Harris County Proposes $96M+ for Universal Services Budget

Harris County’s $2.7 billion budget proposal will go to a vote in September, and there may be additional adjustments over the coming days.

Universal Services (HCUS) has a total proposed budget of $96.1 million, which includes $2.5 million for cybersecurity, $2 million for increased Microsoft contract costs and $3.9 million for an electric vehicle pilot.

The division manages county technology, including public safety and fleet vehicles. HCUS has 11 divisions that serve about 17,969 full-time staff and 4.8 million residents.

Its budgeted areas are:

• HCUS: $96.1 million
• Repair and replacement: $18.6 million
• Utilities and leases: $29.5 million

As to general government, the county lists additional 2025 tech spending:

• $4.5 million for ACT tax collection software
• $3.6 million for Epic health-care software annual maintenance
• $1 million for cybersecurity insurance

HCUS will also seek to replace the JWEB criminal justice software with a modern integration platform to allow for better interagency data sharing.

Harris County is working to “reduce costs and increase revenue,” according to the budget documents, and has outlined areas where departments can optimize operations over time. Technology will play a part in these efforts and include:

• Standardizing technology, reducing software licensing and considering call center optimization
• Using technology for vendor and temporary employee management
• Looking long term at technology and automation to restructure and streamline processes

Cost reductions in the coming year include $3 million in consulting and technology services and $1.9 million in software contracts.

Harris County begins its fiscal year Oct. 1 and approves budgets of the county general fund, Harris County Toll Road Authority, Harris County Flood Control District and Harris Health System.