HOUSTON — The Houston City Council passed a $7.5 billion budget in a 15-1 vote. The approved budget adopts Mayor John Whitmire's spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year and takes effect on July 1.
The budget establishes a new $5 monthly solid waste administrative fee for residents and implements a right-of-way charge on Houston Water and Wastewater operations. Whitmire stated that his proposal has support from business, labor union, and nonprofit organization representatives.
Council member Edward Pollard cast the sole vote against the budget. Pollard said, "There is no denying that we have a spending problem in the city of Houston. Over the last two fiscal years, our city has faced the largest budget deficits in the city's history."
City Controller Chris Hollins argued that the budget relies on accounting adjustments rather than sustainable financial reforms. Hollins stated, "It's disappointing that Council approved a budget that repeats deficit spending, pushes the City closer to minimum reserve thresholds, and shifts more costs onto working families." He added, "This $5 is going cost the average Houstonian three times more than a basic property tax increase that would have raised the same amount of money."
Whitmire said, "This budget is about protecting services, protecting workers, and putting Houston on solid financial planning." A group of protesters gathered in the city council chambers and chanted before being removed following the vote.