Harris County Property Taxes Rose Three Times Inflation and Population

According to the recently released financial statements, Harris County’s property tax receipts increased by over 6% this year.  That is three times the increase in the County’s population growth and inflation.

You may recall that three of your commissioners did not think that increasing your taxes by three times inflation and population growth was enough.  The three Democratic members of the Court proposed another 8% on top of that.  That would have cost Harris County taxpayers roughly another $128 million and would have resulted in a whopping 15% increase in property taxes in just one year.

However, that prospect was thwarted when Commissioners Radack and Cagle boycotted the meeting where the tax rate was to be approved.  A little-known provision of state law provides that any tax increase must be approved by four commissioners.  So, by skipping the meeting, Radack and Cagle were able to block the additional $128 million being siphoned from taxpayers.

As many of you know, Commissioner Radack is retiring at the end of this year.  He will be replaced by either Tom Ramsey, the Republican nominee, or of one of the Democrats in their run-off, which has been delayed.  The two candidates in the run-off are Michael Moore and Diane Martinez Alexander.

I would strongly suggest before you decide who to vote for, find out what their position is on future property tax increases.