Proposed Property Tax Increase for Harris County Flood Control District
In November, Harris County will propose a significant increase in the property tax rate for the flood control district to fund drainage “transformation” investments. Currently, the district’s tax rate is 31.05 cents per $100 of assessed value, resulting in an annual tax bill of about $94 for a $380,000 home with a 20% homestead exemption. The Commissioners Court is considering raising the tax rate to 48.97 cents per $100 of assessed value, which would mean an additional $60 for the homeowner if approved by voters.
Impact of the Proposed Increase
If voters reject the measure, the tax rate would default to the highest rate allowed under state law without voter approval, which is 8%. The county emphasizes the urgency of the increase, pointing out that the current funding for maintaining flood control infrastructure is insufficient. The proposed raise is seen as a “transformative” investment that would enable the county to repair and replace damaged infrastructure, improve maintenance, and address erosion issues.
Long-Term Vision and Sustainable Funding
Harris County plans to spend $5 billion over the next five years on flood control programs. Without adequate maintenance funding, these projects could fail over time. Increasing the tax rate is seen as a necessary step to create a financially sustainable sector capable of addressing the ongoing challenges posed by flooding in the region. District commissioners emphasize that living in a floodplain makes flood control a top priority for the community, especially in light of recent severe flooding events.
