Mayor John Whitmire’s administration is considering higher-than-usual tax rate hikes to pay for nearly $40 million in recovery costs.
Following widespread damage from Hurricane Beryl and the May derecho, The two disasters have left Houston with an estimated bill of $211 million, which includes the costs of debris removal, emergency efforts like flood mitigation, as well as repairs to local roads, buildings and utilities, according to finance director Melissa Dubowski .
How Beryl shattered Houston-area storm records in 4 charts The Federal Emergency Management Agency is anticipated to cover about three-quarters of the cost, or $158 million, leaving the city responsible for the remaining $53 million, Dubowski said. Of the city's share, about $40 million will come from the general fund, primarily supported by tax revenue, and $13 million will come from other funds tied to specific operations like airports.
The city of Houston's budget gap comes home to roost The finance director emphasized the tradeoffs between tax savings and service delivery. “People want more done with their garbage collection. They want to have public safety as a priority with more officers. We saw the lack of having a contract with the fire department for so many years,” Duboswki said. “There's both sides of the same coin. Yes, you had a lower bill, but your services have been impacted as well.
City Council Federal Emergency Management Agency Budget And Fiscal Affairs Committee Texas Legislature Urban Reform Institute John Whitmire Melissa Dubowski Charles Blain Joaquin Martinez Greg Abbott Houstonians Duboswki Tropical Storm Imelda Houston Harris County Texas Austin Memorial Day Flood Hurricane Harvey Hurricane Beryl PROPERTY TAX Tax Day Flood
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