According to new data, there have been 491 homicides in Harris County since the start of 2022 as the region continues to grapple with rising violent crime.
Republicans boycotted a tax increase vote, and in retaliation, Commissioner Adrian Garcia halted proposed projects in their precincts.
Although the parties have agreed the county may adopt a budget, the war of words between the comptroller and commissioners has continued.
Alexandra del Moral Mealer called for a plan to increase county law enforcement staffing by 1,000 officers to combat a dramatic rise in crime since 2019.
The city’s police chief reported that overall crime is down from last year while still well above 2019 levels.
The county must seek voter approval for a budget that reduces law enforcement funding or property taxes will be frozen at the no-new-revenue rate.
Hidalgo, facing a fierce challenge from a Republican, struck out at fellow Democratic officials over what she called “misinformation” about public safety.
As districts work to bolster school security, Harris County Constable Mark Herman says he will place hundreds of deputies at schools and day care centers.
Despite $197 million in unspent funds from the 2015 bond package, the commissioners court voted to proceed with a new bond election in November.
Commissioner Adrian Garcia implied Republican commissioners who vote against the measure would not receive an equal share of funding.
Incumbent Lina Hidalgo leads by 1 percent, while del Moral Mealer has a slight advantage with Latino voters and a net favorability rating of +17 percent to Hidalgo’s +7 percent.
Commissioners voted along party lines to explore ways to promote and expand access to abortion and contraception in the state’s most populous county.
