The Houston City Council approved its 2026 budget Monday night and discussed downtown parking limits.
2026 BUDGET
Before council members conducted a second and final reading of the 2026 budget, resident John Sheehan spoke about his concerns. Sheehan alleged a lack of transparency in the budget process. Sam Kelley, mayor, stated that an open meeting concerning the budget was Nov. 21.
The budget features new infrastructure including utility pole replacements, new water lines and maintenance of the city water towers. Improvements to the wastewater collection system are also included.
According to Lloyd Wells, city administrator, the April sale of the city’s fiber internet program had a dramatic effect on decreasing losses the city experienced in previous years.
The General Fund is projected to collect approximately $5.25 million, including $527,500 from potential grants, with expenditures around $4.77 million. The Water and Wastewater Fund expects $1.44 million in revenue and $1.31 million in spending, while the Electric Fund anticipates $4.74 million in revenue, $4.08 million in expenditures and a $415,415 allocation for economic development.
Sales tax funds are earmarked for specific uses: $500,000 from the parks tax for outdoor recreation, $200,000 from the police tax with $171,752 planned spending and $330,000 from the fire tax with $171,181 for expenditures and a fire truck transfer payment transfer to the Electric Fund. The revenue comes from a one-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2019.
Smaller funds include the cemetery ($3,000 revenue, $12,500 expenses) and the Capital Improvement District ($145,000 revenue as a hospital pass-through).
DOWNTOWN PARKING
Lloyd Wells, city administrator, “addressed the elephant in the room” concerning downtown parking signage, limits and citations. Wells stated that signs that were believed to be present had gone missing without the city aware.
Three individuals who received tickets in areas without signage will either be reimbursed or have their ticket dismissed. He said officials will verify signs are in place before issuing future citations and suggested meeting with the public and business owners to clarify ordinance details, including hours of enforcement. He noted that two-hour parking limits appear to be in compliance but could be more clearly defined.
Council members agreed to set up a public hearing on the matter in January.
The city imposed the two-hour parking spots in November 2021 after complaints that downtown parking was too limited.
GOLF COURSE UPDATES
Robbie Mortensen, parks and recreation director, said the city’s irrigation project bid at the golf course increased due to additional wire footage. The original $50,000 bid rose to about $57,000, due to updated engineering. The council agreed to delay a decision to better understand the cost and timeline.
A pond expansion project at the course, necessary for the updated irrigation system, received one bid. The council approved a not to exceed $37,500 bid from Danny Floyd. The expansion was budgeted for $50,000.
MEETING ITEMS
- Kim Bittle, Ward III alderwoman, resigned from the council, stating it was her last meeting. Bittle is leaving the state for a business opportunity.
- Council members agreed, without a motion, for the city to become a chamber member for $400, citing a need for a better relationship between the entities.
- Eric Willoughby’s mayoral appointment to the parks and recreation board was approved. The board now has one open spot.
- The mayor was authorized to sign an agreement between the city and new attorney Larry Tyrrell stating how money is spent for his services and that he is classified as contract labor.
- The council authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging for use of the city bus to deliver food to senior citizens. The agreement is reevaluated yearly.
- Don Romines, Ward III alderman, asked for several updates on projects. He urged the city to be prudent in sticking to deadlines and communicating updates with the council.
- A resident spoke to the council about a utility bill concern. Wells spoke to the resident about potential solutions.
The meeting adjourned into closed session at 6:35 p.m.