Where is the pilot, and where is he taking us? Will it be to a bankruptcy or a magical mystery tour? Whitmire needs to step up and lead. He has had nine months to think about the problems or lack of money for everything he has promised. He wanted to lead. He has to lead.
I am not generally in favor of tax increases and hate the waste of taxpayers’ money, but our city is reaching a point where it may cease to be an excellent city to raise a family. I have learned to love Houston, but things are going downhill; they must improve. I was speaking to one of the residents of the neighborhood, an elderly woman who said she was getting scared to go out at night. She goes to church often and usually returns around nine in the evening. She complains that it takes 311 too long to send someone out to correct the quality of life nuisances that can make one dislike their neighbors.
So, mayor, if we need more money, and I seriously doubt that you will find that much waste without touching the police and fire department, I suggest you take the lead. Raise the taxes, and if you don’t need that money, lower the taxes next year.
Yes, the water bills were exceedingly high this past month; several people complained that they were over $400.00. The electricity and gas costs are also rising, and insurance has gone through the roof. Houston may soon become where you want to work but not live.
Houston must provide a plan to stabilize its finances or risk increased borrowing costs from a lower credit rating, City Controller Chris Hollins told City Council Wednesday.
S&P Global and Fitch Ratings, two of the country’s Big Three credit rating agencies, revised the city’s rating outlook from “stable” to “negative” in recent months, in part because the city has increased debt service costs without a plan to raise revenue.
Hollins’ warning comes a week before the city’s finance director is scheduled to propose a property tax rate, which several council members have advocated to raise to cover a projected deficit in 2026.
Mayor John Whitmire has refused to publicly commit on an increase, saying he first would look to cut spending and duplication.
Hollins urged city leaders Wednesday to act to avoid an official downgrade, which could have lasting impacts on city finances and increase the city’s borrowing costs.
“Continuing inaction poses real risks to our future prosperity,” Hollins said. “It is a real challenge that’s knocking on our door, and all eyes are on Houston to see how we answer the call.”
According to the following, the people against a property tax increase outnumber those in favor.
The tax rate wasn’t on the agenda, but Council Member Joaquin Martinez raised the issue at the end of the meeting. He pointed out the city’s tax rate has decreased steadily over the last decade, from 63 cents per $100 valuation in 2015 to 52 cents in 2024. According to the city’s Finance Department, the decrease in the tax rate has cost the city more than $2 billion over the last decade.
“I continue to hear the frustrations from residents about delayed services,” Martinez said. “I continue to remind them that the budget shortfalls our cities face is not anything new. We need to continue to inform them, make sure that we have an adequate tax revenue to sustain our city services.”
Martinez and Council Member Sallie Alcorn have been the most vocal proponents of a tax hike over the past month. On Wednesday, Council Member Mario Castillo joined them.
Castillo pointed out that the City of Houston faces more than $50 million in costs from the derecho and Hurricane Beryl.
“At the end of the day, we have to pay our bills,” he said.
Council Members Tiffany Thomas, Edward Pollard, Julian Ramirez, Willie Davis and Martha Castex-Tatum ranged from skepticism to outright opposition to a potential increase on Wednesday.
“When you’re talking about a tax bill, flood insurance, freeze insurance, your premiums have gone up, you’re literally pricing people out,” Thomas said.
