Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed budget includes a $5 monthly trash fee tied to solid waste changes. Here’s what it means for residents.
HOUSTON — Houston Mayor John Whitmire has unveiled a new budget proposal that could impact residents’ monthly bills, including a new fee tied to trash services. The plan is still in the early stages, but it’s already drawing attention as city leaders prepare to review it.
The proposal includes a $5 monthly fee for residents who use the city’s solid waste services.
Officials say the fee is part of a broader plan to restructure how those services are managed. Under the proposal, solid waste operations would be consolidated under Houston Public Works.
The mayor says the change is intended to improve the system while also generating additional revenue for the city.
According to the plan, the $5 monthly fee is required by state law if the restructuring moves forward. Whitmire also emphasized that the fee would be temporary and is considered a use-based fee, not a tax.
City leaders say the fee would remain in place for two years and is expected to generate about $24 million in revenue during that time.
“We did it as low as we could. It’ll be five dollars for two years. Then we will revisit. Are there better efficiencies? What’s the public want? Council gets to make the decision in the future budget.”
The proposal has been months in the making, according to the mayor.
However, some residents have raised concerns about the potential impact, especially for low-income households who would be affected by the added monthly cost.
City officials emphasized that the proposal is not final. Houston City Council will need to vote on the budget before any changes take effect.
A meeting to review the proposal is scheduled for Wednesday.
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