CITY& COUNTY
News from Houston & Harris County
QUOTEOFNOTE “AT SOME POINT, WE HAVE TO CHANGE HOWWE DOBUSINESS. I BELIEVEWE SHOULD INCLUDE THE COMMUNITY MOVING FORWARD.” TARSHA JACKSON, HOUSTON OTHERHIGHLIGHTS HARRIS COUNTY Following several issues in the March 1 primary elections, Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria announced her resignation, effective July 1, at the March 8 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting. The resignation came after the county was not be able to count and report votes by the statutory deadline of 7 p.m. March 2 and about 10,000 ballots were discovered after the final count. The county administrator and attorney’s offices said they will CITY COUNCIL MEMBER, SPEAKING ON THE CITY’S PROCESS OF NEGOTIATING POLICE UNION CONTRACTS engage a third-party consultant to review elections operations. HARRIS COUNTY The Harris County Justice Administration Department reported March 16 recent bail reforms for those who have committed misdemeanors have saved taxpayers more than $6 million per year. In a presentation to the Harris County Commissioners Court, officials also said the reforms resulted in a decline in recidivism numbers and eliminated disparities among those who are unable to pay the cash bond for pretrial release. HOUSTON In a 12-4 vote, the Houston City Council voted March 9 to increase the maximum contract amount between the city and Norton Rose Fulbright, the law firm representing the city in a legal battle related to an ongoing firefighter pay parity dispute. Council Members Michael Kubosh, Letitia Plummer, Amy Peck and Edward Pollard voted against the item. As of press time March 30, the Texas Supreme Court had not yet decided whether it will take the case. Houston City Council will meet at 9 a.m. April 6 at 901 Bagby St., Houston. Meetings are streamed at www.houstontx.gov/htv. Harris County Commissioners Court will meet at 10 a.m. April 5 at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. MEETINGSWE COVER
Houston City Council approves newcontract with police union
BY SOFIA GONZALEZ
the public opportunity to provide feedback. Council Member Letitia Plummer joined Jackson, adding she wanted the city to consider addi- tional adjustments to increase police accountability. Police reform advocates have criticized the agreement as well, including the “48-hour rule,” which allows police officers accused of mis- conduct 48 hours to review evidence before providing a statement. Mayor Sylvester Turner said if the council wants to change the way Houston negotiates, members need to go through the Texas Legislature.
HOUSTON At a March 23 meeting, Houston City Council approved an agreement between the city and Houston Police Officers’ Union. The contract provides raises for officers while revising the “180-day rule,” which deals with officer discipline after misconduct occurs. All council members voted in favor of the agreement with Council Member Mary Nan Huffman abstain- ing. Council Member Tarsha Jackson motioned to delay the vote for two weeks, but the motion failed. Jackson said she wanted to give
What’s in the deal?
180-day rule
48-hour rule
10.5% pay raises for officers during three-year period Raises
Officers cannot be disciplined for
Officers accused of misconduct have 48 hours to review evidence before providing a statement, consistent with the previous contract.
misconduct 180 days after it is discovered, changing a rule that previously prohibited discipline 180 days after misconduct occurs.
SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Harris County lowers COVID-19 threat level
Houston hires law firmfor redistricting
BY SOFIA GONZALEZ
BY SIERRA ROZEN
HARRIS COUNTY The county lowered the COVID-19 threat level March 10 from Level 2, “signifi- cant,” to Level 3, or “moderate.” The level was lowered due to the declining numbers of cases and hospitalizations, officials said. Unvaccinated individuals are still encouraged to mask and physically distance themselves. HARRIS COUNTYCOVID-19LEVEL Current level
HOUSTON The Houston City Council approved a legal service agreement March 2 with law firm Thompson and Horton LLP for redistricting services. Council Members Mike Knox, Michael Kubosh, Mary Nan Huffman and Amy Peck voted against the ordinance. Knox said his main issue was with Thompson and Horton’s plans to subcontract a portion of the work to West and Associates LLP, which he said could be construed as politicizing the process by using a firm of which Democratic state Sen. Royce West is a founding partner. The council is expected to vote on multiple items in the future regarding redistricting criteria before any plan is adopted. New maps need to be in place before the city’s next general election, which will take place in November 2023.
SEVERE Stay home stay safe SIGNIFICANT Minimize all contacts MODERATE Stay vigilant MINIMAL Resume normal contacts
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Meetings are streamed at www.harriscountytx.gov.
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2022
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