Katy-area homeowners in unincorporated Harris County could see their property tax bills jump $226 a year under a budget proposal commissioners discussed Monday, Aug. 17.

The plan would raise the county property tax rate from 62 cents to 68 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 9.7% increase aimed at closing a deficit of about $180 million. Commissioners Court will vote on the rate in early September, though no specific date has been set.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, who represents much of the Katy area, called the proposal the second-largest tax increase in Harris County history at Monday's meeting, according to ABC13.

The county budget office pegged the dollar impact at $226 per year on a home appraised at the average homestead value of $400,000. County spending is more than $320 million above last year's level, driven by healthcare costs, higher police pay, unfrozen positions and inflation.

Commissioners split on blame

County Judge Lina Hidalgo pointed to the court's own decisions, specifically a series of deputy and constable pay raises, as the primary driver. On Aug. 6, commissioners voted 4-1 to raise constable salaries to $305,000, the fourth increase in three years that has more than doubled constable pay since 2024. Hidalgo voted against that raise.

"No, it's not about state mandates. No, it's not about inflation. Nothing amounts to the $300 million, probably $400 million with other increases that have been committed," Hidalgo said Monday.

Commissioner Lesley Briones offered a different explanation, blaming state and federal unfunded mandates and federal service cuts for stretching local taxpayer dollars.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis initially voted against the constable raises on Aug. 6 but switched his vote after commissioners agreed to potentially extend identical increases to other elected officials, including the district and county attorneys, the Houston Chronicle reported. Commissioner Adrian Garcia also sits on the five-member court.

Commissioners are expected to vote in early September. Residents can monitor the Harris County Commissioners Court calendar at harriscountytx.gov for the exact meeting date.