Houston's Revenue Cap

In 2004, The City of Houston voters passed a revenue cap on the city budget. The revenue cap applies to the property taxes and is based on the city’s population and rate of inflation. Currently, it limits Houston Property Taxes to 4.5%. Although the Property Tax Cap can possibly harm Houston’s budget in the future, it isn’t yet.

Half the cities income is based on its property taxes. The city makes $800 Million in property taxes out of a $1.7 Billion budget. The City makes $500 Million on its Sales Taxes and $190 Million on Franchise fees. The current deficit is $140 Million and is caused by generous pension policies.

The first step is not to raise taxes. We can roll back our pension policies, institute a hiring freeze, lay off workers. We should not resort to ridding the revenue cap until we have exhausted every other possibility. Then, if all else fails, repeal the revenue cap. I do believe it is possible that the current revenue cap will become too much of a hindrance to the city’s operations but I do not feel we are there yet, there is still budget cuts we can implement. Then, when all else fails, get rid of the revenue cap and raise Houston’s property taxes.

Houston's Terrible Deficit

This fiscal year, The City of Houston budget will face a $140 Million shortfall. We must recognize that the City of Houston’s deficit is the greatest issue it faces and we must make this issue our highest priority. The core reason behind the deficit is a 21 percent hike put into the cities pension funds. The current administration has implemented a hiring freeze and is proposing laying off 700 city workers.

I hope that we have an administration in place which will make our deficits their highest priority. I believe we are off on the right foot. If we can solve this fiscal crisis, we will prove to the world how strong we truly are.

Woodlands Waterway Cruisers

In January, 2011, The Woodlands, Texas began its Waterway Cruiser program as a transportation program going up and down The Woodlands Waterway.

The Woodlands Waterway is a river and boardwalk which connects The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, the Waterway Square and The Woodlands Mall. It also connects office buildings including Anadarko Petroleum, Woodforest National Bank, U.S. Oncology and American Financial and Automotive Services.

The Woodlands Waterway Cruisers are of no cost to the taxpayers; they are paid for by fares for riders, catering, advertising, sponsorships, and transportation grants.

I encourage you to visit The Woodlands and The Woodlands Waterway and I am proud of The Woodlands that they have begun and sustained this program, which is of no cost to the taxpayers.