Houston budget amendments include aid for solid waste fee, oversight of department spending

Council member Joaquin Martinez made amendments that would require an analysis before making future solid waste fee increases, to determine whether it could be eliminated for seniors, veterans and disabled residents. He also included an amendment that would make the $5 fee permanent unless council voted to change it, as well as cap it at $25.

Also of note

Other amendments included addressing oversight and transparency needs and city parks.

Several members submitted amendments that require departments to report quarterly reports on projected overruns for overtime, travel, supplies and other spending.

Council member Amy Peck added an amendment that would require the solid waste department to give the Budget and Finance Committee updates on the financial health and progress of the combined utility system that combines the solid waste and public works departments.

Another detail

Other submitted amendments include:

• Starting a park adoption pilot program that could allow businesses, nonprofits and individuals to help maintain city parks to help with costs for maintenance and operational costs
• Allocating money to help continue connecting LGBTQ+ individuals in Houston to inclusive economic mobility
• Putting $500,000 to help with operational needs at BARC, including kennel cleaning, animal care support and other operational functions

Houston City Council is set to vote on the FY2026-27 budget June 10. The budget is scheduled to begin July 1.