Today, the Houston City Council moves the discussion of drainage and street improvements to the next step.

Voters approved the Rebuild Houston referendum last November, in general terms.

However, in policymaking, the devil is always in the details.

Initially, the fees were to apply to all properties within the Houston City limits. During the campaign, churches and public entities vigorously opposed the referendum. They believed that they should not be taxed and made this case to the voters by urging them to vote “no” on the referendum.

The voters didn’t pay them much attention and passed it anyway. We can argue that we poor, uneducated voters really didn’t understand the wording on the ballot all day.

Bottom line – the voters made their decision.

As Council has gone about implementing the details of Rebuild Houston, the public has gotten more aggressive. Of course, we all want less flooding and better streets. We’re just not sure we should be the ones to pay for it.

Churches and public entities began aggressively appealing to City Council to exempt them as they are exempt from other taxation. The Mayor held fast in opposition to this.

First, let’s look at public entities. HISD is publicly funded. My tax dollars help to fund it. Most people don’t see the point in the City, which my tax dollars also fund, taxing them. This is not benefitting anyone and the same holds true for the County, Port of Houston, etc. Nothing is gained by using tax dollars from one entity to the other. It essentially becomes a tax increase. I agree. Let’s exempt them.

Faith-based entities have also made a strong case. You and I are taxpayers and are supporting our faith. If we pay the fees on our home properties and then have to increase our giving so that our community of faith can pay the taxes, we are just paying more.

What about charities? No talk of exempting non-profit organizations at this point.

After weeks of opposing any exemptions, the Mayor offered up a compromise late last week and said that she will exempt other public entities and faith-based communities.

It’s a compromise proposal to City Council. Let’s see how they vote today.

By the way, I would like an exemption too. The Harris County Appraisal District has decided that our community is one of those few that are seeing increased home values. So, essentially, I’m experiencing a significant tax increase this year. Thus, my increased taxes due to value should help you out and you can exempt me from paying the fees, please.

Tune into City Council today to hear a lively discussion.