Security costs could be increasing for some HOAs and neighborhoods in Harris County

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The cost of extra police protection for some HOAs and neighborhoods that pay for it could be going up, with Harris County law enforcement raises expected to get final approval next week.

That means some communities may have choices to make about what’s most important to them.

“The pressures and the issues that we see around the country, this is where it hits home,” Jim Saye, a street director for Barkley Square’s Civic Club, said.

The club is split, in an argument about something designed to cool, not heat up.

We’re talking about the neighborhood pool, and whether residents can still afford it.

“It’s a difficult time for the neighborhood,” Saye said.

Barkley Square is a neighborhood of 204 homes in southwest Houston, just south of Meyerland.

The board treasurer says the neighborhood’s current security contract with the Precinct 5 Constable’s Office could go up by around 25%.

And, if that happens, something will have to be cut.

“Part of our dilemma is that our bylaws currently limit us to only increasing our dues by $20 a year per family,” Board Treasurer Paul Heyman said.

The cost increase is expected because Harris County commissioners have approved raises for deputies with the sheriff’s office and constables’ offices.

And, in a 3-2 vote, commissioners have also approved 46% raises for the county’s eight elected constables, bringing their years earnings from around $179,000 to $260,000.

The county judge railed against that during a lunch break at Thursday’s commissioners court meeting.

“We’re letting a majority of commissioners court give out taxpayers’ dollars willy nilly to increase the pay of the folks who will support them politically,” Judge Lina Hidalgo said.

To further complicate the issue, a new law goes into effect in December that would allow constables in Harris County to contract with HOAs and other districts without getting approval from commissioners first.

Some residents have expressed concern that the increase in security costs and lack of oversight could mean more security going to richer areas while poorer areas suffer. Some speakers addressed commissioners court on Thursday, saying the money could be spent on more social services.

“Choosing raises over resources sends a message that power is valued more than people,” one speaker said.

In Barkley Square, where the dispute has gotten so contentious that some residents say they have even received anonymous flyers about the issue, the argument continues.

When costs go up, should you keep current security levels or continue funding the neighborhood pool?

Currently, the board is divided, five votes against five.

“It kind of mirrors to me the current political climate,” Heyman said. “At some point, we gotta say, ‘Enough is enough, we’re neighbors.'”

Harris County commissioners are expected to approve next year’s budget next week.

ABC13 reached out to the Precinct 5 Constable for his perspective but didn’t hear back on Thursday evening.

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