BY MELISSA ENAJE & AUBREY VOGEL
Fulshear officials propose $35.46M for capital improvements Fulshear city officials are considering spending $35.46 million on projects in fiscal year 2025-26 as part of its capital improve- ment plan, or CIP. The proposed five-year plan totals $412.83 million. A majority of the proposed FY 2025-26 CIP—$13.08 million—is allocated to facilities, parks and technology projects. Streets projects have the least amount allocated in FY 2025-26 with $350,000. What’s next? The finalized plan will be formally adopted by City Council in September along with the FY 2025-26 budget and will go into effect in October, Finance Director Erin Tureau said.
Harris County projects $130M budget shortfall Harris County commissioners are looking at potential countywide cuts to address a $130 million budget shortfall in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year. Digging deeper Harris County Budget Director Daniel Ramos said while the county remains financially stable, officials will need to make tough policy choices and prioritize services in the upcoming fiscal year that begins in October. “I don’t think anybody expected the explosion in justice costs, either with indigent defense, [and] with jails,” Ramos said. “Our county’s growing. The demands for service especially in the unincor- porated areas are just massive.” Budget forecasts provided by the Harris County Office of Management and Budget found expenses that could impact the county’s fiscal situation in
“I believe we must all be responsible fiduciaries in planning what potential cuts, what potential additional revenue … and be as creative and solutions-oriented [as possible].” LESLEY BRIONES, HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 COMMISSIONER
the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 include: • $57 million increase for indigent defense rate costs, case proceedings that include what Ramos said are aggressively tackling the criminal court backlog • $50 million budgeted for pay equity • $40 million for countywide compensation increases • $23 million in health care cost increases Going forward As county department officials prepare for the upcoming fiscal year, budget hearings will take place Sept. 2-5.
ASSISTED LIVING LICENSE #308670
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KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION
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