A gap this large should not be placed entirely on either taxpayers or service cuts. A multi-part package can preserve the highest-value functions while forcing lower priorities to absorb some adjustment.

People can accept some increase more easily if commissioners also show what they cut, what they sold and what they made more efficient. Everyone should see some discipline in the deal.

Harris County cannot maintain health, flood, justice and core operating capacity by pretending a large structural gap is temporary. Stable recurring services need stable recurring revenue.

Large cuts often fall hardest on residents who rely most on county health and safety services. Revenue should be considered before reducing programs that prevent more expensive problems later.

A recurring deficit is a warning that the operating base has grown too large. Selling property or raising one-time fees only postpones the same problem if recurring expenses remain untouched.

A household facing an affordability squeeze cannot simply raise its income by decree. County government should scrutinize staffing, new initiatives and recent spending growth before increasing homeowners’ bills.

Before raising a major tax, use underused property and every available non-tax dollar to buy time. A new county administration can tackle the long-term structure next year.