City leaders say the fee would help overhaul Houston's trash system without hitting households all at once. But it would also mark the first time residents directly pay for garbage pickup.
Man accused of murdering pregnant wife in Houston Heights in 2024 has 'fled the jurisdiction'Downtown Houston loses over 1,400 parking spaces as convention center expansion gets underwayRead full article: Police respond to reported suspicious package near Galleria MallYou won’t see a new charge if Houston approves a trash fee. it will be build into your water bill and increase to $25 a month over time.
– If Houston adds a new $5 monthly trash fee, you won’t see a new line on your bill. It would be folded into the one you already pay. Steven David, Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor John Whitmire, tells KPRC the existing “Solid Waste Cart Fee” line on your water bill would be renamed “Solid Waste Cart and Administrative Fee. ” That total would show $6.29, combining the current $1.29 cart fee with the proposed $5 charge.
David says the city’s Solid Waste Department serves roughly 400,000 customers and costs approximately $107 million per year, funded primarily through property taxes. The city tells KPRC 2 News it is proposing to start at $5, not the full cost of service, to avoid sudden financial pressure on households. Under the plan, the fee would increase by $5 each year until it reaches $25 per month by fiscal year 2032.
Under the proposal, solid waste would move from the General Fund, which also supports services like police, fire, and parks, into Public Works.
“We’re gonna have a whole bunch of operations and performance and audit folks inside the Public Works Department that constantly go through everything,” he said. “They have a bear hug around Solid Waste right now. We are going to deconstruct that department and rebuild its processes. ” The proposal pairs a financial shift with an operational overhaul, including automated routes, GPS tracking, new standards, and backup contractors to maintain service during the transition.
Houston is currently the only major city in Texas that does not charge a monthly solid waste fee. According to the city budget briefing KPRC attended, surrounding communities already charge for the service. Pasadena charges $34 per month, Sugar Land $24, League City $22, and Dallas charges $40. As an Emmy award-winning journalist, Jason strives to serve the community by telling in-depth stories and taking on challenges many pass over.
When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his girlfriend Rosie, and dog named Dug. How to save 20% at Blushington, River Oaks's newest beauty barHouston’s New $5 Trash Fee: Where Is Your Money Going? Summer almost here in Houston and you WILL feel it! Lab testing limits charges that can be filed involving THC vape pensHow to use the KPRC 2 Weather AppSoggy Friday in Houston with flood threatFriday's weather may be rough in Houston
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