Budget Christmas Tree Delivered Presents

It took me a day to ponder my thoughts on the City of Houston budget process this year. While I joked last week about the “Christmas Tree” affect of the voluminous amendments to the budget, I was actually stunned that some of these became presents for Council Members.

How a budget amendment on term limits, proposed to the city budget (in a non-city election fiscal year), had anything to do with the budget has left me befuddled. Or, for that matter, the possible elimination of plastic bags.

And yet, these amendments were not voted down. The Mayor agreed to send them to Committees for further study, stakeholder input and more. In some branches of government, “sent to committee for further study” usually means the end of the subject. Not at Houston City Hall.

Some even think that a Committee may take action on a term-limits proposal and consider placing it on this fall’s ballot. I’m going to go out on a limb and say I don’t think this is truly possible. So many people have very strong feelings on the subject and the item would have to move quickly to qualify for ballot placement. Also, as we have discussed, there will be a plethora of bonds on the ballot and mixing term limits into that decision process might not be wise.

However, given enough time, the issue could come up by the next election. Houston has lived with our current term limits for the past 20 years. Most Houstonians seem satisfied with it. Most business peopled, electeds and City Hall insiders would like to see it changed. Again, major input, study and analysis will be required before voters move on this issue again.

The plastic bag “ban” amendment has also been referred to a committee. Expect to hear much more on this one in the coming months. In the spirit of full disclosure, this blogger received several calls from clients who might be affected by this. Some I expected and some I did not. It has far-reaching ramifications for everyone from dog walkers (pooper scoopers) to restaurants to retail outlets and manufacturers. Expect the Committee to hold lively discussions.

This amendment generated by far the most speakers at Public Session of Council prior to the budget vote.

Mayor Parker gave the Council Members the opportunity to present issues they are passionate about through budget amendments and allowed them to move forward with discussions. We’ll watch closely and see how they evolve.

The $4.2 billion budget was adopted on Wednesday.

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