Houston city leaders vote against raising property tax rate despite unclear plan for ballooning deficit
At the urging of Mayor John Whitmire, the city council voted to not increase property taxes. The move comes as the city faces a $128 million deficit, projected to increase to more than $220 million next year.
Hundreds of retired Houston city workers still awaiting pension payments, months after buyouts
As Mayor John Whitmire’s administration sought to address a daunting budget deficit, 1,052 workers accepted early retirement incentives in March and April. More than 33% haven’t received their regular pension payments — despite the administration’s promise that they would within 60 days.
Why did 3 Houston City Council members vote no on Mayor John Whitmire’s $7 billion budget?
Council members Edward Pollard, Tiffany Thomas and Abbie Kamin voted against the budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which was supported by the other council members. Their concerns included slashed departmental budgets and more than $100 million in deficit spending.
Houston City Council passes Mayor John Whitmire’s $7 billion budget after protest disrupts meeting
City council members proposed about 70 amendments to the mayor’s proposed budget. Fourteen of them were approved.
Houston City Controller Chris Hollins outlines ‘hard truths’ about mayor’s proposed budget
On Wednesday, the city council will take up the budget for fiscal year 2026, which must be certified by the controller before taking effect. Hollins has repeatedly clashed with Mayor John Whitmire.
In major win for Mayor Whitmire, judge approves drainage settlement saving Houston $180 million over next year
Earlier this week, the City of Houston urged a court to make a decision quickly regarding a proposed agreement with the plaintiffs in a 2019 lawsuit over the city’s spending on street and drainage projects. Some Houston residents and a nonprofit advocacy group asked the court to reject the settlement.
City of Houston leaders acknowledge budget ‘cannot be finalized’ without court approval of drainage settlement
Mayor John Whitmire wants a court to approve a pivotal settlement in a streets and drainage funding case by Friday. The move comes as efforts to block the agreement ramp up.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire proposes overtime budget reduction despite $72 million excess in 2025
Whitmire’s administration is requesting a $1 million reduction in budgeted overtime pay heading into the next fiscal year, despite the fact the city overshot that budget by more than $70 million this year. The fire and police department heads say additional recruits will help bring down overtime costs.
City controller raises ‘serious’ concerns about Houston budget without court ruling on drainage settlement
An agreement between Mayor John Whitmire's administration and the plaintiffs in a 2019 lawsuit against the city would save the city $84 million in fiscal year 2026.
Houston’s ‘end street homelessness’ fund remains well short of goal as regionwide efforts continue
The funding source for Mayor John Whitmire’s push to end street homelessness in Houston is about $40 million shy of its $70 million goal. The city is still looking for funds from Harris County and private philanthropy.
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