HOUSTON - To tax or to tighten Harris County's "financial belt"? That is the challenge facing commissioners in the weeks to come.

A bi-partisan majority has emerged committed to "living within the county's means" and not asking property owners for more of their money.

Harris County leaders aim not to raise taxes

The discussion hasn't been without acrimony, most of it coming from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who opposes a long-overdue raise for deputies and constables at an annual cost of $100 million.

Hidalgo, who supported a double-digit tax hike last year, says without another tax increase this year, the increased wages for law enforcement will force the county to reduce or eliminate services.

What they're saying:

"What I'm seeing is election-time pandering to a group tha

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