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Houston added a handful of amendments to the fiscal year 2026-27 budget that was approved June 10.
Some amendments deal with the new $5 administration fee and the Solid Waste Department, while others add positions to city departments and address mental health.
The updates
Houston City Council approved $3 million to address illegal dumping. The amendment will:
Council member Alejandra Salinas presented the amendment.
“We all know that illegal dumping is a serious public health, drainage, safety and quality of life issue,” Salinas said. “And this amendment puts forth dedicated resources behind a solution.”
Other details
Some budget amendments also addressed the new administration fee, including a requirement presented by council member Amy Peck that the administration provide City Council with an evaluation during fiscal year 2026-27 showing whether the fee has created sufficient available funds and whether the fee could be reduced, offset or eliminated.
Another amendment included assisting low-income residents, seniors and individuals with disabilities with the fee, which will be added to the Water Aid to Elderly Residents Fund, or WATER.
Another change
Council also approved amendments that will add positions to various departments in the city, including an amendment presented by council member Julian Ramirez, which called for an additional call taker for the Houston Emergency Center, which responds to crisis calls, as well as a licensed therapist position as part of the Crisis Intervention Response Team.
“It would allow us to increase call volumes that the call takers would take by 4,800,” Ramirez said. “It would enable them to extend their hours a little bit and actually save money.”
The amendments will also move $331,000 from the Human Resources Department into the Health Department.
Another amendment would continue funding for the LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Coordinator, which will fully fund the position.
The position had been piloted for six months and helps with inclusive economic mobility for the community. So far, council member Mario Castillo, who sponsored the amendment, said the position has helped support 30 job seekers in securing employment and career advancement.
The bottom line
The budget passed 15-1, with council member Edward Pollard voting no and council member Tiffany Thomas being absent. The new budget will begin July 1.
