County Leaders Tackle Pay Raises, Flood Projects, and Healthcare at Special Commissioners Court Meeting
From infrastructure improvements to public safety pay raises and updated healthcare plans for county employees, the Harris County Commissioners Court covered a lot of ground in a special session Thursday morning. While no tax rate decisions were finalized, leaders laid the groundwork for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and approved several spending measures that will impact neighborhoods across the region.
Law Enforcement Salaries Get a Hard Look
With recruitment and retention challenges still front and center, all eight Harris County constables brought forward salary adjustment requests, which the Court approved to take effect October 1, 2025. These adjustments are part of a broader law enforcement salary study that commissioners are evaluating this budget cycle.
“This is about fairness and making sure our public safety officers are paid competitively and responsibly,” said Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who previously served as Harris County Sheriff.
The total cost of the constable salary increases hasn’t been publicly finalized, but officials signaled the changes would be built into FY26 projections.
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District Judges See Pay Bump
In response to a new state law passed this summer, the Court voted to increase county-paid salary supplements for all District Court judges, raising them from $18,013 to $25,000 per year, starting September 1, 2025. Commissioners framed the move as required, not optional.
Mueschke Road Improvements Move Ahead
Commissioners approved a $39,312 contract amendment with Omega Engineers to push forward long-planned improvements to Mueschke Road Segment 9, a stretch north of Draper Road in Precinct 4. Once completed, the upgrades are expected to improve mobility and safety near FM 2920 in a fast-growing part of unincorporated Northwest Harris County.
“This is one of those small-dollar items that paves the way—literally—for much bigger things,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones, who represents Precinct 4.
The project is currently in the engineering phase, with construction anticipated sometime in 2026.
Housing Support and Park Access in the Pipeline
The Court approved updates to its partnership with Family Endeavors, Inc., allowing continued use of federal Emergency Solutions Grant funds to support rapid rehousing services for families experiencing homelessness. The adjustment to the contract budget doesn’t change the scope of the services, but keeps the program in compliance with federal reporting standards.
In Precinct 3, the County also approved a utility installation at Edgewater Park’s East Parcel in Kingwood, clearing the way for future park development at the site.
“Housing stability remains a cornerstone of community safety and opportunity,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who represents much of the county’s urban core.
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Employee Health Costs and Retiree Drug Coverage
Commissioners voted to adopt new healthcare premium rates for the 2026 plan year that shift toward a salary-based structure—meaning employees who earn more will pay more. The Court also approved a Medicare drug coverage waiver plan that’s expected to save Harris County more than $2 million annually for retirees enrolled in the county’s group health plan.
“When we take care of our employees, they can better serve the people of Harris County,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones during the vote.
Resolutions and Recognition
The Court closed the meeting by passing two community-centered resolutions: one commemorating India’s 79th Independence Day, another honoring the ribbon-cutting for the HAY Center, a new three-story, 50-unit facility at 3131 Gulf Freeway designed to support youth aging out of foster care.
The $39 million project includes housing and wrap-around services like life skills training rooms, a computer lab, kitchen, gym, private study spaces, and on-site case management. Funding came from Community Development Block Grants from both the County and the City of Houston, plus $5 million from Harris County’s American Rescue Plan allocation.
What This Means for Harris County Residents
This special meeting touched on a lot of moving parts, but here’s what’s most important for residents to know:
- Pay raises for constables and judges are now approved and will take effect in fall 2025.
- Healthcare premiums for county employees are changing in 2026, based on salary.
- Flood control and mobility projects, like Mueschke Road improvements, are inching closer to construction.
- Park access in Kingwood and housing help for at-risk families are both getting new support.
- Final decisions on tax rates and broader budgets are still in progress and will return for vote in future meetings.
My Neighborhood News will continue tracking these developments and how they affect residents across all precincts.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
