Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is criticizing the county's newly approved budget, calling it "irresponsible" and "unsustainable" after Commissioners Court approved the largest property tax hike in county history.

Hidalgo spoke to reporters Thursday after commissioners approved higher tax rates, saying the county missed an opportunity to rework its budget and address its structural deficit.

She abstained from the final vote and said she symbolically stepped out because she did not want to sit back and do nothing.