HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (CW39) - Harris County leaders clashed Tuesday over a proposed budget that could leave the county facing a $200 million deficit and deep cuts to essential services.

County Judge Lina Hidalgo said commissioners approved major pay raises for law enforcement without a clear plan to fund them. She warned the decision forces “robbing Peter to pay Paul,” shifting money away from departments like the public health, and housing.

“Once you make these raises, which are massive, you can’t reverse them,” Hidalgo said. “The only way to cover them is higher taxes later or cutting critical services now.”

Proposed reductions include library staffing, programs to reduce jail overcrowding, maternal health care, mosquito control, and pollution enforcement. Hidalgo also raised alarm ab

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