris County faces projected $129 million budget deficit next year

Added: 2026-05-20

[00:00:00]The Harris County Commissioners Court discussing the projected 2027 fiscal year budget during Thursday's meeting, officials saying that the best case scenario is a $129 million budget deficit. Here are some more details.

[00:00:16]The projected 2027 fiscal year budget is just over $3 billion, but the office of budget and management says expenses next year are expected to be $287 million higher than this year. The largest chunk has to do with law enforcement salaries and vacant positions, which is expected to cost about $73 million more next year. Commissioners last year approved the huge pay raises for constables and Sheriff's Office deputies. Judge Lina Hidalgo says she warned the Commissioners Court not to approve the law enforcement raises last year. I asked her how the deficit and potential cuts will impact residents. I think the worst case scenario is that we not only have to cut across the board, but we make even more commitments that we can't pay for.

[00:01:02]The budget cost projections for next year also include increases in health care spending and inflation-related costs such as software, fuel, and utilities.

[00:01:11]The official budget proposal will be presented in August and is expected to be approved by mid-September. The fiscal year for 2027 begins on October 1st.