HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After weeks of back and forth, Harris County commissioners worked to finalize a budget and at times, the frustration in the room was evident.
On Tuesday, a packed room greeted commissioners ahead of the budget discussion. More than 150 speakers addressed commissioners.
The majority of them urged officials not to increase law enforcement pay. Earlier this year, Commissioners Lesley Briones, Adrian Garcia, and Tom Ramsey voted to increase deputy pay after Houston increased its police pay.
The budget director said the increase added $100 million to the budget. A figure Hidalgo reminded the room of numerous times.
While doing so, Ramsey left the room every time. ABC13 asked his communications person why. She told us the commissioner wanted to hear from the public,