Overview

• Commissioners rejected a motion to postpone the previously approved law-enforcement pay package in a 3–2 vote, with Lina Hidalgo and Rodney Ellis backing the delay.
• Hidalgo exited the nine-hour meeting after colleagues declined funding for early-childhood and juvenile probation items, telling them, "Shame on you."
• Hundreds of speakers addressed the court, with many opposing the pay raises for deputies during the lengthy public session.
• After Hidalgo left, commissioners advanced a series of budget amendments as they work to finalize the fiscal 2026 plan before the Oct. 1 start of the new year.
• County leaders are closing a roughly $270 million shortfall as the raise package represents about a third of the Current Level of Services deficit and tax-rate choices remain under review.