News Room

Commissioner Tom Ramsey Rescinds Counter Proposal Amid Concerns for Upcoming Meeting

Harris County, TX – The chaos and mass confusion continues around Harris County’s budget and tax vote issue. Commissioner Tom Ramsey released a counter proposal on Friday with honest intentions on a solution that would fund the taxpayers’ priorities, while also being fiscally responsible with their money. He was hopeful in attending Monday’s special meeting of a “discussion”; however, vagueness around the “possible action” in that meeting paired with Tuesday’s meeting details leaves the door open to take other actions relating to the massive tax increase. Commissioner Ramsey is officially rescinding his offer and will not be attending Monday’s meeting.

Here’s what Commissioner Tom Ramsey had to say:

“Commissioner Garcia stated his proposal from yesterday was his final offer. I am rejecting his offer and rescinding mine. I don’t trust Judge Hidalgo or Commissioners Garcia and Ellis because their actions speak louder than words. For example:

1. They’ve retaliated against Precinct 3 and 4 residents three courts in a row by unnecessarily blocking our projects from approval. Commissioner Garcia misled a resident on the September 27^th meeting saying he can’t pass a project, because we’re not in attendance. But he then moves to pass the same exact project for approval the following court meeting, after buckling under the pressure of the residents who showed up to call his bluff.
2. The Tuesday, October 18^th special meeting has the $256M tax revenue increase as the official proposal to be considered. Why did she schedule her emergency meeting for Monday, October 17^th knowing nothing can be changed about the proposal on Tuesday’s meeting? She could’ve scheduled it for Wednesday or Thursday to still meet the adoption deadline.
3. Nearly a year ago, to this day, they approved the historic and chaotic redistricting map with no regard to how it would disrupt the residents. Judge Hidalgo admittedly chose this map because it opened the door to unseat Commissioner Cagle and would allow for a 4-1 vote on a future tax rate. 

Judge Hidalgo and Commissioners Garcia and Ellis have made Harris County more partisan than it has ever been due to their political games. Our jobs are supposed to be simple – maintain roads, bridges, parks, community centers, offer community programming, and handle emergency operations.

The sad part is the ones who’ve suffered the most these past four years are our residents. Our residents are paying more for the implementation of seven departments since 2019, a private security contract, and even for a consultant who believes our Constables are not necessary. We even have employees who are indicted for bid-rigging with taxpayer dollars.

Trust is at an all-time low with Harris County. I don’t trust Judge Hidalgo or her leadership to do the right thing. Therefore, I will not be attending Monday’s meeting.”