A county-city partnership for the collection of the city’s property taxes is generating good results, Collector-Treasurer Tammy Cantrell reported during a meeting of the Houston City Council on Monday.
The Houston City Council approved a plan in July 2015 that allows the city’s taxes to be collected by the county for a fee. Since that time, Cantrell reported collections are up, and she also works with delinquent real and personal property owners to generate additional income for the city.
In other materials, members:
—Heard from an Upton man, George Sholtz, who said the government was adding “medicine” to the city’s water supply. Sholtz opposes the addition of fluoride — which the city says is a chemical and not medicine — to the city’s water supply that was approved unanimously by the council in March 2002 with support from the medical community. Sholtz termed that decision, made without a vote, as socialism.
Based on Sholtz’ call for discussion, the city will hold a public meeting from 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 16 at Houston City Hall. Roughly 72 percent of Americans whose homes are connected to a community water system receive fluoride-adjusted water, including the Texas County communities of Houston and Cabool.
—Approved the police department seeking two grants — one for equipment and overtime for DWI and youth seat belt usage enforcement and the other would cover the cost of portable digital radios.
—Okayed a $4,000 contribution to the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce for its annual fireworks show.
—Heard Administrator Tona Bowen call for consideration of a law enforcement officer stationed on the Houston School District campus. The matter will be considered by the council’s fire and police committee, personnel committee and ultimately the full council. She also praised police and school district for its handling of a recent threat incident.
—Learned paint improvements have occurred at Houston City Hall.
—Heard that a FAA program will not pay for needed fuel tank work at the Houston Memorial Airport under a procedure that usually pays for 90 percent of the cost. Bids are being sought. Gas is not currently available there and the city was forced to remove thousands of dollars in old fuel.
—Authorized seeking bids for the city’s annual asphalt overlay program. Bowen said about $150,000 is earmarked. A list of priorities is set for discussion by the council later.
—Learned that fiber optics is being extended by Sho-Me Technologies from a Highway E Verizon tower to a new one off Spruce Street.
—Heard a call for MoDOT to mark South Sam Houston Blvd. better to improve night visibility.