Government
Ballot proposition could affect City Council agendas
Bellaire prepares to adopt new budget The city of Bellaire is aiming to adopt its fis- cal year 2023-24 budget at a Sept. 18 meeting, which includes an estimated $27 million in general fund expenses. A deep dive In the proposed budget, officials are debating the following: • 10% increase in city water rates • 10% increase in wastewater rates • 7% increase in solid waste rates • 4% cost of living adjustment In the city’s FY 2022-23 budget, officials approved $29 million in expenses, an amount that was boosted by $4.7 million in transfers, including $3.7 million for capital projects. Property tax revenues are expected to increase from $15.5 million in the 2022-23 budget to $16.5 million in the 2023-24 budget.
Houston voters will get a chance to decide in November whether the city should amend its char- ter to allow members of the Houston City Council to place items on the council’s weekly agenda. What happened Council members voted Aug. 2 to approve placing the item on ballots for Houstonians to vote on during this year’s election Nov. 7. Zooming in Currently, the mayor in Houston has sole dis- cretion to determine what should and should not be placed on the agenda each week. If the charter amendment is approved by voters, any council member would be able to place an item on the agenda as long as they had the backing of at least two other council members. Agenda items would still need a majority of the council’s approval—at least nine votes in favor—in order to pass the council.
Empowering the council An item on Nov. 7 ballots will give voters the chance to amend Houston’s charter related to weekly Houston City Council agenda topics.
How it works:
• Only the mayor can place an item on the agenda • Council members can request items be placed on the agenda, but all items require mayoral approval
What would change:
• A council member could place an item on the agenda if they have the support of at least two other members • The mayor would not be able to veto the placement of an item if three council members back its placement
SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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