[Opening Prayer]
[00:00:12]
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE OF ELECTRICAL THE OCTOB 202 SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS CT. TO ORDER.
WE WILL START WITH PRAYER. WILL INTRODUCE THE RABBI? WE ARE GOING TO BE LED IN PRAYER BYAG RABBI YITZCHAK SPRUNG OF UNITED ORTHODOX SYNOGUES IN HOUSTON. RABBIHE, THANK YOU FOR JOINING THIS MORNING I BELIEVE T RABBI IS ON VIRTUALLY.
>> YES, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SAY A PRAYER WHEN GOD WAS VISITING HIM IN A DREAM.
AND I WILL SAY IT IN THE ORIGINAL HEBREW IF THAT IS OKAY WITH YOU. AND TRANSLATE ALONG.
SOLOMON SAYS HEBREW] YOU WERE WITH MY FATHER DAVID.
TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS AND WITH THE UPRIGHT HEART.
GREAT KINDNESS. AND YOU GAVE HIM A SON TO SIT ON HIS THRONE TODAY.
YOU GROUND YOUR SERVANT IN THE PLACE OF MY FATHER DAVID.
DON'T KNOW THE RIGHT WAY TO GO.
YOUR SERVANT IS NOW AMONG YOUR PEOPLE.
SO PLEASE GIVE YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING ARTS TO DESTROY THE PEOPLE.
TO UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL.
PEOPLE GREAT AS THEY ARE. AND OF COURSE THAT IS WHAT WE ASKED FOR OUR OWN INCREDIBLE LEADERSHIP.
THAT WE SHOULD ALL BE BLESSED WITH AN UNDERSTANDING HEART TO BE UPRIGHT. NO DIFFERENT BETWEEN GOOD AND BAD AND RECEIVED DIVINE ASSISTANCE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE,
>> THANK YOU, RABBI, FOR JOINING US THIS MORNING.
>> SHALOM. >> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THE FULL RECITE THE PLEDGE NOW.
WE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STF ATES OAMERICAO AND THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT, STANDSONE NATION INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. S I HONOR THE TEXAFLAG I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO TEXAS ONE STATE ON UNDER GOD. E INDIVISIBLE.
[Public Hearings]
WE HAVE TWO MEETINGS TODAY. AND BOTH OF THEM ARE INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TODAY OCTOBER 25TH IS OUR LAST CHANCE TO ADOPTLL THE 2022 TAX RIGHT COMFORTABLE ALLOW US TO FUY FUND THE BUDGET.THE 10 A.M MEETING, THE ONE WE ARE HOLDING RIGHT NOW IS THE ONE WHERE WE WOULD BE ABLE TO FUNDO HARRIS COUNTY SERVICES THAT INCLUDES LAW ENFCEMENT AND ALL THE OTHER SERVICES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF:0 FLOOD CONTROL AN THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM.
AT 20 P.M. OF ANOTHERRO MEETING TO ADDRESS THE FUNDING FOR FLOOD CONTL THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM.
[00:05:02]
BOTH ARE INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT. I OTHER MEMBERS, MY COLLEAGUESA COMMISSIONER ALICE AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA E PREPARED TO VOTE FOR INCREASED BUDGET FOR THE DEPARTMENTS WE WILL HEAR FROM TODAY. THERE IS AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA RIGHT NOW THE BUDGET TRANSFER LIST.IF COMMISSIONER RAMSEY COMES BEFORE THE 10 A.M MEETING IS ADJOURNED WE CAN PASS ITEM AND RESTORE THE FUNDING WHOSE BUDGET IS BEING REMOVED BECAUSE OF THEIR ABSENCE.
UNFORTUNATELY, I AM NOT SEEN MY TWO COLLEAGUES TODAY.
WE CANNOT INCREASE THE BUDGET IF THEY DO NOT SHOW UP.
WE CAN'T STOP THAT DEFUNDING IF THEY DO NOT SHOW UP AND WE CANNOT PASS BUDGETS WITH MONEY WE DON'T HAVE.
SITTING A TAX RIGHT AND BUDGET IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTIES WE HAVE AS COMMISSIONER MEMBERS.
IT IS HELPING PROVIDE THE SERVICES NECESSARY TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A STEADY GOVERNMENT, AND FUNCTIONING GOVERNMENT.
THAT OUR ECONOMY CAN REMAIN COMPETITIVE.
THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE BASIC SERVICES AND THRIVE AS A COMMUNITY. FOR EACH OF THE PAST THREE YEARS WE HAVE PASSED TAX RIGHT CUTS. THEY HAVE BEEN THE LOWEST TAX RATES WE HAVE SET SINCE 1990. THAT INCLUDES THIS YEAR'S, IF COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE IT WOULD INCREASE FOR THE POLICE BUT ALSO THE LOWEST IN 30 YEARS.
A TAX RIGHT INCREASE, WANT TO BE CLEAR ON THIS.
A TAX RIGHT INCREASE WAS NEVER ON THE TABLE.
ARE PROPOSED BUDGET WAS NOT A DEBATE OF WHETHER TO INCREASE THE TAX RIGHT OR REDUCE A TAX RIGHT.
WHICH IS NORMALLY WHAT THESE DEBATES ARE ABOUT.
THE DEBATE HAS BEEN HOW MUCH TO REDUCE THE TAX RIGHT BY.
AND WHETHER WE WOULD PASS A BUDGET THAT WOULD FUND LAW ENFORCEMENT OR CUTS 100 MILLION FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT.
TEDDY A REASONABLE TAX RIGHT CUT THAT FUNDS PUBLIC SERVICE LIKE FOR CONTROL, LIKE PUBLIC SAFETY, LIKE OUR HOSPITALS ISHA WT WE NEED FOUR MEMBERS TO DO. WE CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT FOUR MEMBERS. TH IS IS THE SIX-TIME AND I WANT THAT CLEAR ON THIS COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND CAGL R HAVEEFUSED TO SHOW UPTH AND DO EIR JOB AND IT WILL LEAD TO CUTS IN HEALTHCARE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FLOOD CONTROL AND MORE. SEPTEMBER 13 COMMIIONERS CAGLE T AND RAMSEY REFUSEDO GO TO COMMISSIONERS COURT.
THE AGAIN FAILED TO COME UP ON SEPTEMBER 27TH, THE THREE OF US WERE HERE. AGAIN REFUSED TO SHOTHW UP ON OCTOBER 11TH. EY ASKED FOR A SPECIAL DISCUSSION ONLY MEETING ALTHOUH WE ALREADY HAVE THREE OF THOSE ON AUGANUST 2, AND, AUGUST 23RD SEL PTEMBER 6TH.
NEVERTHELESS I AGREED TO CALA SPSIECIAL DISCUSSION ONLY MEETI.
BECAUSE COMMISONER CAGLE HAD REFUSED AND THE STAFF AT THAT WITH THE COUTONTY STAFF. WE GRANTED GET ANOTHER ONE ON OCBER 17TH ACCORDING TO THEIR AVAILABILITY. OB THE AGAIN REFUSED TO SHOW UP. THE NEXT DAY OCTER 18TH THEY AGAINOC STOOD UP THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY.
IT IS TOBER 25 TH AND FOR THE G. SIX-TIME THEY ARE LEAVING THE COMMUNITY HANGIN WE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO NEGOTIATE WITH COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND CAGLEER FOR MOST OR ALL OF THOS MEETINGS. COMMISSION GARCIA ENTREATED TO COMMISSIONER RAMSEY TO MEET THE UNTY ATTORNEY.
THE ATTORNEY SAID COMMISSIONER RAMSEY DECLINED THE INVITATION COMMISSIONERS GARCIASI OFFICEMA. I MADE A PUBLIC OPENING TO COMMISONER CAGLED TO, ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT SO HE AND I COULNEGOTIATE. AND I NEVER RECEIVED A CALL OR MESSAGE. WE ALL SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE. AN WE ARE TRYING TO NEGOTIATE AND D AVOID CUTS TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND AVOID CUTS TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND AVOID CUTS TO OUR VETERANS SERVICES AND COUNTY. I BUT THEY ARE TRYING TO SCORE POLITICAL POINTSRDN FRONT OF A COLLECTION.
VOTING STARTED YESTEAY. AND TO THINK THIS IS THE WAY THEY SCORE POLITICAL POINTS. PEOPLE TIRED OF POLITICIANS WOMAN ICING PROBLEMS INSTEAD OF FIXING THEM.
THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM TO PASS A TAX RIGHT CUT TO AGREE ON HOW WE WILL MAKE SURE WE FUND OUR POLICE OFFICERS.
AND OUR HEALTHCARE. IT IS NOT A PROBLEM BUT THEY ARE CREATING ONE. SO THEY CAN HAVE A POLITICAL TALKING POINT, PERHAPS. I PROMISE TO BE HERE A COUPLE
[00:10:15]
COURTS AGO AND THEN POLITICS ENTREATED THAT VERY MORNING.THEY SKIPPED AT THE LAST MINUTE. EACH OF THE TIME THEY SKIPPED A MEETING INCLUDING TODAY. AND TODAY IS THE FINAL CHANCE, THAT IS IT. IF THEY DO NOT COME TODAY THAT IS IT. THESE CUTS ARE PERMANENT.
THEY ARE PLAYING WITH FUNDING FOR POLICE OFFICER REASONS.
THEY ARE PLAYING FOR FUNDING FOR CANCER SCREENINGS FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE CANCER.
THEY ARE PLAYING FOR FUNDING FOR PROGRAMS THAT TAKE CARE OF SEXUALLY ABUSE CHILDREN. FUNDING FOR FLOOD CONTROL.
THAT PROTECTS OUR HOMES AND BUSINESSES.
SHOW UP-TO-DATE BEFORE THIS MEETING IS OUT.
LAW ENFORCEMENT WILL BE CUT BY $100 MILLION.
SO BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT HERE TODAY THEY ARE FORCING THOSE CUTS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. EVERY SINGLE PREVIOUS BUDGET INCREASE FUNDING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO PROVIDE THEM WITH RESOURCES TO PROVIDE THEM BOOTS ON THE GROUND.
TO PROVIDE THEM WITH PAY INCREASES.
TO PROVIDE THEM WITH TOOLS TO MAKE HARRIS COUNTY SAFER.
THIS CUT TO OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT IS ON COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THE TWO OF THEM ALONE.
ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS FILL ONE OF THOSE SEATS.
BECAUSE THEY WON'T SHOW UP. THEY DID NOT SHOW UP AT 2 O'CLOCK TODAY OUR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS.
THAT PROTECT HOMES AND BUSINESSES WILL BE GOVERNORS.
THAT MEANS DOWNSIZING PROBLEMS. BECAUSE THEY DO NOT SHOW UP ARE ALREADY OVERTAXED HOSPITAL WILL OPERATE 230 MILLION IN THE RED.
THAT MEANS FEWER SERVICES AND LONGER WAIT TIMES ALFOR L OF US.
WHETHER WE GO TO THE PUBLIC HOSPITALTH WERE MEODIST OR HARMON ARE YOU NAME IT. ANDF T CEOS OTHOSE HOSPITALS HAVE SAID THAT. L BECAUSE IT WILNOT SHOW UP RIGHT AFTER WILL BE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND THE SUPPORT SERVICESI, VETERAN AND BUNESSES.
FOR VETERANS 36,000 KIDS CAN LOSE ACCESS TO ONE OF OUR BIGGEST LITERACYSS CENTER. THE CHILDREN AESSMENT CENTER TO GIVEHI SERVICES TO SEXUALLY ABUSED CLDREN WILL LOSE. M THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM WILL LOSE 250ILLION TINHAT REQUIRE.
THOSE ARE FOR FOOD SAFETY SPECTION, WATER QUALITY AND PUBLIC POOL INSPECTION. LI. KE COMBATING VIRUSES IN MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES THOSE DON'T DIFFERENTIATE WHAT PARTY YOU ARE OM. R QUITE SIMPLY THEIR ABSENCE RIGHT NOW MEANS FEWEPOLICE ON THE STREET IT MEANS LESS POLICE OFFICERS. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND COMMISSIONER CAGLES TALK ABOUT BACKING THE BLUE BUT WHEN IT COMETO SHOWING UP THEY ARE MISSING IN ACTION.
THE ARE LITERALLY NOT HERE FOR THE SIXTH TIME.
THE FUTURE EVERY TIME THE LAW ENFORCEMENT LEAD FOR HEALTH AND HELP I WILL POINT TO YOU AND YOUR TO CONEY AND BUDGET. ME CAGLE AND RAMSEY MAY THINK THESE POLITICAL GAHES ARE HURTING ME. AND NOT ONLY WILL THEY SEE TY ARE NOT. THE REAL VICTIMS OF THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY. ESPECIALLY THOSE IN PRECINCTS THREE AND FOUR WHO DO NOT HAVE REPRESENTATION RIGHT NOW FROM THERE COMMISSIONERS. AND THE SADDEST THING IS I THINK THEY KNOW THAT. THEY KNOW THAT BY BEING ABSENT THEY ARE HURTING THEIR OWN RESIDENCE THEY PLEDGED TO REPRESENT. AND I DO EVERYTHING TO REPRESENT EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY. BUT I CAN'T DO IT MY HANDS ARE TIED. IF TWO NUMBERS REFUSE TO GIVE US THE MONEY WE NEED TO FULLY FUND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
I CANNOT BUILD A BUDGET OUT OF THIN AIR.
IT AFTER TODAY IT TAKES LONGER FOR POLICE OFFICERS TO RESPOND TO YOUR CALLS. IF THE PROGRESS WE HAVE IN THE CRIME RIGHT HAS TOLD. IF FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT GETS DOWNSIZED. IF YOU CANNOT GET THE HEALTHCARE YOU NEED. NOTE THAT THEY WERE CUT AS A RESULT OF TWO COMMISSIONERS NOT SHOWING UP TODAY.
I HOPE THEY WILL COME BEFORE THIS MEETING IS NOT THAT IS THE ONLY WAY WE WILL BE ABLE TO FUND 100 MILLION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
I HOPE THEY COME AT 2 O'CLOCK AND FUND OR FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM. OUR HOSPITAL SYSTEM.
THIS IS NOT A GAME. I HOPE THEY HAVE A BOUT OF CONSCIENCE. BUT THE FACT THEY ARE NOT HERE
[00:15:03]
FOR THIS 10 A.M MEETING WE THEY ARE SINGLE-HANDEDLY CUTTING 100 MILLION FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES.MR. RAMOS IF YOU DO NOT MIND IF YOU CAN PLEASE WALK US THROUGH THE CUTS TO OUR BUDGET. THE CUTS TO EACH OF OUR DEPARTMENT THAT WILL GO INTO EFFECT THE MOMENT THIS MEETING ENDS IF COMMISSIONERS CAGLE OR COMMISSIONER RAMSEY DID NOT SHOW UP. THESE ARE THE CUTS THAT WILL
TAKE EFFECT >> BEFORE WE DO THAT I WANT TO POINT OUT. THE TRIAL FOR SANDEEP IS STILL GOING ON THEY ASKED ME TO BE THE 11 A.M
THANK YOU. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER SINCE THE TWO OF THEM ARE NOT HERE THE MEETING WILL HAVE TO AND IF COMMISSIONER HAS TO WALK OUT.
THERE IS NO RHETORIC HERE. ER THE IS AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA THAT WOULD RESTOUTRE THESE CS. IF THEY DO NOT SHOW UP LEGALLY, LYPROCEDURAL WE CANNOT PASS THOSE ITEMS THEREFORE THOSE CUTS GO INTO EFFECT. THAT IS IT IT IS BLACK-AND-WHITE. LA IF YOU CAN CRIFY THAT AND ALL THE CUTS THAT WILL TAKE EFFECT IF THEY DO NOT SHOW UP BY 11.
>> UNDERSTOOD. JUST C TO BE CLEAR THESE AREUTS FROM THE ORIGINAL BUDGET MY OFFICE PROPOSED.
SO, WHAT THIS COURT APPROVED IS A CONTINUATION OUDF THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR 22 BGET. IT WAS ANNUALIZED.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTETO WHAT ARE EXPECTING DEPARTMENTS DO IS HAVE THE SAME AMOUNT OF SERVICES WITH THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY. WHICH IN THE INFLATIONARY ENVIRONMENT WITH THE COST OF HEALTHCARE GOING UP IS NOT GOING TO BE FEASIBLE. I WILL READ THROUGH QUICKLYAR T VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS. I WILL NOTE THERE E THREE DEPARTMENTS WE HAVE RESTORED EITHER IN TOTAL OR PARTIALLY THEIR FUNDING. HARRIS COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT 230,000. THE COUNTY JUDGE 307,321.
COMMISSIONERS 361, TWO, THREE, 773,000101.
COMMISSIONERS COURT ANALYST 17,090.
OFFICE OF COUNTY AND MINISTRATION 1,394,895.
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET 36,978.
PETER GOVERNMENT AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS 7027.
ECONOMIC EQUITY AN OPPORTUNITY 1,036,345.
THE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION 81,112.
ENGINEERING 7,562,815. HUMAN RESOURCES 3,534,285.
THE FIRE MARSHAL 351,161. INSTITUTE FOR FORENSIC SCIENCES
2,337,458. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: REMIND US WHAT THE VISITED OFFENSE AND SCIENCES DO?
>> THEY PROVIDE FORENSIC, THEY PROCESS FORENSIC EVIDENCE FOR THE COUNTY AS WELL AS THE COUNTY BOARD.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THAT MEANS ANYONE KILLED IN A HOMICIDE, ANYTHING WORTHY CAUSE OF DEATH IS NOT CLEAR.
IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY THEY HAVE, WHERE IN THE
COUNTY THEY HAVE LIVED. >> IT IS A COUNTYWIDE SERVICE.
>> THEY ARE THE ONES WHO DO IT FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND ALL
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THIS IS THE INCLUDING CRUCIAL INFORMATION INCLUDING HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT CUT CRIME AND THEY
ARE BEING CUT HOW MUCH? >> 2,337,458.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW DOCTOR SANTOS HAS BEEN ON THE RECORD SAYING ALREADY HE IS LOSING STAFF BECAUSE SALARIES ARE NOT COMPETITIVE ENOUGH. AND THESE ARE VERY QUALIFIED DOCTORS WHO NEED TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES, IS THAT RIGHT?
>> THAT IS CORRECT. >> I AM CURIOUS HOW MANY DO YOU
DEPARTMENTS. >> THIS IS JUST A SUGGESTION? I THINK YOU OUGHT TO PUT A FACE ON THAT THAT IS WHAT THE JUDGE ALWAYS WANTS YOU TO DO. IT SINCE WE ARE NOT TALKING COLIC THEY TWEETED ON FACEBOOK AND POSTED.
AND RETREATED BECAUSE PEOPLE OUGHT TO HAVE A FACE ON THIS.
BUT I DO KNOW WE WANT TO GET. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE SPEAKERS THERE IS NOTHING TO VOTE ON I AM KEEPING TRACK OF THE TIME, COMMISSIONER. GO AHEAD.
>> POLLUTION CLOSE TO HUNDRED 216.
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES 10,075. VETERAN SERVICES 326,871.
THE HARRIS COUNTY LIBRARY $1,446,093.
[00:20:03]
OFFICE OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS 254,351.UNIVERSAL - COMMUNITY SERVICES 3,038,911.
UNIVERSAL SERVICES 6,529,989. IV UNERSAL SERVICES REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT FUNDS. 1,190,957 JUSTICE OF THE PEACEE 35,018.
JUSTICOF THE PEACE ONCE TO 37,134.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE27 4070. JUSTICE TWO TO 60,5.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 31, 28,800 FOR.
IS AS OF THE PIECE 32, 18,734. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 41, 3000.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 51, 36,496.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 52, 47,525.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 61, 11,162.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 62, 7075. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 71, 70,186. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 72, 18,582. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 82, 9881..
THE COUNTY ATTORNEY SIX BILLIONS ETCETERA 88,22 THE COUNTY CLERK 411,576. THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR 1 MILLION TO 232,000 BUT THAT WAS RESTORED AT THE LAST PORT IN ORDER FOR THEM TO MAINTAIN THEIR OPERATIONS DURING THE NOVEMBER ELECTION. COUNTY TREASURER 15,770.
ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATION 1,086,814.
TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR 2,386,359.
THE DISTRICT CLERK 1,871,577. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: AND JUST TO HONE IN ON THAT A BIT.
THEY MAINTAIN THE SYSTEM. THEY RUN THE SYSTEM FOR OUR COURTS, CORRECT? THAT IS WHERE THEY FILE BRIEFS, EVERYTHING? WHAT THAT IS CORRECT AND THEY MANAGE THE JURY POOL.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT WILL AFFECT CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN HARRIS COUNTY TO DEFUND THE DISTRICT CLERK.
BECAUSE TWO FOLKS ARE PLAYING POLITICS.
>> PUBLIC DEFENDER $1,693,016. COMMUNITY SUPERVISION 70,701.
PRETRIAL SERVICES ETCETERA 66,564.
COUNTY PURCHASING AGENT 639,547. DISTRICT COURTS 1,293,135.
TEXAS A AND M ACOLYTE 93,676. JUVENILE PROBATION 1,073,00175.
SHERIFF CIVIL SERVICE 206,000 WELL.
HARRIS COUNTY RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS 591,493.
THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER 572,852.
COUNTY COURT $871,092. PROBATE CT. #118,00069118,691.
COURT NUMBER TWO 82,692. 230,000.
PROBATE CT. #4, 66,271. POSSIBLE PRECINCT, 1865,511.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: HOLD ON MR. ROBERTS.
I WANT TO BE CLEAR. YOU ARE GETTING INTO THE SPECIFIC POLICING AGENTS. THESE ARE THE FUNDS THAT ARE CUT FROM THESE POLICING AGENCIES ONLY BECAUSE THESE TWO GENTLEMEN ARE MISSING. IF THEY WERE HERE.
IF THEY COME BEFORE 11 BEFORE COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THIS MEETING NEEDS TO AND. WE WILL BE ABLE TO FUND THESE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGCIENES. BUT THEY WILL LOSE THAT FUNDING BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT HERE. IF YOU DON'T MIND TURNING OVER WITH THE LAW ENFORCEMENT THE POLICING AGENCIES AND THE FUNDS THEY ARE LOSING. SOLELY BECAUSE THESENT TWO
GELEMEN ARE PLAYING POLITICS. 55 >> PRECINCT 18,811.
PRECINCT TO 286,379. PRECINCT 31,000,873.
CONSTABLE PRECINCT 42,286,206. PRITTS 1,881,446.
[00:25:11]
CONSTABLE PRECINCT NUMBER 6375. CONSTABLE PRECINCT 7418,616.CONSTABLE PRECINCT 84218,682. SHERIFF PATROL 16,60082,000.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: YOU SAID 16,000?
>> 16,282,640. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO:
THAT WAS SHERIFF? >> PATROL AND DEMONSTRATION.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: CUT $16 MILLION.
UNILATERAL DECISION BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> THE SHERIFF DETENTION SERVICES THE INITIAL CUT WAS 23,681,417.
THIS BODY APPROVED 20 MILLION RESTORATION OF FUNDING FOR THEMT THE OVERALL CUT FOR THEM IS THREE MILLIONS ETCIRERA 83,270 PEOPLE BECAUSE THE STATUTORY REQUEMENTS TO MAINTAIN THE
SHERIFF MEDICAL THE INITIAL CUT WAS THREE MILLIONS ETCETERA 35,348. G THIS BODY VOTED TO RESTORE ALL OF THAT FUNDINIDFOR THE SAME REASONS.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HISALGO: I WANT TO MAKE SURE FOLKS UNDERSTAND IT NOT THAT WE PULL MONEY OUT OF THIN AIR. RE WHAT IS HAVING TO HAPPEN TO MEET THE STATUTORY QUIREMENTS?
>> WE CUT OTHER NON-DEPARTMENTAL SPENDING, GRANTS TO NONPROFITS.
WHICH IS A DISCUSSION ITEM THIS AFTERNOON FOR HELP TO DIVVY UP WHAT REMAINS. WE CUT THE AMOUNT OF UNBUDGETED RESERVES. WE CUT THE CONTRIBUTION TO PICK.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THE PIC IS? WHAT THE PUBLIC
CONTINGENCY FUND. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO:
WHICH IS WHAT WE USE? >> DURING EMERGENCIES.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE TO CUT THE EMERGENCY FUND BECAUSE THESE TWO FOLKS DECIDED NOT TO COME TO COURT AND WE HAVE THE STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO HAVE A JAIL IN CERTAIN CONDITION.
WE HAVE TO CUT 20 MILLION WHICH WE DON'T HAVE.
NOT THERE IS LESS MONEY IF THERE IS A FLOOD IF THERE IS A
PANDEMIC. >> I AM CURIOUS MOST OF THESE ARE PEOPLE, RIGHT, POSITIONS? WHAT THESE ARE POSITIONS.
MOST DEPARTMENTS WERE ABLE TO OBSERVE-- ABSORB IT INTO VACANT CONDITIONS AND IT STARTED TAKE ONE OVERBUDGET THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY COMES TO MIND. WITH THE CURRENT PAYROLL IS
EQUAL TO THEIR APPROPRIATION. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: IS SHE GOING TO HAVE TO CUT POSITIONS BECAUSE THESE
GENTLEMEN ARE MISSING? >> WE ARE IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A. WE ARE NOT RECOMMENDING ANYONE BE LAID OFF. OUR HOPE IS THROUGH ATTRITION THROUGH THE YEAR FOLKS CAN COME BACK INTO BALANCE.
I BELIEVE THERE ARE ONLY FOUR DEPARTMENTS THAT FALL INTO THAT CATEGORY. IT IS AN OVERALL SQUEEZE.
THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, OR OVER BUDGET AND I CAN'T REMEMBER THE
FOURTH ONE. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: I WANT TO KNOW THERE IS AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA 2:00 P.M.
CONTINUATION OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM FROM A COUPLE COURTS AGO.
WITH A ARE SAYING. THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY IS SAYING MORE MONEY THE CONSTABLES ARE SEEING MORE MONEY.
GUYS, IT IS BLACK AND WHITE. >> I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW OF THE MONEY WE DID APPROPRIATE. HOW MANY POSITIONS REMAIN
VACANT? IN PUBLIC SAFETY? >> I WOULD NEED TO GET THE EXACT
NUMBER BUT IT IS HUNDREDS. >> IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT.
>> YES BUT THAT NUMBER HAS SHRUNK.
THE SHERIFF CORDULD NOT AFFO ALL THEIR POSITIONSCU.
>> WITH THESE TS WE IMPOSED BECAUSE ONE OF OUR COLLEAGUES WILL NOT SHOW UP. WE JUST NEED ONE AND THEY CAN VOTE NO BUT THEY HAVE TO SHOW UP UNDER STATE LAW.
WILL THOSE POSITIONS GO AWAY? A >> UNFORTUNATELY OURTTORNEY STEPPED OUT OF THE ROOM. THAT IS IN UNCHARTED TERRITORY
AT THIS L POINT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ONCE WEEAVE IT THERE. IF WE WERE ADDING MORE MONEY
MORE POSITIONS. >> I FEEL LIKE THIS IS PROBABLY
A TOPIC FOR ANOTHER SESSION. >> COMMISSIONER COUNTY ATTORNEY HERE. THAT IS A QUESTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE SHORT ANSWER IS ANY MONEY THAT GOES IN JEFF TO EVALUATE IF YOU TAKE IT OUT.
ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. THE GENERAL RULE IF YOU INCREASE FUNDING OR INCREASE POSITIONS. THERE IS A CHALLEN WE TRY TO
PULL IT OUT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS TRYING TO MAKE A POINT UNDER YOUR BUDGET PROPOSAL WE WERE ADDING MORE POSITIONS THAT HAD NOT BEEN FILLED?
[00:30:14]
UNDER THIS NEW BUDGET WE CANNOT ADD POSITIONSE >> CORRECT. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THOSWHO WANT MORE LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS WILL NOT GET THEM BECAUSE THESE GENTLEMEN ARE NOT HERE TODAY
>> THEY CAN STILL GO FILL THOSE OTHERS
>> THERE ARE STILL VACANCIES. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: BUT THE PAY RAISES THAT WOULD HAPPEN.
FOR ALL OUR POLICE OFFTEICERS W WORK FOR HARRIS COUNTY.
D EIGHT PERCENT OR TEN PERCENT WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S PROPOSAL? ABOVE EIGHT PERCENT IN REASONS.
MR. PERRY? >> IN BETWEEN WHAT WAS DONE IN THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AND WHAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA PROPOSED IT WOULD BE OVER EIGHT PERCENT CUOPMULATIVELY.
THAT LAST FOR PRESENT IS ON THE CHPING BLOCK.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: RATHER THAN ADDRESS OUR VALUED POLICE OFFICERS UNDER BUDGET. A TAX RIGHT CUT.
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WERE SET TO RECEIVE AND 8.25 PERCENT RAISE.
BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT AND BECAUSE WE HAVE UNFILLED POSITIONS WE NEED TO FILL. BECAUSE OFFICERS ARE GOING TO OTHER JURISDICTIONS WHERE THEY PAY BETTER.
YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE THAT RACE BECAUSE WE CANNOT AFFORD IT. AND WE CANNOT AFFORD IT BECAUSE TWO MEMBERS ARE PLAYING POLITICS.
THAT IS IT. IT IS AS SIMPLE AS THAT.
I HOPE THESE GENTLEMEN'S SHOW UP OR EXPLAIN THEMSELVES TO THESE POLICE OFFICERS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHY THEY CUT THEIR REASONS. SO YOU COVERED THE DA.
>> THE LAST ONE WAS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY 5,389,885.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: JUST TO NOTE.
GENTLEMEN, ARE CUTTING FUNDING FOR THE DAS OFFICE BY MORE THAN $5 MILLION. AS CLEAR AS DAY.
THANK YOU, MR. RAMOS. WE WILL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING I KNOW THE ATTORNEYS ARE RUNNING DOWN HELP COMMISSIONERS PERSEUS PENDING ABSENCE AFFECTS THE PUBLIC HEARING.
BUT FOR NOW LET'S GET STARTED ON THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AND I KNOW THE PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE 2022 TAX RIGHT FOR HARRIS COUNTY IN THE PORT OF HOUSTON 30 IS POSTED IN THE NOVEMBER 25TH COMMISSIONERS COURT SPECIAL MEETING. IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK FOR REAGAN'S THIS? WHAT THE FIRST SPEAKER IS THEY CAST MAY SPEAKING VIRTUALLY. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES GO AHEAD.
>> YES, THANK YOU, GOOD MORNING MY NAME IS FALICIA I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR CAGLE AND RAMSEY FOR THE GOOD FIGHT TO STOP THE INCREASE TAXES IN MY HOME, AND MY WELL-BEING.
THE COUNTY'S EXPANSION AND RECKLESS RESPONSE TO COVID DECIMATED MY SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME.
IN ADDITION TO MAKING MY MIDTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD AND WALKABLE.
SO MUCH SO I HAD TO GO INTO DEBT TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE TO CONTINUE. GO TO THE SUPERMARKET, THE POST OFFICE. ALL A SHORT WALK FROM MY HOME.
A HOME I AM CONCERNED I WILL BE TAXED OUT OF.
I THE PENSIONERS WIDOW WITH TWO CHILDREN TO TAKE CARE OF ME IN MY OLD AGE. I AND MANY OTHERS LIKE ME CANNOT SUSTAIN THIS RECKLESSNESS. AND THE INSECURITY.
AGAIN COMMISSIONERS CAGLE AND RAMSEY.
>> THE NEXT SPEAKER SPEAKER 30 CHRISTOPHER JENKINS SPEAKING VIRTUALLY. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES GO AHEAD.
>> YES MY NAME IS CHRISTOPHER JENKINS AND I ALSO LEADERSHIP.
THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY IN HARRIS COUNTY IT IS BEEN THAT WAY FOR A LONG TIME. I NEVER GOT ANY HELP FOR HURRICANE HARVEY. OR HURRICANE I.
I WAS DISPLACED NOW ON THE SOUTHWEST SIDE.
DID ALL MY TRAINING ON THE BESIDES THOSE PROGRAMS ARE GOING DOWN. JUDGE GARCIA DID NOT SHOW UP TO COURT. DID HEAP DID NOT SHOW UP TO COURT WHEN I SAID THAT GUY. THE LEADERSHIP SHOWS YOU.
YOU ARE NOT FOCUSED ON THE COMMUNITY OR THE PEOPLE LIKE YOU SAY YOU ARE. YOU ARE TOO BUSY FIGHTING EACH OTHER. I DON'T CARE ABOUT THIS ELECTION. NOBODY NEEDS TO BE ELECTED EVERYBODY NEEDS TO GO AND WE NEED TO START FROM SCRATCH.
>> THANK YOU. >> IS SPEAKER FOUR MATTHEW, SPEAKING IN PERSON YOU HAVE SIX MINUTES
>> SIX MINUTES? >> I AM JACOB COMMENTING AND I
[00:35:01]
WANT TO SAY THAT THESE BUDGET CUTS ARE A BUNCH OF POTENTIAL BUDGET REDUCTIONS. AT THE TAX RIGHT TO BE IMPROVED AND IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE IT WILL BE APPROVED.I JUST WANT TO SAY I DO NOT APPROVE OF THE BUDGET.
MOST OF MY FRIENDS WHO HAVE RESIDENCES AND OTHER PROPERTIES AROUND HERE IS COUNTY DO NOT CONCUR WITH THE BUDGET AS IT IS PROPOSED. AND I APPLAUD COMMISSIONER CAGLE THE ECONOMICS OF THIS. HE ECONOMICS, MANAGERIAL STUDIES AND HISTORY. AND HE KNOWS HIMSELF ABOUT HARRIS COUNTY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU
>> NEXT SPEAKER NUMBER FIVE TEXAS RIVERA OF TEXAS OVERWRITE PROJECT SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.
>> HELLO, HELLO. MY NAME IS CHRISTOPHER RIVER I WORK WITH THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECTEC IN PRINCT ONE.
I THINK IT IS GOOD WE ARE NOT FUNDING LAW ENFORCEMENT.
IT IS IMPORTANT WE FIND PROGRAMS LIKE THE HEART PROGRAM WHICH IS AN ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE PROGRAM THAT HELPS ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTI CRISISS VISITED SENDING POLICE WHO OFTEN ENGAGE IN TACTICAL WAYS. THAT AND UP IN ORDER AGAINST NT RESIDES THAT LIVE HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
I THINK ITS IMPORTANT WE CONTINUE TO HELP HER FINFOD MON R EVICTION PROTECTION. WITH AN EVICTI A LOT OF PEOPLE WHEN PEOPLE WERE HERE C WERE UPSET THEYOULD NOT TESTIFY. AND LEFT AY NGRY BECAUSE THE THEMSELVES ARE FACING EVICTION PROBLEMS. E THING I DO LIKE IN THE BUDGET WHEE ARE FUNDING IS T MOBILE LIBRARY. IT IS A GREAT PROGRAM I THINK IT IS GOOD TO ADDRESS LITERACY. S AND EDUCATED MASIS A DANGEROUS ONE AND I THINK IT E IS IMPORTA WEDUCATE EVERYONE. Y AND I ALSO THINK IT IS REALL IMPORTANT THAT WE INTRODUCE PROGRAMS THAT HAVE DEBT RELIEF. AGAIN LPEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING.
IF YOUISTEN TO YOUR COPONSTITUENTS THEY NEED HELP.
AND LICE DO NOT HELP. POLICE ARREST, EXECUTE PEOPLEERN THE DAILY. IF IT IS NOT HE IT IS AROUND THE UNITED STATES. APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND I WILL
SEE YOU AT 2:00 P.M. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO:
THANK YOU >> NEXT IS SPEAKER SIX, SPEAKING
VIRTUALLY >> GOOD MORNING I LIVE IN PRECINCT TWO ASQ PAST THE VOTER APPROVER X-RAY.
DO NOT INCREASE FUNDING TO PLEASE AND AS MUCH FUNDING TOWARD SOCIAL SERVICES. INCLUDING THE COUNTY LIBRARIES.
GROWING UP MY MOTHER WAS A LIBRARIAN.
A HABIT FROM MY FAMILY. I HAD TO PASS TIME TO GO TO A LIBRARY. IT IS COMFORTABLE, THERE ARE RESTROOMS. THERE IS WATER IT IS AN INCLUSIVE PLACE I READ A BOOK OR GET ON MY COMPUTER.
I AM DISAPPOINTED MANY HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCHES ARE NOT OPEN AT HOURS I WOULD EXPECT THEM TO BE.
I DO NOT WANT THE SAME THING TO HAPPEN TO COUNTY LIBRARIES IN FACT WE SHOULD BE EXPANDING THOSE DOLLARS.
I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE IMMIGRANT LEGAL FUNDS WITH HARD.
IS A NON- POLICE RESPONSE TRAINED IN MENTAL HEALTH FOR 9-1-ONE CALL. RECENT ARTICLE DESCRIBED THE INCIDENT IN WHICH A BUSINESS OWNER CALLED IN ONE BECAUSE A WOMAN WAS BEHAVING ERRATICALLY NEARBY.
HEART RESPONDED AND DISCOVERED THE WOMAN HAD EARLY ONSET DEMENTIA AND HER DAUGHTER HAVE BEEN FRANTICALLY SEARCHING FOR HER. A LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY AND COULD HAVE LED TO TRAGEDY.
THIS IS ANOTHER MANY COUNTY SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS THAT SHOULD BE EXPANDED INSTEAD OF PUTTING MONEY INTO LAW ENFORCEMENT. THANK YOU.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> DIS. CLERK MARILYN BURGESS: IS SPEAKER NUMBER EIGHT LAUREN LIGHTLY SPEAKING VIRTUALLY. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.
>> GOOD MORNING THIS IS LAUREN BACK FOR HEARING ME TODAY.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY THAT HE DOES NOT TRUST HIS COLLEAGUES IN THIS PROCESS THAT HE IS THE ONE REFUSING TO NEGOTIATE OR EVEN ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING HE REQUESTED.
[00:40:10]
WHILE THE TWO OF THEM ARE MAKING IT SEEM THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING GOOD. THE REFUSING TO APPEAR AT THE SPECIAL MEETING THEY REQUESTED. THAT SHOWS AS THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN NEGOTIATING AT ALL.RAMSEY THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN A MORE CHAOTIC TAX AND BUDGET PROCESS AND WHAT HE HAS EXPERIENCED HERE WITH POOR LEADERSHIP. AND YET IS PRESENTING THEM FROM BEING LEADERSHIP OR ANY PROCESS. PREVENTING THEM AND HAVING A DISCUSSION WHILE INFORMING AND PASSING AN UPDATED 2023 BUDGET.
WHAT WE HAD LAST YEAR WILL NOT CUT IT.
INFLATION IS IMPACTING THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR.
EVERYTHING IS MORE EXPENSIVE. AND HARRIS COUNTY DESSERTS FOR TAX DOLLARS TO BE SPENT ON INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT THAT WILL HELP THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE CITY.
NOT FOR ROGUE COMMISSIONERS AND POLITICIANS LIKE CAGLE AND RAMSEY TO UNILATERALLY DECIDE NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SPECIAL MEETING THEY REQUESTED. AND THEN PREVENT DISCUSSIONS AND UPDATES FOR THE 2023 DISCUSSION FOR TAX RATES.
THEY WANT WHAT THEY WANT AND IF THEY CANNOT HAVE IT THEY WILL USE DIRTY POLITICS LINA HIDALGO AS HAS SAID TO BOYCOTT THIS PROCESS AND DISCUSSION. IT WILL BE THE RESIDENTS AND WORKERS OF HARRIS COUNTY THAT WILL SUFFER.
THEY ARE NOT HELPING OUR RESIDENT THEY ARE PREVENTING IMPORTANT DISCUSSIONS AND FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR 2023.
AND HINDERING THE PROCESS FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
THAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF POOR LEADERSHIP.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING TO AGREE ON A TAX RIGHT IN A 2023 BUDGET IS GOING TO BE VERY SEVERE.
THE COUNTY WOULD BE FORCED TO CUT 90 MILLION FROM COUNTY SERVICES. MANY OF WHICH HAVE BEEN CITED ON THESE CALLS WHERE PEOPLE SAY NOT FUNDS THIS DO NOT CALL THAT.
HAVE YOU NOT HEARD WHAT LINA AND FELLOW COMMISSIONERS HAVE SAID THEY ARE CUTTING EVERYTHING BECAUSE THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL FUNDING THAT CAN BE PUT INTO ANY OF THIS WITHOUT THIS VOTE.
THERE IS NOT A PICK AND CHOOSE HERE.
THERE IS ALL OR NOTHING. THERE IS EITHER A 2023 BUDGET THAT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT ALL THE REQUESTED INCREASES FOR ALL THE DIFFERENT COUNTY AREAS. WERE THERE IS NOTHING.
THERE IS JUST WHAT WE HAD LAST YEAR IN THE WILL NOT BE ENOUGH.
WHILE CAGLE AND RAMSEY PRETRADE THEIR EFFORTS TO BLOCK TAX RIGHT AND SAVE HARRIS COUNTY TAXPAYERS FOR MORE THAN $250 MILLION IN UNNECESSARY SPENDING. HAVING THE SAME BUDGET AS LAST YEAR WILL NOT HELP US IMPROVE ANY SERVICES IN 2023 FISCAL YEAR. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME OUT.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> DIS. CLERK MARILYN BURGESS: NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER NINE ALLISON BOUCHARD YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.
>> GOOD MORNING THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK.
I WILL JUST REPEAT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE SAID RAMSEY AND CAGLE SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR NOT SHOWING UPR AGAIN TO PARTICIPA IN THE COUNTY COURT. OUREPREVIOUS SPEAKER MENTIONED TEXAS BEING A WIDOW AND TIREE. UNFORTUNATELY, MANY PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW OUR PROPERTY TAXES ARE HIGH BECAUSE OF THE STATE'S FAILURE TO SPEND ON PUBLIC EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE AND THE FEDERAL JUSTICE. IT IS BY DESIGN THAT IT REST ON THE SHOULDERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
LUCKILY WE NOW HAVE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION THAT SEES 20 FEATURES AND DOES THINGS HAVE TO BE FUNDED.
OUR COUNTY HAS GROWN IMMENSELY OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.
FAILURE TO FUND EVERYTHING WE NEED OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS WAS THANKS TO REPUBLICAN RUN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT.
ALSO, WE SEE THE LARGE DONATIONS TO HIDALGO'S TO, WILLIAMS BROTHER CONSTRUCTION AND OTHERS WHO BENEFIT FROM CONTINUED UNOBSTRUCTED HIGHWAY BUILDING DEVELOPING WITH FEWER RESTRICTIONS. THAT IS EXACTLY WHY WE SEE HER OPPONENT SIGN ON VERY LARGE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
MANY OF US SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING.
IT IS INAPPROPRIATE. AND I REALLY HOPE RAMSEY AND CAGLE SHOW UP TO 230. AND FOR RESIDENTS VOTE FOR
LESLIE BRIONIS, THANK YOU. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO:
THANK YOU. >> DIS. CLERK MARILYN BURGESS: NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 10 STEPHEN HEMBRIDGE, YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES WHAT I AM STEPHEN STENBRIDGE, I AM A FLOOD VICTIM WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS. WE WAITED FIVE YEARS FOR CAGLE TO GET HIS STUFF TOGETHER. HE IS OUR FORMER COMMISSIONER HE IS ABLE TODAY. OUR CURRENT COMMISSIONER TOM RAMSEY IS ABSENT TODAY. WE ASK CAGLE FOR HELP FIVE YEARS AS THE BLOOD IN 2018. THIS DOES PERTAIN TO TAXES.
WE HAVE PAID TAXES, SOME YEARS WE ARE POOR SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO USE PAYMENT PLANS. CAGLE HAS MESSED AROUND I DO NOT
[00:45:13]
KNOW IF CORRUPTION OR PURPOSEFUL.I HAVE SEEN HIM, MY WIFE HAVE SEEN HIM DIFFERENT BOOTS ON THE GROUND, EQUIPMENT, BULLDOZERS UPSTREAM TO PROJECTS UPSTREAM OF US TO FLOOD IS MORE. HE HAS ABANDONED US AS HIS FORMER CONSTITUENTS. HE IS HORRIBLE.
YOU VOTERS HAVE THE RIGHT, YOU HAVE THE POWER TO GET CAGLE OUT AND PUT MRS BRIONIS . IN TO SAVE THE REST OF THE COUNTY AND GET RID OF THIS DEADLOCK. WE ARE TIRED OF IT WE CAN BUT AGAIN. MY WIFE COULDN'T THAT SHE CANNOT SWIM. MY DAUGHTER HAS ASKED BURGERS.
GOVERNOR ABBOTT IN A HELICOPTER ABOVE ME ME AND MY BUDDY.
MY WIFE AND KIDS I GET EATEN BY ALLIGATORS.
THIS IS NOT FUNNY, CAGLE. THIS IS NOT FUNNY RAMSEY.
SIX YEARS WE HAVE WAITED, FIVE YEARS.
I WENT TO RAMSEYES WAS DPERATE HE SAID COME SEE ME.
I WENT TO M SEE HIAND HE SAID YOU HAVE TO RELY ON TRADITIONAL FLOOMITIGATION MICHAEL AND LITTLE HANNAH. OO THEY TK OFF THEY ARE GONE. KE NOW I ASD HIM ABOUT FLOOD INSURANCE AND HE SAID NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT.
IT COMES BETWEEN 610 ANDELTWAY EIGHT.
WE ARE ABANDONED. JERSEY VILLAGE IS A FLOOD CENTERED. YOU CAN LOOK AT THE MAPSPR THAT FLOOD. 20 MILLION WHATEVER OJECT AND WE ARE NOT COUNTED IN. BECAUSE HE HAS A SUBSIDENCE ISSUE. I HAVE HAD IT WITH THESE GUYS PLWAAYING COLLEGE BOYS GAMES DOG WHATEVER THEY NT AND N POT COMING TO WORK FOR TAX DOLLARS. WEAY OUR TAXES WE ARE PLEASED OFF FROM JERSEY VILLAGE. WE T NEED FLOOD DISTRICT TO GET CONTRACTOR TO DOHEIR JOBS. WE NEED THIS DONE, WE NEED HELP.
PLEASE NOT CUT AS IN JERSEY VILLAGE WE ARE PICKING YOU.
WE ARE BEGGING YOU DO NOT PUT A JEDI JUDGE IN NOT PLAYED THIS GAME THEY ARE PLAYINGR IT IS CRIMINAL.
WE NEED OUR JUDGE WE NEED HE HELP.
BENEATH THE BAYOU WHITE AND. WE NEED FLOOD TUNNELS.
AND SO DOES EVERYBODY ELSE IN THIS COUNTY.
THIS IS NOT A JOKE DO NOT PUT MELER AND SHE WILL HAVE TO LEARN FROM DAY ONE. I UPSEETT.
MY WIFE AND I DID NOT EVEN HAVE A SECOND G OVER THIS IT CAUSES SO MUCHAI EMOTION. WORRYING ABOUT FLOOD EVERY TIME IT RNS. CAGLE LET US DOWNRI.
RAMSEY THINKS IT IS A GAME. >> DIS. CLERK MALYN BURGESS: THANK YOU, SIR YOUR TYPE IS OF COURSE HE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND
THE SITUATION. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD AND TELL US DEMORE ABOUT YOUR SITUATION I WANT PEOPLE TO
UNRSTAND. >> I HAVE HAD PSYCHOLOGICAL.
NOBODYTH IN JERSEY VILLAGE LIKE ME.
I HAVE BUDDIES UP ERE THEY WILL NOT TALK TO ME ANYMORE.
HORRIBLE NIGHTMARES ABOUT BEING EATEN BY ALLIGATORS AND THIS GUY TOM RAMSEY DOES NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON.
GET THEM OUT AS SOON AS YOU CAN. JUDGE CAGLE IS TO GO BUT LOOSELY LESLIE BRIONIS IN, YOU ARE IN THE SEAT.
SORRY, JUDGE. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: LOOK, THERE'S A MEETING AT 2:00 P.M.
IF THEY DO NOT SHOW UP FLOOD CONTROL FLOOD CONTROL 20 WILL BE CUT DRAMATICALLY. IF FLOOD CONTROL GETS CUT DRAMATICALLY THAT IS WHAT WE NEED TO MAINTAIN PROJECT.
WE HEARD IT WILL LIKELY LEAD TO THIS BAYOU WHITENING BEING DOWNSIZED. BECAUSE WE CANNOT BUILD THE SAME SIZED PROJECT IF WE CANNOT AFFORD TO MAINTAIN THE.
EVERYBODY WHO FLOODED DURING HARVEY OR ANOTHER OR DURING THE MEMORIAL DAY FLOOD WITH THE TEXT A FLOOD OR DURING ALLISON.
SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT. EVERYBODY SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT. MILLIONS OF DOLLARS CUT FROM THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT BECAUSE THESE TWO GUYS ARE PLAYING POLITICAL GAMES AND IT IS RELATED PEOPLE LIKE THIS GENTLEMAN. REAL LIFE PEOPLE.
WHO ARE BEING IMPACTED. AND I AM SORRY, SIR ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND THE IMPACTS YOU ARE FEELING.
AND WE TOOK THE TIME TO SPLIT UP THESE TWO MEETINGS HAVE ONE MEETING IN THE MORNING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
IF THEY WANT TO FUND LAW ENFORCEMENT THEY COULD COME TO THIS MEETING. WE WILL NOT FORCE THEM TO FUND THE FLOOD CONTROL AND HOSPITAL SYSTEM PERHAPS THEY ONLY CARE ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT THEY ARE NOT HERE.
THIS AFTERNOON IS THAT OPPORTUNITY TO FUND THE HOSPITAL AND FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT. THE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS AND THE HOSPITAL SYSTEMS. HOW MUCH MORE PRACTICAL CAN YOU GET? AND TO BE CLEAR THEY DO NOT EVEN NEED TO SUPPORT THE BUDGET THEY CAN COME IN VOTE NO. THEY CAN SHOW UP AND VOTE NO.
AND THEN GO BACK TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS AND SAY THAT THEY DID NOT SUPPORT THIS TAX RIGHT CUT IF THAT IS WHAT THEY WANT TO SAY. NOT SHOWING UP THEY ARE CUTTING
[00:50:04]
POLICE RACESA-- R ISES THERE CUTTING A CADET CLASS OF 30 PROSECUTORS. A THEYRE CUTTING FUNDING FOR FLOOD CONTROL. I WANT TO MAKE THAT CLEAR.LET'S CONTINUE, TIFFAYANY, AND COUNTY ATTORNEYS S IF COMMISSIONER G. ARCIA IS WAITIN FOR A CALL I WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HE HAS TO LEAVE.
I KNOW I WILL HAVE TO AND THE PUBLIC HEARING BUT I WANT TO KNOW IF I TABLKE OTHER SPEAKERS OUTSIDE THE PUIC HEARING
>>SE NO, IT COMMISSIONER GARCIA PLEA WE HAVE TO STOP.
IF YOU WANT AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A VOTE.
OF COURSE IF THERE WILL NOT BE A VOTE.
>> COUNTY BLJUDGE LINA HIDALGO:E STOPPED THE PUIC HEARING AND WHEN HE LEASE CAN WE HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC
HEARING? >> YES BUT LATER IT COMMISSIONER'S G-- .
>> TOM S. RAMSEY: COULD WE TE>> WE WOULD NEED IT WITH ALL THREE IF YOU LATER WAND TO COME.
IT COMMISSIONER CU-- GARCIA E LEAVES YOU CANNOT CONTINUE.
BUT THAT WOULD BTHE SAME IF WE ADJOURNED AT 11:20.
THEY KNEW THE MEETING WAS AT TEN THEY HAVE KNOWN T FOR AN HOUR.
EVERYONE KNOWS COMMISSIONER COURMEETINGS ARE AT TEN.
THIS MEETING HAS BEEN ON THE T CALENDAR FOR THE BETTER PART OF A YEAR. IFLAHEY ARE NOT HERE THEY ARE NOT HERE. THEY ARE PYING GAMES.
THIS IS NOT WHETHER COMMISSIONER GARCIA NEEDS TO GO TO HIS FALLEN DEPUTIES COURT HS EARING. THEY KNOW, THEY KNOW THE COMMISSIONER10COURT MEETINGS ON OCTOBER 25, 2022, STARTS AT CO O'CLOCK THAT HAS BEEN ON THE CALENDAR.
WILL SEAL THE DEAL THAT THESEWE ARE CUTTING POLICE OFFICERS YOU THEY WILL NOT RECEIVE AN 8.25 PERCENTL RAISE BECAUSE OF THES TWO GENTLEMEN.
WE WILSEAL THE DEAL ON THAT. HOW MANY MORE?
>> FOUR MORE >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 12 SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.
>> MY NAME IS COURTNEY HARRIS GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS THANK YOU FOR THE TIME TO SPEAKS.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND TOM RAMSEY ARE PLAYING HOOKY AGAIN TODAY. THIS IS AN ELECTION HERE.
WE ALL KNOW THIS IS AN ELECTION YEAR POLITICAL STUFF.
THEY SAY THEY WANT TO CUT TAXES AND AT 200 CONSTABLES WHICH WOULD ADD ALIENS TO THE BUDGET. THEY KNOW THE COUNTY COSCO UP EVERY YEAR BECAUSE EXISTING CONTRACTS AND INFLATION.
YET THEY WANT TO CUT THE BUDGET THIS DOES NOT ADD UP.
THEY CAN'T EXPLAIN HOW THEY WOULD DO IT AND THAT IS WHY TODAY THEY ARE PLAYING HOOKY. THANK YOU.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 14 SALMA BLANDING.
>> I LIVE IN PRECINCT TO I WANT TO REITERATE, THAT HAVE BEEN MADE EARLIER TODAY AND IN EARLIER WEEKS.
AND I MYSELF HAVE MADE IN EARLIER WEEKS.
I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY ABOUT PEOPLE NOT SHOWING UP TO THEIR JOBS WEEK AFTER WEEK. THAT IS RIDICULOUS AND THE REST OF US DO NOT GET TO GET AWAY WITH THAT.
I HOPE TO HAVE A COMPROMISE THAT FULLY FUNDS ARE COUNTY IS ON THE HORIZON. I SUPPORT ALL EFFORTS TO FUND AND INVEST IN POLLUTION CONTROL, THE LIBRARY AND OTHER VITAL DEPARTMENTS. IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER THAT THE COUNTY LEADERS DO EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER TO MAKE THE REVENUE THAT IS ADJUSTABLE, MULTILINGUAL.
WE ALL NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW.
UNDERFUNDING HEALTH, FLOOD CONTROL PUTS RESIDENTS IN DANGER. AS WE HEARD MOMENTS AGO THE SPEAKER TALKING ABOUT THE IMPACTS OF FLOODING.
A NEW NEW REVENUE THAT AFFECTS GRANT.
HARRIS COUNTY MUST SPEND MONEY TO GET MANY.
IT SHOWS THE COUNTIES SEPARATION AND RESILIENCY.
NO MATTER WHAT OUR PROGRAMS ARE, WHERE WE LIVE IN THE CITY.
HOW MUCH MONEY WE MAKE. OUR RACIAL BACKGROUND ALL OF US NEED HEALTHCARE. AND HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE DEEPLY CONNECTED. WHEN NEEDS ARE NOT MET ESPECIALLY HEALTH NEEDS. CONDITIONS MAKE US VULNERABLE TO LEASE VIOLENCE, EXPLOITATION. TO USE PUBLIC RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY WE NEED TO TACKLE PROBLEMS AT THEIR ROOT.
[00:55:03]
NOT CIRCUS LEVEL FOR MONGERING. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WILL DO MORE FOR CRIME THAN PUNISHING THE EXPLOITATION THAT RESULTS FROM FAILING TO DO SO. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO TALK ABOUT THE FACT THAT UNDER TEXAS LAW AND INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS CAN NEVER BE UNDONE.ALSO IMPORTANT THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROPOSED INCREASES FOR CONSTABLE PRECINCTS FOUR OF 7.2 MILLION AND FIVE OF 3.5 MILLION IS OVER 10 MILLION FOR TWO PRECINCTS.
JUST THOSE ALONE ARE LARGER THAN THE ENTIRE BUDGET OF ANY CONSTABLE OFFICE IN DALLAS, BEXAR OR COUNTY.
UNLIKE INVESTMENTS INTO POLICE INTO ACCESSIBILITY, PUBLIC HEALTH, JOBS ANDTHER PROACTIVE SOLUTIONS.
THE SYSTEMIC ISSUES THAT LEAD TO RESIDENTS FEELING UNSAFE.
EVIDENCE SHOWS INVESTING IN PEOPLE IS A MUCH BETTER IMPACT ON PEOPLE THAN THROWING MONEY AT POLICE AND PRISONS.
I TICKET IS SO IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT THE SCIENCE.
>> DIS. CLERK MARILYN BURGESS: THANK YOU, MA'AMLI YOUR TIME ISP
>> THANK YOU. >> COUNTY JUDGE NA HIDALGO:
THANK YOU >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 15.
>> HELLO MY MAIN NAME IS MICHAEL TOLZ. THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS HIDALGO, GARCIA AND ELLIS FOR SHOWING UP.
I AM DISAPPOINTED CAGLE AND RANDY DID NOT SHOW UP.
MOST OF MY LIFE I GREW UP NEAR A FREEWAY.
I DO NOT FEEL ONE WE SPEND MORE ON POLICE THAN KEEPING OUR AIR CLEAN. I ASKED THE BUDGET TO LOOK AT PUBLIC SAFETY OVER PUNISHMENT. I DO NOT SUPPORT ANYTHING INCREASE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. THANK YOU
>> THANK YOU >> NEXT IS MICHELLE VAUGHN SPEAKING IN PERSON YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES. .
>> NEXT IS MICHELLE VAUGHN SPEAKING IN PERSON YOU HAVE
I AM MRS. VAUGHN. I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT PROPERTY TAX.
WHEN I REMEMBER WHEN I BOUGHT MY HOUSE FOUR YEARS AGO 196 AND THE PROPERTY TAXES 800. EVERY YEAR THE INCREASE AND INCREASE. RIGHT NOW I HAD TO PAY 7100 EACH YEAR. AT MY HOUSE I DO NOT OPERATE I DID NOT DO ANYTHING FOR THE HOUSE.
FOR THAT LABOR ALL THE SAME. BUT THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE ALL THE TIME. WE CANNOT AFFORD FOR THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE LIKE THAT. AND HOW I WOULD LIKE TO GET THE TAX I PAY FOR THE LOWER. THE PROBLEM IS NOT HIGH LIKE ONE I PAY THE TAX OR. THE BOTTOM IS 414.
WHEN I PAY THE TAX I HAVE TO PAY PUBLIC TAX 279,000.
THAT ONE IS NOT POSSIBLE. RIGHT NOWAV FOR THE TAX I HE TO PAY ALL THE SAME 4000 SOMETHING. BUT 7100 I CANNOT AFFORD.
FOR THALE TAX INCREASE SO MUCH. MOST DOUBLED.
>> COUNTY DGE LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> THIS ALEXANDER STRANGERS SPEAKING IN PERSON.
YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES. >> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONER MY NAME IS ALEXANDER STRINGER I WANT TO TALK ABOUTNG THESE TAX INCREASES. ME AND MY FAMILY LOOKIES FOR A HOME IN THE HOUSTON AREA AND TO BE HONT WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LIVE HERE. N AND I AND IN A VERY INTENSE LEGAL BATTLE RIGHTOW. RIGHT NOW I SUING ANTI-SEMITE A KANYE WEST FOR $4 QUADRILLION BECAUSE OF THEELNTI-SEMITIC RHETORIC HE SAYS THAT MAKES ME FEI UNSAFE.
I AM JEWISH. I CELEBRATE HANUKKAH,
[01:00:01]
CELEBRATE PASSOVER. I TRY TO FAST ON YOM KIPPUR.WHEN HE SAID THOSE THINGS ABOUT THE JEWS I AM IN FEAR FOR MY THIS IS A PERSONAL STORY.
LISTEN, YESTERDAY I WAS WIOKTH FRIEND ROB AND HE MAY BE PAY FOR DINNER, AY. BECAUSE I QUOTE, UNQUOTE, OWN HOLLYWOOD AND OWN THE BANKS. THIS TYPE OF PROFILING HAS TO STOP. LITERALLY AS I WAS WALKING INTO YOUR COURTROOM SOMEONE DROPPEDAA QUARTER IN FRONT OF ME.
LOOK, I HAVE THIS QUTER, LINA THIS IS LITTLE DISCRIMINATION.
THESE MICRO AGGRESSIONS ARE A FORM OF VIOLENCE.
IT IS WORSE THAN 9/11 IT IS WORSE THAN WHAT HAPPENED JANUARY 6TH. AND THAT MAN WHO DROPPED THE QUARTER DESERVES TO SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN PRISON.
JUST LIKE YOU I AM AN OPPRESSED MINORITY AND THIS DISCRIMINATION, THE BIGOTRY, THE HATRED NEEDS TO STOP.
YOU AND I BOTH KNOW THIS. ALSO, I AM A GAY PROSTITUTE AS A WEEKEND IF THE MAYOR IS HIRING A SECRETARY PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
SPEAKERS FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, TIFFANY. WHAT WE NEED TO DO HERE IS FIRST CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. JUST GIVE ME A MOMENT TO FIND MY PLACE HERE. ALL RIGHT.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPEAKERS I NOW CLOSE THIS PUBLIC HEARING.
[Tax Rates]
MOVING TO ITEM TWO THAT IS DISCUSSION OF TAX RATES FOR HARRIS COUNTY AND THE PORT. ONCE AGAIN WE ARE UNABLE TO PASS A TAX RIGHT CUT FOR HARRIS COUNTY SINCE TWO OF OUR COLLEAGUES ARE NOT PRESENT. BECAUSE OF THEIR ABSENCE WE ARE FORCED TO TAKE NO ACTION ON ITEM TWO AND ITEM ON TWO MEANS.IT MEANS CUTTING $100 MILLION FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT.
IT MEANS CUTTING FUNDING FOR SUPPORT FOR SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN. IT MEANS CUTTING FUNDING FOR VETERANS. CUTTING FUNDING FOR PUBLIC HEALTH FOR LIBRARIES AND COUNTY SERVICES ALL ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. YOU HAVE COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY TO THANK YOU FOR THESE PERMANENT CUTS THAT ARE TAKING EFFECT AS SOON AS WE ADJOURN THIS MEETING.
THAT IS IT, THAT IS IT. IT IS TWO GENTLEMEN EMBODYING HOW EXTREME OUR POLITICS HAVE BECOME. TH AT THEY ARE WILLING TO HARM THEIR OWN CONSTITUEIENTS, THR NEIGHBORS, THEIR FRIENDS, THEIR COLLOREAGUES F THE SAKE OF WHAT, I GUESS, THE FIELD IS A CA POLITIL WIN. BU IT IS UNFORTUNATE T I WILL KEEP FIGHTING. G WE WILL KEEP FIGHTINAND I AM SORRY FOR THE LAW WENFORCEMENT OFFICERSHO WILL NOT BE RECEIVING ORTHE PHRASES AND SUPPT WE HAD PROPOSED ALONG WITH A TAX RIGHT CUT. S I HOPE THESE FOLKS CANLEEP AT NIGHT.
>> JUDGE, THANK YOU. YES, TODAY'S SITUATION IS UNFORTUNATE. BUT I DO WANT TO MAKE SURE THE COMMUNITY KNOWS THE EFFORTS MADE HERE.
THE TAX RATES THAT ARE PROPOSED TODAY.
TO BE VOTED ON IS EXACTLY THE SAME TAX RIGHT THAT JACK CAGLE PROPOSED. HE IS NOT HERE TO VOTE ON HIS OWN PROPOSED TAX RIGHT. THANK YOU, JUDGE.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LIMMNA HIDALGO: THAT IS A VERY IMPORTANT POINT COISSIONER GARCIA. AND AGAIN EXPOSES THE WAY THEY ARE LAUGHING AT THIS COMMUNITY. GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. AND THANK YOU FOR GOINGGS BEYON WHAT WE NORMALLY SCHEDULED TWO MEETIN TODAY.
WOULD HAVE AN OPTION TO COME TO EITHER ONE.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE AND COMING UP WITH WHAT IS MUCH CLOSER TO WHERE THEY WERE. EL AS I STATED WHEN WE DISCUSSED IT BEFORE AS IT RATES TO THE TAX RIGHT FOR HEALTHCARE. I THINK IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AWKWARD FOR USTO TO SIMPLY PUT THE TABLE THE LOWER RATES.
MAKE THOSE CUTS IN HEALTHCARE TO DO OTHER THINGS WHEN WE ALREADY MADE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES.
[01:05:03]
BUT I DO WANT TO GET SOME SENSE FROM THE BUDGET OFFICE.WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR YOU, MR. P.
WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IMMEDIATELY BUT GIVE US A SENSE.
COME BACK WITH THOUGHTS ON WHAT WE CUT, WHAT WE DON'T CUT WHAT
WE DO MOVING FORWARD? >> SINCE OCTOBER 1ST DEPARTMENT SEVEN WORKING UNDER THIS REDUCED BUDGET.
THEY HAVE A STAFFING PLAN. WE HAVE ASKED THEM AND MOST DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATED IN GIVING US A FLAVOR OF WHAT THEY WILL BE DOING LESS OF THROUGHOUT.
IN A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS IN THAT DIRECTION FOR THIS COURT.
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUPPLEMENTALS.
AGAIN ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS IT IS A LIMITED POOL.
IN MY MIND IF WE ARE GOING TO HAVE NEW RECURRING EXPENSES WE HAVE TO FIND RECURRING SAVINGS. SO I THINK IT WILL BE OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ONE TIME. FOR BUDGET EXPENSES.
IT WILL HAVE TO BE NO. THIS IS A BIG CULTURE CHANGE IN THIS COUNTY THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED HUGE AMOUNTS OF GROWTH. AND AS I SAID EARLIER STARTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR IN THE BEST POTENTIAL POSITION OF ANY COUNTY IN AMERICA. AND I THINK IT WILL BE A HUGE CULTURE CHANGE IN HOW FOLKS APPROACH PROBLEM.
WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE THEM BY ADDING FUNDING AS WE HAVE IN
THE PAST >> AT SOME POINT YOU CONCERNED ABOUT OUR INABILITY TO HAVE REVENUE THAT REFLECTS OUR
GROWTH? TO KEEP OUR BOND RATING? >> THAT IS AN INTERESTING QUESTION AND SOMETHING WE TALKED BACK AND FORTH.
WITH OUR CONSULTANTS WITH THE RATING AGENCIES.
INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY.
IT REALLY DEPENDS. WE DO NOT KNOW IF THIS WILL HAPPEN NEXT YEAR, NEXT YEAR. BUT AS THE DEBT GROWS THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION GOES DOWN UNDER THE MILL REVENUE GRADE. I THINK OUR REVENUE IS GROWING LESS THAN OUR POPULATION GROWTH IS AND WHASET RVICE NEEDS ARE.
WE BUILT LOTS OF INFRASTRUCTURE THAT IS BEING COMING DUE TO BE REPLACED. IL WE WL HAVE TO SEE. ER I AM VY CONCERNED. THE DAYS OF US HAVINGN A 75 MILLIO SURPLUS ARE LIKELY GONE FOREVER AT THIS POINT.
>> COIF I COULD AT ONE POINT MMISSIONER ELLIS.
ONE ARE ESSENTIALLY THE GATEKEEPER OF OUR CREDIT. IS THE CONSISTENCY OF OUR REVENUE. EVEN WHEN SP2 WAS PASTOR WASLE OPPOSITION. WHAT THAT DID NOT AD TO A DOWNGRADE BECAUSE WE HAD OFFSETTING FACTORS IT IS SOMETHING THEY READ AS ON AND SOMETHING THEY LOOK AT.
I CERTAINLY AM CONCERNED. AGAIN WE HAVE BENEFITS OTHERSONO NOT HAVE BECAUSE WE ARE STARTING FROM A STRG PLACE.
BUT IF WE DO NOT KEEP REVENUE UP WITH POPULATION GROWTH IT WILL BE EXTREMELYVE DIFFICULT TO MAK NOT ONLY THE OPERATING IN STMENTS BUT CAPITAL
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW WE WILL DISCUSS IT LATER BAUSE YOU NEED TO RUN. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO COME BACK IN AS TIMELY A FASHIONE AS YOU CA WE HAVE ONE PROPOSAL ON THE TABLFROM OUR LAST MEETING. IS IT WAS A MINOR AMOUNT OF MONEY.
BUT SENSITIVE SUES LIKE IMPACTING BENEFITS.
SOME PEOPLE STATED BY NOT HAVING A COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE OVER THE YEARS. BECAUSE IT IS A GOOD PLACE TO COME. AND IF YOU STAY YOU MAKE A SACRIFICE. TH IT IS A PRETTY GOOD RETIREMENT PACKAGE AND HEALCARE F PACKAGE. AS SOON AS YOU CAN COME IN A TIMELYASHION. IF WE DECIDE ON A MENU WE CAN HAVE THAT DEBATE. AND OUR OTHER TWO COLLEAGUES WHO CAUSE A PROBLEM WILL BE THE FIRST ONE OTO WEIGH IN ON WHATS POLITICALLY DO. BUT ATEUR LAST MEETING RAISE THOSE ISSUES AT THE LAST MINUT. TRY TO COME TO US IN A TIMELY
FASHION >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS TO CLARIFY. FOR THIS UPCOMING YEAR WE WILL NOT SEE A REDUCTION. BUT LOOK, AS AN ADVOCATE FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES I THINK IT IS CRITICAL WE KEEP THAT LEVEL UP EVEN IF WE MAKE TWEAKS. HAVING THOSE COSTS GROW AT EIGHT PERCENT, TEN PERCENT, 12 PERCENT.
AND REVENUE GROWING AT A MUCH LOWER RIGHT.
IT IS MATH. THERE IS ONLY SO LONG.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT IS A GOOD POINT.
IT IS A LOT TO TEACH PEOPLE. BECAUSE SOME OF THEM HAVE OPTIONS. ANYTHING WE CAN DO.
WE APPRECIATE THEM STAYING THROUGH A PANDEMIC.
AND RUN OUT ON GREAT IN PLACE BECAUSE OF BURNOUT.
[01:10:08]
THANK YOU. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: IT IS AMAZING HOW TRANSPARENT THE STUNT IS.
IT WAS COMMISSIONER CAGLE REQUESTED A MEETING WHICH WE HELD JUST FOR HIM. HE REFUSED TO SHOW UP.
HE PROPOSED A CERTAIN TAX RIGHT AT THE MEETING.
COMMISSIONER SIA WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO DO THE MATH AND FIGURE OUT WHAT THE BUDGET OFFICE. HOW WE CAN MATCH THAT TAX RIGHT COMMISSIONER CAGLE REQUESTED. IT WAS ON THE TABLE THIS MORNING AND HE AGAIN FAILED TO JOIN US. I WANT TO MAKE SURE ALL THE COUNTY EMPLOYEES KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE YOU.
THE COMMUNITY HOW MUCH WE WILL KEEP WORKING FOR YOU.
AND IF I COULD CLOSE WITH THIS BRIEFLY, MR. RAMOS.
READ AGAIN THE POLICE AGENCY BECAUSE THESE TWO GENTLEMEN HAVE FORCED. IT IS MATH.
>> I HAVE TWO SPEAKERS WHO SIGNED UP FOR ITEM TWO.
>> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU
>> YOU'RE WELCOME >> PRECINCT ONE $855,111.
CONSTABLE PRECINCT 2 HUNDRED 86,279.
CONSTABLE PRECINCT 31,000,873. CONSTABLE PRECINCT 42,884,206.
CONSTABLE PRECINCT FIVE 1,881,446.
CONSTABLE PRECINCT 6389,175. CONSTABLE PRECINCT8, 741616.
CONSTABLE PRECINCT 8460,362. FO R SURE PATROL 16 MILLION SUCCESSOR 82,640. R FOTHE COUNTY JAIL 3 MILLION
[Appearances before court]
SUCCESSOR 81,417. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. KEWE WILL TA THOSE FINAL TWO
SPEAKERS >> FIRST IS JACOBAT SPEAKING
ITEM TWO YOU HAVE SIX MINUTES >> THOHE COURT OF USTONFI LET'S
ND IT. >> COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: U.
THANK YO QUIT IN THE LAST SPEAKER IS CHRISTOPHER RIVERA SPEAKING ON ITEM TWO
YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES. JU >> COUNTY DGE LINA HIDALGO: HE
IS NOT HERE ANYMORE ER >> HE IS HE BUT DID NOT SIGN
UP FOR THIS ITEMSH >> THAT OULD BE IT FOR ALL THE SPEAKERS. MS CAGLE AND RAEY LAW ENFORCEMENT
CUTS HAVE GONE INTO EFFECT. , >> JUDGE, BEFORETHERE IS NO
ACTION ON ITEM ONE OR TWO? TI >> THAT IS NO ACON THAT MEANS THE CAGLE AND RAEMMSEY LAW ENFORCENT
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.