Houston's $7.5 billion budget proposal soon to be finalized

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It's down to a matter of days before the City of Houston decides how it wants to spend billions of your tax dollars in the upcoming fiscal year.

This is a crucial week for Mayor John Whitmire's $7.5 billion budget proposal, which is expected to be discussed at tomorrow's city council meeting.

"Each councilmember will have the opportunity to submit budget amendments at tomorrow's council meeting," said Councilwoman Sallie Alcorn.

ABC13 asked Alcorn what it takes to successfully get an amendment into the final budget.

"It all depends on the day, the quality of the amendments, and the willingness of the (Whitmire) administration to support amendments," said Alcorn.

The councilwoman believes "quite a few" will ultimately pass.

"Next week we'll take the whole budget up with amendments," she said.

The final version of the budget, which must be approved by council vote, goes into effect on July 1.

Alcorn, who is the head of the City of Houston's Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, also noted this year's budget season has been more contentious than in previous years.

"It seems a little acrimonious, right?" asked Alcorn. "There's always a push-pull with the controller and the mayor, but this definitely seems a little harsher."

Alcorn is referencing the recent war of words between Mayor Whitmire and Controller Chris Hollins.

Whitmire's says his budget protects city services and puts Houston on a solid financial path moving forward.

He's said it won't raise property taxes, though it does include two new fees.

The most notable of those new fees would be a $5-a-month fee for trash collection.

"It's just a practical solution," said Whitmire of the trash fee when it was announced in May.

Whitmire says the fees will help bring the city's deficit down to $25 million.

His office previously stated the deficit would have been at $209 million without any major changes.

Hollins doesn'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.

"This budget is so egregious," said Hollins. "We've been on a path of spending like there's no tomorrow without a path towards how we're going to pay for it. We think that people need to know about it."

Hollins said he believes Whitmire's proposal is, among other criticisms, overestimating property-tax revenue and underestimating the overtime costs for first responders.

"We expect the deficit to be significantly higher than ($25 million)," said Hollins.

ABC13 interviewed Hollins this afternoon, but was sent a statement from Whitmire's office.

The statement read in part:

"Mayor Whitmire does not have time for politics. His proposed budget has strong support from a cross-section of business, labor union and nonprofit organizations. This budget is about protecting services, protecting workers and putting Houston on solid financial planning."