In a vote of 15-1, Mayor John Whitmire's $7.5 billion budget proposal was passed by the city council. Whitmire has said his budget protects city services and puts Houston on a solid financial path moving forward.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Houston's $7.5 billion budget proposal soon to be finalized
One of the more notable aspects of the new budget is a $5-a-month fee for trash collection.
"It's just a practical solution," Whitmire said of the trash fee when it was announced in May.
Whitmire's office also sent a statement at the beginning of June in support of the budget, stating in part:
"His proposed budget has strong support from a cross-section of business, labor unions, and nonprofit organizations. This budget is about protecting services, protecting workers, and putting Houston on solid financial planning."
After the vote was passed on Wednesday at about 1:30 p.m., a group of people began blowing whistles and chanting in the city council chambers, seemingly in protest against the new budget.
"Red card, red card, budget cuts have gone too far," the group repeatedly chanted once they were removed from the chambers.
Eyewitness News was at the scene when the budget passed and captured video of the protests at City Hall.
Chaos erupts after city council approves $7.5B budget
The budget has also been a point of contention between Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins.
Hollins didn't get a say in what goes into the budget, but he is responsible for certifying the final version of it. His office has gained notoriety in recent weeks for posting memes online that criticize Whitmire's proposal.
"It's disappointing that Council approved a budget that repeats deficit spending, pushes the City closer to minimum reserve thresholds, and shifts more costs onto working families," Hollins stated in part after the passing of the budget. "This budget is not sensible, sustainable, or good for Houston's future. We need to protect Houston's long-term financial health. There is no question today's budget makes that job more difficult."
The budget goes into effect on July 1.