Houston City Council Members Challenge Houston's Mayor's Budget Plan

Houston City Council Woman Jolanda Jones along with the entire Houston City Council members are challenging Mayor Annise Parker's budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2011.

Last month, Parker  presented an   $1.8 billion general fund budget to members. A plan that many members are not supporting. The plan calls for spending $100 million less than in the fiscal year that ends June 30. The cuts include the layoff of 747 city employees, reduced library hours and the closure of eight pools and seven community centers.

Houston City Council members presented 58 amendments to Mayor Parker on Wednesday that consisted of multiple proposals that would cut $36 million from a variety of departments, keeping community centers open and giving more business to minority-owned firms.

Councilwoman Jolanda Jones proposed that the city set a goal of having minority owned firms get 35 percent of the city’s business, more than triple the current goal for purchasing contracts and well above the existing goals in construction and professional services. The overall proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 totals $4 billion. A little more than half of that is related to so-called enterprise funds, such as the airport and public utilities, that generate their own revenue. The $1.8 billion general fund, which covers most of the city’s daily operations, depends on property and sales taxes and fees and revenue. Jolanda Jones understands the melting pot of this city. The minority is the majority. However, the minority majority has been given a check marked insufficient funds when it comes to awarding contracts to Minority Women Business Enterprises. With Jolanda’s recommendation these enterprises will be able to cash that ckeck.

The Houston Chronicle, is reporting that, "Councilman Mike Sullivan proposed 28 amendments that, if adopted, would cut another $36 million. It was unclear late Wednesday whether some of his biggest ticket items properly identify specific mayoral proposals, but Sullivan is targeting the office in charge of publication of the weekly council agenda, gang prevention and dangerous building demolition. He also proposed cuts in city sponsorships, affirmative action and building maintenance. He proposed smaller cuts, as well, including cutting the mayor’s $209,138 annual salary by 5 percent and council members’ $55,770 salary by 5 percent."

What do you think? Do you agree with Parker or the city council members?


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