Harris County officials vote to proceed with major tax-rate increase

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County homeowners are one step closer to receiving one of the largest tax-rate hikes in the county's history.

On Tuesday, commissioners voted to move forward with a proposed 7.6% increase for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Harris County Office of Management and Budget says that would equate to a property-tax increase of over $190 in the coming year for the average homeowner in the county.

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey introduced an amendment that would have lowered the proposed increase, but the Commissioners Court struck it down 3-2.

Outgoing Judge Lina Hidalgo was the only other member of Harris County Commissioners Court who voted in favor of Ramsey's proposal.

A public hearing and final vote on the proposed tax-rate increase is set for Sept. 17.

The proposed increase comes as officials say the county faces a $180 million budget shortfall.