HOUSTON – For weeks, Harris County commissioners have worked to finalize a budget. On Tuesday, the meeting grew tense as elected officials debated funding priorities, possible cuts and how to close a looming shortfall.
KPRC 2 News reporter Brittany Jeffers was at Commissioners Court as leaders spent hours hashing out the proposed numbers.
Tension in the room continued to boil over as commissioners debated funding for youth programs, public safety and other priorities.
Judge Lina Hidalgo ultimately left the meeting twice after commissioners declined to fund several youth programs. At one point, she told commissioners, “Shame on you.”
In a press conference before the meeting, Hidalgo criticized plans to increase funding for law enforcement without a clear plan to pay for it, reiterating that the county faces a $200 million deficit. She said proposals to balance the budget could include cuts to several programs aimed at keeping juveniles out of jail, and later walked out after discussions about funding for the juvenile probation department.
There were tense exchanges between Hidalgo and some commissioners as she pushed back on choices she said would harm children and community programs. “I’m totally crushed,” Hidalgo said.
The meeting was packed and public comment stretched for hours as residents and advocates weighed in on the proposed budget and the potential loss of programs.
As of the latest updates from the board, commissioners are expected to finalize the budget on Sept. 18.