The proposed $5.7 billion budget represents a 9 percent increase and will draw on federal funds to cover shortfalls while bolstering reserve funds to $311 million.
Amid ongoing litigation over firefighter compensation, the Houston City Council approved a contract negotiated between Mayor Sylvester Turner and the police union.
While some officials pushed for a new rule, several experts disputed the authority of the local licensing board to impose a rule requiring 10 percent down payments on bonds.
The appeals court ruled that the city left out a key part of its force majeure argument in the motion for the lower court to toss the case.
County Judge Hidalgo spotlighted the demolition of a vacant lot, while Mayor Turner announced a new initiative that includes overtime pay for police officers and a $1 million gun buy-back program.
Although some media outlets characterized a Harris County man’s death as the first due to Omicron in the nation, the local health department reports underlying health issues and has not released the primary cause of death.
Bombshell allegations of bid-rigging to favor a contractor affiliated with Turner’s law partner have already prompted investigations by the district attorney and the Texas General Land office.
During a Friday press conference, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced that two suspects arrested had gang ties and were out on felony bond at the time of the murder of an off-duty police detective.
Houston’s city council approved a vaccine incentive program proposed by the mayor over objections from a council member that the program was unfair to those already vaccinated.
Mayor Turner promised more officers, but Harris County has moved funds away from constables while funding interventions managed by the public health department.
Although the city validated an amendment petition last month, Turner aims to delay a vote to reform the city’s “strong mayor” charter for more than two years.
Although Abbott's orders restrict local mask mandates, Houston Mayor Turner announced a face-covering requirement for city employees regardless of vaccination status.
