Judge Emmett to Speak About Flood Control Bond Election - Aug. 6, 7:00 p.m.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett

Flooding is obviously not unique to Bellaire, and we’re not going to solve the problem all on our own.  We’re in this together with the rest of Houston, Harris County and surrounding areas.  The extreme rainfall events that have now become routine show just how dependent we are on regional flood control improvements, and how important it is that we be informed participants at every opportunity.

With the August 25 special election coming up, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett will give a presentation on the bond proposal at our next City Council meeting, August 6, at Bellaire City Hall.  The bond election, which coincides with the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall, seeks voter approval of up to $2.5 billion to be issued over 10 to 15 years to fund flood mitigation projects throughout the County.  The long list of potential projects will continue to be developed and refined for individual consideration by the Commissioners Court on the recommendations of the Flood Control District.

Given the significance of this county bond election for the future of our region, we hope you’ll take the time to get the information you need to be prepared to cast your ballot.  In addition to his presentation at City Council next Monday, Judge Emmett will also be speaking to the Bellaire Business Association over breakfast on Thursday, August 9 (registration required).  For details about the bond election, including an interactive map showing potential projects identified for each area of the County, see the Flood Control District website.

Budgeting Resiliency

Hurricane Harvey and the extent of its impact on the City of Bellaire remind us that strategic planning is not about predicting the future.  We didn’t have a crystal ball when developing and adopting a budget last year, nor do we have one now.  But thoughtful consideration of our past and current experience, with careful analysis of key metrics and trends, inform the decisions we make moving forward.  The City Manager’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2019 starts by looking back at the events of the past year, and from there prioritizes our ongoing recovery with reference to our established focus areas, emphasizing that Bellaire is still Bellaire.

The proposed budget reflects our serious commitment to flood mitigation, and continued tax rate sensitivity especially as so many have been hit with significant financial burdens from the storm.  Specifically, it would not raise any new property tax revenues from existing property (i.e., it would maintain the effective tax rate).  It also puts on hold the water and sewer rate increases that would otherwise be phasing in this coming year.