HOUSTON — Houston City Council members reviewed proposed amendments to Mayor John Whitmire’s $7.5 billion city budget plan on Wednesday as the council prepared for a final vote expected next week.
Council members discussed selected amendments during the session as part of the annual budget process. The full budget and remaining proposed changes remain pending council approval.
The proposed budget includes several fiscal measures, including the creation of a solid waste-related fee and the diversion of about $100 million from the city’s water and sewer utility to the general fund, which finances departments such as police, fire, and parks.
The administration said the plan would eliminate a projected $200 million general fund deficit.
Whitmire described the proposal as “transformative,” and a majority of council members have signaled preliminary support.
City Controller Chris Hollins certified the availability and legality of funds this week, allowing the budget process to continue.
The proposed solid waste fee would start at $5 per month per customer and could increase over time. A cost-of-service study indicated the fee could generate enough revenue to fund the solid waste department, which costs more than $100 million annually.
Council member Alejandra Salinas proposed an amendment to provide financial assistance for low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities to offset the fee. Council member Mario Castillo also supported increasing assistance funding.
Hollins said the fee would place a heavier financial burden on lower- and middle-income households compared with a property tax increase that would generate similar revenue.
“It places a heavier burden on working families who are struggling to make ends meet,” Hollins said.
Salinas also proposed transferring $3 million from management consultant services to illegal dumping mitigation. The amendment would expand enforcement, surveillance, and heavy trash drop-off services.
Salinas said illegal dumping creates environmental and public health concerns and requires additional city action.
The amendment received co-sponsorship from council members Castillo, Martha Castex-Tatum, Tarsha Jackson, and Julian Ramirez and support from more than 100 community residents and organizations, according to Salinas’ office.
Community advocates under the Houston People’s Budget Campaign criticized the proposed solid waste fee and the transfer of water utility funds to the general fund. Campaign representative Alice Liu said the proposal would place an unfair burden on residents.
Labor groups representing municipal workers, police officers, and firefighters supported the budget, citing recent labor contracts and proposed pay increases.
Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation Executive Director Hany Khalil said the budget supports long-term financial stability and city services while calling for future efforts to distribute costs more evenly among taxpayers.
Council members are expected to vote on the final budget next week.