MAYOR PARKER: FEE-FREE IMPERVIOUS SLABS FOR EVERYBODY! Responding to criticisms that the city’s new Rebuild Houston drainage fees came out higher than figures bandied about before voters approved Proposition 1 last year, Mayor Parker announced today that every property owner in the city will receive a permanent drainage-free credit for the first 1,000 sq. ft. of impervious surface on a lot. The median bill, she says, should now be “between 5 and 6 dollars” per month, beginning in July. The credit will result in a reduction of funds available for drainage projects — down to $110 million from $125 million, Parker projects. To make up the $15 million shortfall in the first year, the mayor says she has negotiated prepayments to the city’s enterprise funds. [Mayor’s Office; previously on Swamplot]
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What a sham! Always the same. Let us stew then throw us a bone and make us think this is the greatest meal EVER!! 1 2 3 4, Mayor Parker OUT THE DOOR!!!
****Francisco Herrera for MAYOR!! *******
It’s called CYA. I could not believe that so many Houstonians voted for that mess when there was NO INFORMATION given us.
The good news is that impervious ground-cover is irrelevant, because it doesn’t rain in Houston anymore!
I suppose if Annise had not caved in and given the churches and schools an exemption, we might not have a shortfall.
I thought this was a pay-as-you-go system. How is it possible, then to have a shortfall?
Never trust the government with more of your money.
Amen, Spoonman! and there is NO garauntee this is going to be used on the drainage. Our water bill has gone up 40% the past 18 motnhs, no leaks after checking, it was the gradual hike in water usage. why can’t they use THAT $$???? It was a sham to begin with and those who sold others on $5 KNEW it was not possible. I mainly blame Costello, since he is in it to make MILLIONS 9if not billions) with the company he works for, i mean, cough , that he USED to work for!! that is doing the contract work for the city!!!
So the “permanent” 1,000 credit to each land owner, would appear to benefit most those lots, that have been subdivided,into 3 or 4 lots, with townhomes on them, which have been completely covered with cement.
There probably should have been a minimum of $5.00, if we were being fair.
Yeah Jeff, I was thinking about that too. Seems like it would put an unfair burden on some property owners and not others for a type of fee that they could never have anticipated when they bought or built their properties.
Why are people suprised that politicians lied to us? Quite honestly, the city could spend $1 billion a year for 20 years, and it would STILL flood. This whole thing is a scam.
So who voted FOR it? I haven’t talked to one person who admits they did. I certainly didn’t.
My townhouse in Cottage Grove is on 1475 sq ft of impervious cover (the shared driveway is in the neighbor’s lot). So I only have to pay for 475 sq ft! Wow… what a deal. I don’t think I deserve this… I’d pay the full fee actually. Especially if it eventually pays to upgrade the street drainage. I’d prefer curb and gutter to the current open ditch personally.
I voted for it.