CITY COUNCIL APPROVES MAYOR BILL WHITE'S FY2006 CITY BUDGET
June 23, 2005 -- Houston City Council yesterday voted to approve the City's Fiscal 2006 $3.2 billion operating budget, which places an emphasis on public safety and includes no property tax increase.
"We're showing fiscal discipline and City Hall is working in a businesslike fashion," said Mayor White. "We're working toward some common goals of creating a good quality of life in our neighborhoods, greater mobility and better value for the taxpayer dollar."
The budget as proposed by Mayor Bill White, and amended by City Council, would hold the increase in spending in the general fund over last year's budget to 5 percent. The city's property tax rate remains at 65 cents per $100 assessed value, and the budget increases the exemptions for seniors and disabled citizens.
The budget, which will take effect on July 1, was approved a week ahead of schedule.
Almost two-thirds (about 64 percent) of nondebt costs in the general fund will go to public safety, which increased about $48 million, or 5.8 percent, over last year.
