Sep 08, 2026 Special Commissioners Court

(RINGING) . >> GOOD MORNING.

>> GO AHEAD. >> YOU ARE MY FAVORITE.

OKAY. YEAH.

MY NAME IS ROSALYN BLAKE. AND I'M A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY AND I RAISED THREE CHILDREN HERE.

I AM HERE TO SUPPORT AN ADDITIONAL ONE MILLION DOLLARS TO POLLUTION CONTROL FOR THIS YEAR'S BUDGET.

I SAY THIS BECAUSE WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO INVESTIGATE POLLUTERS AND -- BIG AND SMALL. FIRST WE NEED TO STOP ILLEGAL DUMP BEING,ING, BECAUSE THERE AY PARTS OF MY COMMUNITY WHERE THERE IS STILL OLD FURNITURE AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL ON THE SIDES OF THE ROTE AND OF THE RO. SECONDLY I HAVE ASTHMA, SO DOES MY MOTHER, SHE'S 88, SO HARD TO BREATHE.

AND IT'S LIKE THE CHEMICAL SMOKE THAT -- THE FIRE BACK IN JUNE MADE IT HARDER FOR PEOPLE TO BREATHE.

ESSENTIALLY I -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> I COMPLIMENT YOU -- WAIT. >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, MA'AM. I APPRECIATE IT.

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>> I STILL LOVE YOU GUYS. >> THANK YOU.

>> SHE COULD HAVE HAD THE REST OF MY TIME.

GIVEN THIS IS A CHARACTER REFERENCE, I HEARD -- NAME IS MICHAEL MITCHELL. CHARACTER REFERENCE FOR CARLA WYATT. I KNOWN HER SINCE SHE WAS A CHILD, A LITTLE CHILD AND I THINK SHE IS VERY COMPETENT IN WHAT SHE'S DOING AND I SUPPORT HER AND WITH A WHOLE LOT OF OTHERS. AND I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT WHEN YOU'RE DOING A JOB, YOU'RE DOING IT WELL AND YOU'RE DOING IT WELL, PEOPLE RECOGNIZE IT. WHEN YOU'RE NOT DOING IT WELL, PEOPLE ALSO RECOGNIZE IT. LET'S JUST LOOK AT THE WHOLE THING -- WHOLE THING IN A NUTSHELL.

EVALUATE IT AND GO WITH IT. GOD BLESS YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> DAMICA Z WARREN ON ITEM 5.

[INDISCERNIBLE] ON ITEM 5. ABDULA INTEPLY AND CRAIG DONALD.

YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS DAMICO WARREN AND I AM A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HIGH-RISK MOBILE ADVOCATE WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCIL.

I WAS ONCE A VICTIM AND NOW A SURVIVOR OF AN 18-YEAR ABUSIVE MARRIAGE TO A PASTOR. I CURRENTLY HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO HELP OUR SURVIVORS NAVIGATE THROUGH SOME OF THE MOST TUMULTUOUS, SOME OF THE MOST DEVASTATING AND SOME OF THE HARDEST PLACES OF THEIR LIVES. AND WHILE THEY HAVE ENDURED MUCH AND IT MAY BE VERY DARK AND OVERWHELMING AND THE PROCESS TO NAVIGATE THROUGH A VARIETY OF SYSTEMS AND RESOURCES CAN BE MOST STRESSFUL, MOST EXASPERATING AND OVERWHELMING TO OUR VICTIMS, I'VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE AND THE REWARDING OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE LIVES OF SURVIVORS CHANGED, RESTORED, BROUGHT TO A PLACE OF HOPE AND THEIR LIVES ACTUALLY SAVED BECAUSE OF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE FUNDS.

SO I STAND BEFORE YOU AS A VOICE FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, AS A PERSON OF HOPE FOR THOSE WHO ARE HOPELESS --

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> APPROVE THE FUNDS.

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

AND GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. MY NAME IS NADIA CANTU AND I'M THE MANAGER OF THE HIGH RISK TEAM -- STERN BRINGS TOGETHER SYSTEMS AND PARTNERS FOR VICTIMS FACING THE GREATEST RISK OF HORMONE SIDE AND SERIOUS HARM. OVER THE PAST 22 YEARS THROUGH MY WORK I HAVE SEEN WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DIFFERENT PARTS OF OUR SYSTEM WORK TOGETHER. WHEN A VICTIM IS AT THE HIGHEST RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH WHEN MOVING TO ACTION, CONNECT PEOPLE, INFORMATION AND RESOURCES IN WAYS THAT NO INDIVIDUAL AGENCY CAN ACCOMPLISH ALONE.

THE STAKES ARE IMMEDIATE AND THIS COORDINATION SAVES LIVES IN REAL-TIME. WE URGE YOU TO KEEP INVESTING IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE THAT MAKES THIS WORK POSSIBLE.

WHAT MERITS IS WHEN SOMEONE REACHES THOSE DOORS, THERE IS A PATH FORWARD. PROVIDE COMMUNITY BASED RESPONSES THAT CONNECT PEOPLE TO HELP AND INTERVENE BEFORE SITUATIONS ESCALATE. BOTH HAVE BECOME IMPORTANT ENTRY POINTS FOR VICTIMS WHO NEED SUPPORT.

PLEASE FUND THE RECOMMENDATIONS -- ALL FUNDING.

THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS IMAM ABDULA INTEPLY. I'M THE NEW MY MINTED PRESIDENT OF ROSWELL CHAPEL, LEADING THE HISTORICAL ICONIC HISTORIAN ORGANIZATION. I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT A BUDGET DOCUMENT IS A MORAL DOCUMENT AND ULTIMATELY, INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE COMMUNITY'S MORAL FABRIC SHOWS ITSELF IN PRACTICE WHERE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD IS HOW DO THEY ALLOCATE THEIR RESOURCES AND HOW THEY ARE ASPIRED TO NOT ACHIEVE ONLY EQUALITY BUT EQUITY. INSTEAD OF JUST ADVOCATING FOR A PARTICULAR ISSUE, I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE THE DECISIONMAKERS TO LOOK VERY CAREFULLY AND MEASURE THE MORAL CRITERIA OF WHETHER OR NOT ALLOCATION OF THESE RESOURCES ARE FULFILLING THE EQUITY THAT WE ARE ASPIRE TO BE. IF THE RAISE OF LIFE IS AN EQUAL PLAYING FIELD, THAT'S ONE THING TO ALLOCATE RESOURCE AND EXPECTING PEOPLE TO RAISE DIFFERENTLY AND THAT --

>> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME SUPPLEMENT.

>> LET'S IS UP. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. I'M FRANK DONNELLY.

I'M A BUSINESS OWNER IN PRECINCT 4, ALSO CHAIR [INDISCERNIBLE] IN PRECINCT 4 AND A SEPARATE CAPACITY, I SIT ON THE BOARD OF THE ORANGE SHOW IN PRECINCT 2 AND IN ALL THESE CAPACITIES, I

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HAVE WITNESSED HOW THE COUNTY'S PARTICIPATION IN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY, SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS, NON- PROFITS HAS A GREAT IMPACT AND I URGE YOU TODAY TO CONSIDER WITH THE BUDGET CONTINUING FUNDING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ALSO AGGRESSIVELY PURSUING THESE PARTNERSHIPS WITH THESE VARIOUS PARTNERS AROUND OUR CITY AND COUNTY. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY. GOOD LUCK.

>> THANK YOU. >> STEWART CAMPBELL, ITEM 5.

LAURA GALLIER ITEM 5. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> HI. GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

MY NAME IS SWATIHA RYAN AND I WORK IN A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ORGANIZATION. I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS PUBLIC SAFETY. IN 2024, 47 PEOPLE IN HARRIS COUNTY WERE KILLED BY AN INTIMATE PARTNER.

THAT'S A 34% INCREASE FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

I HAVE SEEN HOW DIFFICULT IT CAN BE FOR SOMEONE TO LEAVE AN ABUSIVE SITUATION, NOT BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO LEAVE BUT BECAUSE THE PRACTICAL BARRIERS CAN FEEL IMPOSSIBLE.

A HOTEL ROOM, RENT DEPOSIT, TRANSPORTATION, CHILD CARE OR HELP KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REMAINING IN DANGER AND GETTING A FAMILY TO SAFETY.

THESE ARE NOT CHARITABLE EXTRAS, THEY ARE THE BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE PEOPLE NEED TO LIVE SAFELY AND WITH DIGNITY.

I URGE THE COURT TO PLEASE FUND THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE ADVANCING COMMUNITY SAFETY IN THE HARRIS COUNTY REPORT AND KEEP ALL PREVIOUSLY COMMITTED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FUNDING WITHIN THAT RESPONSE SYSTEM. INVESTING IN DBAV, RISE AND HEART MEANS INVESTING IN PREVENTION, STABILITY AND --

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> HI, COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS ANTHONY [INDISCERNIBLE].

I'M A SCIENTIST AND PROFESSOR. I HUNT DEADLY VIRUSES FOR A LIVING. ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO TRACK THESE VIRUSES IS THROUGH WASTEWATER.

I CURRENTLY OVERSEE THE STATE, THE ENTIRE STATE'S WASTEWATER ANALYSIS PROGRAM. IT'S THE LONGEST RUNNING VIRAL TRACKING PROGRAM IN THE WORLD. I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF HARRIS COUNTY'S PROGRAM, WHICH HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL.

THE PROGRAM CURRENTLY TRACKS DEADLY VIRUSES LIKE THE FLU, COVID AND MEASLES. WE CAN'T SEE THESE VIRUSES FROM COMING BUT WASTEWATER ALLOWS US TO SEE THEM AHEAD OF TIME.

IF THIS PROGRAM IS NOT SUPPORTED, WE WILL BE RUNNING BLIND TO THEIR LEVELS AND OUTBREAKS WILL OCCUR.

THIS WILL LEAD TO MORE INFECTIONS, MORE HOSPITALIZATIONS AND MORE DEATHS.

IT'S A SMALL INVESTMENT FOR A LARGE PAYOUT OF LIVES SAVED.

I URGE YOU TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. GOOD MORNING.

JUDGE. MY NAME IS STEWART CAMPBELL.

I'M THE CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL OF THE HOUSTON ADVOCACY YOUTH CENTER. I'M HERE TO SUPPORT -- HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY HAS AN ISSUE, HAS A PROBLEM, THEY LEAD THE COUNTRY IN EVICTION FILINGS EVERY SINGLE YEAR.

OVER 75,000 EVICTION FILINGS OCCUR WITHIN HARRIS COUNTY.

LUCKILY WITH Y'ALL'S SUPPORT LAST YEAR YOU GRANTED A ONE MILLION DOLLAR FOR EVICTION DEFENSE FOR HARRIS COUNTY -- EXCUSE ME, I'M STUMBLING OVER MY WORDS.

HOUSTON EVICTION ADVOCACY CENTER AND THROUGH THAT TEN-MONTH TIME FRAME FROM OCTOBER OF HAS YEAR TO THIS YEAR, WE'VE REPRESENTED OVER 1600 CASES FOR FREE, JUST IN HARRIS COUNTY.

WE ARE CURRENTLY IN SIX COURTS, WITH Y'ALL'S SUPPORT, WITH EXPANDED FUNDING WE COULD EXPAND INTO FURTHER COURTS, REPRESENT EVEN MORE PEOPLE. ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS ABOUT OUR PROGRAM IS THAT YOU SHOULD SUPPORT IT.

>> LAURA GALLIER ON ITEM 5. RASHNA KERRY ON ITEM 5.

RICARDO BARNES, ITEM 5. BI MAY WIN ON ITEM 5.

YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. I'M RICARDO BARNES.

I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPRING BRANCH FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CENTER WHERE WE'VE BEEN SERVING HARRIS COUNTY FAMILIES FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS. AT 8575 PIT ANOTHER, WE BRING TRUSTED NON- PROFITS, PARTNERS ALL IN ONE PLACE.

MANY NEIGHBORS LACK THE TOOLS TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL.

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OUR GOAL IS TO HELP UNLOCK THEM. LOW LITERACY LIMITS OPPORTUNITIES AND HURTS THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

WE ESTIMATE THAT IMPROVING THE ADULT LITERACY IN HARRIS COUNTY COULD ADD 13 BILLION, WITH A B, TO THE HOUSTON ECONOMY.

HOUSTON ENDOWMENT FUND [INDISCERNIBLE] CURRENTLY AT THE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY -- LEADING TO LITTLE LANGUAGE ACCESS SUPPORT TO RESIDENTS WITH LIMITED LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY.

THIS MODEL WOULD EXTEND TEN TIMES THE INSTRUCTION STAFF AT THESE POSITIONS. WE ASK THE COUNTY SUPPORT SO HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY CAN HELP MORE RESIDENTS REACH THEIR GOALS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> GOOD MORNING, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE.

I ASK YOU TO SUPPORT WASTEWATER MONITORING.

I'M A NATIVE HOUSTONIAN WHO HAS BEEN PRACTISING IN THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA FOR OVER 15 YEARS CARING FOR ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED PATIENT. UNFORTUNATELY HARRIS COUNTY HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST RATES OF UNINSURED PEOPLE IN TEXAS.

THEY MAY INFECT OTHER PEOPLE THROUGH WORK, THROUGH GROCERY STORE OR PLACES OF WORSHIP. THIS IS WHY THE WASTEWATER MONITORING PROGRAM IS SO IMPORTANT.

IT'S A COST-EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT METHOD FOR ASSESSING THE HEALTH STATUS OF A COMMUNITY REGARDLESS OF HEALTH STATUS TO HEALTH CARE. THIS ENHANCES PUBLIC AWARENESS AND ENABLES TIMELY ALERTS TO HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.

WE COULD MONITOR FOR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE WHICH LEADS TO INFECTIONS THAT CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO TREAT. PLEASE CONTINUE TO FUND THE WASTEWATER MONITORING PROGRAM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR

CONSIDERATION. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO.

MY NAME IS [INDISCERNIBLE] I WANT TO THANK THIS COURT FOR BUILDING THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE FUND, WHICH SINCE 2023 HAS HELPED THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES MEET IMMEDIATE SAFETY NEEDS, A SAFE PLACE FOR A NEW FIGHTS, TRANSPORTATION TO A SHELTER, FOOD AND MEDICINE. THESE INVESTMENTS SAVE LIVES BUT THEY ALSO MAKE GOOD FINANCIAL SENSE.

THE ESTIMATED SOCIETAL COST OF A SINGLE HOMICIDE IS BETWEEN 9 MILLION AND $17 MILLION. IN HARRIS COUNTY, WE'VE LOST 47 VICTIMS TO INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN 2024.

A 34 INCREASE IN OUR COUNTY WHILE STATEWIDE IT HAS DECREASED. HARRIS COUNTY HAS A PROVEN NEED AND WE HAVE INTERVENTIONS THAT ARE WORKING.

PLEASE FUND THE ADVANCING COMMUNITY SAFETY REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS AND KEEP ALL FUNDING PREVIOUSLY COMMITTED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INVESTED IN THIS RESPONSE.

>> [INDISCERNIBLE] ON ITEM 5. TERRY CHEN, ITEM 5.

Q OLIVIA RIVERS, ITEM 5. ELIZABETH GREGORY, ITEM 5.

AND MARIANNE HESSE, ITEM 5. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE.

I'M TERRY CHEN. I'M A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER WITH WOODY HUNTOS BASED OUT OF PRECINCT 4.

DEAFER I I SPEAK WITHEVERY DAY Y MEMBERS TO LEARN WHAT IS AFFECTING THEIR LIVES AND THE BIGGEST ISSUE THAT BE THE FEARING OF THEIR LEAVING HOMES TO SIMPLY EXIST IN OUR CITY.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASONS IS THE FLOCK CAMERAS THAT ARE ON OUR STREET CORNERS. THEY WERE PUT UP WITH THE PRETENSE SOLVING OR PREVENTING CRIME BUT THREE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFFS RECENTLY HAD THEIR ACCESS SUSPENDING FOR ABUSING THIS MASS SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY.

THERE HAS BEEN PLENTY OF EVIDENCE THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT IS USING THIS TECH TO STOP THEIR EX-GIRLFRIENDS AND WIVES, SO INSTEAD OF USING OUR TAXES TO PUT FEAR INTO WOMEN, BLACK AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES, YOU SHOULD BE FUNDING PROGRAMS AND DEPARTMENTS THAT ACTUALLY KEEP US SAFE.

SUCH AS HEART, PUBLIC HEALTH AND LIBRARIES.

STOP FUNDING MASS SURVEILLANCE AND END THE FLOCK CONTRACTS.

FREEZE THE HARRIS COUNTY POLICING AND JAIL SPENDING AND FULLY FUND THE HOUSING TRUST, POLLUTION CONTROL AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT, WHICH FUNDS HEART, RISE AND DV PREVENTION.

>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. MY NAME IS YAN HESSE AND I'M RUNNING FOR HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE. I'M HERE TO SAY THAT I OPPOSE THE PROPOSED BUDGET. I FIND IT RIDICULOUS.

THE MASSIVE SALARY INCREASES TO PUBLIC OFFICIALS, VOLUNTARILY RUN FOR OFFICE AND THEN ASKING FOR SALARY INCREASE IS RIDICULOUS. AND THE PAY PRIORITY IS ALSO RIDICULOUS. FOR EXAMPLE, FOR CONSTABLE PRECINCT 8 THEY ONLY HAVE 91 EMPLOYEES.

BUT YOU WANT THE CONSTABLE THERE, THE PUBLIC OFFICIAL WHO RUN FOR THIS POSITION TO HAVE A SALARY OF $305,000.

PRECINCT 7 HAS ONLY 127 EMPLOYEES.

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PRECINCT 6 ONLY HAS 112 EMPLOYEES.

SO EACH OF THESE PRECINCTS, YOU WANT THE CONSTABLE TO HAVE A SALARY OF 305. YOU WANT IT TO BE FOR PARITY.

LET'S SEE, FOR THE CONSTABLE THE REQUIREMENT IS TO HAVE AN --

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> YEAH, THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. AND JUDGE.

I'M OLIVIA RIVERS, CEO OF THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS.

THERE'S A TRAITION DL GREETING ASSOCIATED WITH MASAI THAT SAYS AND HOW ARE THE CHILDREN? THE SIMPLE IDEA IS THAT THE WELLBEING OUR CHILDREN REFLECTS THE WELL BECOME OF OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY. THIS INVESTMENT IN DOMESTIC PREVENTION SERVICES THAT IS HELPED US BUILD HOUSING AND A PATH BEYOND THEIR TRAGEDY. 14 ORGANIZATIONS HAVE STRENGTHENED THEIR PROGRAMS THROUGH A COORDINATED SYSTEM.

AT THE BRIDGE WE SERVE 25,000 SURVIVORS AND STILL TURN PEOPLE AWAY EACH NIGHT. WHEN YOU ALL INVEST EARLY IN OUR COMMUNITY WE DON'T SIMPLY RESPOND TO VIOLENCE, WE INTERRUPT IT BEFORE IT BECOMES GENERATIONAL SO AS YOU CONSIDER THE ADVANCING COMMUNITY SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS, I ASK YOU TO PROTECT PREVIOUSLY COMMITTED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FUNDING AND CONTINUE INVESTING IN THE SYSTEM WE HAVE ALL WORKED SO HARD TO 3W-8D BUILD TOGETHER BECAUSE WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE ABLE ASK OURSELVES HOW ARE THE CHILDREN AND KNOW HARRIS COUNTY IS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO KEEP THEM SAFE.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, OLIVIA.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS [INDISCERNIBLE] AND I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LINK HEALTH.

I SPENT THE LAST 20 YEARS WORKING IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND 15 OF THOSE YEARS HAVE BEEN IN HARRIS COUNTY.

I'M HERE TO ASK THE COURT TO FUND CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR HARRIS COUNTY'S PUBLIC HEALTH WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THE HEALTH OF OUR COUNTY.

THIS PROGRAM ALREADY COVERS 50 SITES ACROSS ROUGHLY 25% OF UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY, COMBINED WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON'S [INDISCERNIBLE] IT GIVES US A SYSTEM THAT CATCHES BOTH COUNTY WIDE TRENDS AND HYPER LOCAL OUTBREAKS IN COMMUNITIES LIKE KATIE, CYPRESS, AND NORTH HARRIS COUNTY.

IT ALSO TESTS WEEKLY FOR NINE PATH GENERALS INCLUDING COVID-19, THE FLU, RSV AND MEASLES.

WHEN THE RESULTS COME BACK IN THREE TO FOUR DAYS AND IT FLAGS DISEASE ACTIVITY UP TO A WEEK BEFORE CLINICAL DATA DOES AND REGARDLESS OF ACCESS, PEOPLE HAVE -- REGARDLESS OF ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THESE RESULTS.

NOW, THIS IS PREVENTION THAT WORKS.

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU.

>> HELLO. MY NAME IS ELIZABETH GREGORY, FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN, GENDER AND SEXUALITY. AS ONE OF THE AUTHORS OF THE 2023 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REPORT, THE FUNDS WERE AWARDED IN RESPONSE TO, I CAN AFFIRM THAT THE NEEDS ARE STILL GREAT, INDEED GREATER DUE TO RECENT CUTS IN FEDERAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FUNDING. THE SHORTAGE SERVICES OF ALL KINDS REQUIRE [INDISCERNIBLE] LOW WAGES AND LACK OF AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE LOWERS FAMILY EARNINGS, CREATES STRESS AND MAKES WOMEN AND CHILDREN DEFENDANT AND VULNERABLE.

INSTEAD OF VIEWING SERVICES AS A COST, VIEW THEM AS A MEANS FOR KEEPING PEOPLE WELL, WORKING AND PAYING TAXES.

PLEASE FUND THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND KEEP ALL THE FUNDING PREVIOUSLY INVESTED TO D IN THE- PLEASE DEAD TATE SOME OF THAT TO A CENTRALIZED HOTLINE AND UNIT WHICH WOULD ALLOW SHELTERS TO BE MORE EFFICIENT AND TO USE THAT DATA TO OPTIMIZE SERVICES AND WRITE AND WIN MORE GRANTS. LOW TAXES, LOW SERVICES.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5 [INDISCERNIBLE], SAY ARREST REMAN. KAYLA WOODARD.

GLORIA MENDES. TIFFANY JEN.

LAURA GALLAGHER. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE.

I'M DR. [INDISCERNIBLE] PRECINCT 1 RESIDENT.

I SPENT OVER A DECADE IN -- DELIVERING MAJOR OIL AND GAS PROJECTS AND CURRENTLY LEAD COMMERCIAL STRATEGY OF A COMPANY CONVERTING WASTE INTO FUEL. I'M SUPPORTIVE OF A BUDGET THAT DEPENDS DELIBERATELY AND OPERATES EFFICIENTLY.

SO FIRST, WE SHOULD SPEND TAXPAYER DOLLARS DELIBERATELY TO ATTRACT MORE START HOMERUN UPS, SMALL BUSINESSES AND ESTABLISH COMPANIES IN ENERGY, AI, MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRY TO HARRIS COUNTY, WITH HOUSTON ENERGY AND CLIMATE WEEK NEXT WEEK, THE COUNTY SHOULD CONVENE AND INVITE THESE COMPANIES, FAST TRACK PERMITTING FOR THOSE WHO COMMIT TO HIRE AND BUILD HERE.

SECONDLY, ON EFFICIENCY, WE SIT IN THE OIL AND GAS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD WHERE MULTIBILLION DOLLAR PROJECTS RUN ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET, AND VENDOR ACCOUNTABILITY.

WE NEED TO APPLY THE SAME DISCIPLINE AND LENS TO OUR CAPITAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AS WELL AS OPERATIONS OF ALL OF OUR PHYSICAL ASSETS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> START?

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OKAY. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS -- I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF THE HOUSTON AREA PLUMBING JOINT PRESENT SHIP COMMITTEE.

MANY PEOPLE ARE HOPING OUR DECISIONS WILL CHANGE LIVES BUT THEY RARELY GET TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES.

WE'VE SEEN IT. BECAUSE HARRIS COUNTY BELIEFS IN PREVENTSHIP OUR PROGRAM HAS NEARLY DOUBLED.

BEHIND AT THAT POINT GROWTH ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE SIMPLY LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO GIVE THEM A REAL OPPORTUNITY.

TODAY THEY HAVE CAREERS, THEY HAVE HEALTH CARE, THEY CAN PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES, MOST IMPORTANTLY THEY CAN LOOK AT THEIR NAMES AND SAY, OUR FUTURE IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT.

THE COUNTY IMPACT LASTS FOREVER. PEOPLE NEVER FORGET WHO GAVE THEM A CHANCE WHEN THEY NEED ONE.

THE APPRENTICESHIP ADVANTAGE PROGRAM IS GROUNDBREAKING AND I WISH YOU ALL COULD SEE WHAT WE SEE EVERY DAY.

YOU DID NOT JUST INVEST IN APPRENTICESHIP, YOU HAVE CHANGED ENTIRE FAMILIES. FOR THAT WE'LL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL. THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE

OF YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, SARAH REMAN.

MAYOR GLORIA MENZES. TIFFANY JEN.

TRACY HAMBLIN. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> HELLO, COMMISSIONERS. AND WE ARE JUDGE HIDALGO.

I'M DORIS BROWN, I'M A MEMBER OF THE NAC, THE SCERN ACTION COLLECTIVE AND A RESIDENT OF NORTHEAST HARRIS COUNTY.

I'M CALLING YOU ALL TO SUPPORT THE PLAN FOR AN OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SAFETY AND TO FULLY FUND RISE AND HEART.

SAFETY IS NOT SOMETHING THAT POLICE CAN ACHIEVE ALONE.

MOST EMERGENCY COMMUNITY MEMBERS FACE DESERVE A TYPE OF RESPONSE THAT POLICE CANNOT PROVIDE. HEART WILL HELP DIVERT COSTS TO BETTER EQUIP RESPONDERS AND RISE WILL STOP VIOLENCE BEFORE IT STARTS. PLEASE REMEMBER, LAST YEAR, THIS COURT APPROVED A MASSIVE PAY INCREASE FOR POLICE WITH NO DEBATE. NO DISCUSSION AND IN TRUTH NO RATIONALE. THAT DECISION CRIPPLED THE COUNTY FINANCIALLY. BUT A RASH DECISION YESTERDAY DOES NOT MEAN WE SHOULD NOT TAKS TODAY.

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, CHRISTOPHER IVARA. CARLTON HARRIS.

CAROLYN AD SON RIVERA. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> SORRY, MY NAME WAS CALLED IN THE LAST --

>> GO AHEAD, MA'AM. GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU. OKAY MR. RIVERA?

>> HELLO. MY NAME IS TRACY HAMBLIN AND I'M A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 2. I LIVE IN THE IDLE WOOD NEIGHBORHOOD. I WAS BORN AND RAISED PLAYING IN HOUSTON SOIL AND I GARDEN IN IT TO THIS DAY.

I'M HERE TO ASK THE COMMISSIONERS TO FULLY FUND HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND RAISE FUNDING FOR POLLUTION CONTROL. I RAISED THREE KIDS IN HOUSTON.

TOXIC FACILITIES ARE SCATTERED THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.

LEAD AND TOXINS IN HARRIS COUNTY SOILS AND WATER HAVE LIFELONG IMPACTS. I'VE ALREADY HAD CANCER AND I WOULD LIKE TO DO WHAT I CAN SO THAT IT WON'T RETURN.

WHEN THE COUNTY SHOWS THAT THEY PRIORITIZE OTHER THINGS OVER THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE, AIR AND EARTH, I FEEL AFRAID, STRESSED AND FRUSTRATED BECAUSE I VALUE THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF OUR COMMUNITY AND I NEED TO BE ABLE TO TRUST THAT THOSE ENTRUSTED WITH PUBLIC DECISIONMAKING ARE PROTECTING THOSE THINGS.

WITH ALL THIS IN MIND I'M ASKING THAT YOU VOTE NO ON ANY AMENDMENTS THAT WOULD CUT PUBLIC HEALTH OR POLLUTION CONTROL AND THAT YOU DEVELOP AND PROPOSE AMENDMENTS THAT WOULD STRENGTHEN BOTH DEPARTMENTS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> GOOD MORNING.

CAROLYN RIVERA, PRECINCT 1. CITY GAS NORTHEAST HOUSTON.

THE CONDITION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN [INDISCERNIBLE] IS WELL KNOWN. OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS THE COUNTY TO CATCH UP AND STAY ON TRACK WITH CONTROLLING AIR AND WATER POLLUTION. MINIMIZING POLLUTION CONTROL BUDGET CUTS IS ESSENTIAL TO PROTECT THE LIVES AND PROPERTY, POLLUTION CONTROL FUNDS SHOULD BE INCREASED BY ONE MILLION DOLLARS. PLEASE, RECONSIDER ALL TAX ABATEMENT FOR POLLUTERS. UTILIZE YOUR AUTHORITY TO

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CONTROL POLLUTION, IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN OUR ENVIRONMENT.

AND RATE STATISTICS ON TCEQ, IT'S IN THE HANDOUT THAT I'VE GIVEN TO HIM. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE.

>> YES, GO AHEAD. >> SORRY, CAN YOU MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT CAPACITY AND IF THEY'RE ABLE TO WALK OUT -- WE HAVE OVERFLOW ON THE 5TH FLOOR TO WATCH AND IF THEY WANT

TO COME BACK DOWN LATER. >> OKAY, IS THERE OVERFLOW RIGHTEOUS RIGHT OUTSIDE TOO? SO FOLKS, BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WAITING TO COME IN AND WE CAN'T GO BEYOND CAPACITY, IF YOU'VE SPOKEN ALREADY AND YOU'RE ABLE TO VACATE YOUR SEAT SO SOMEBODY ELSE CAN COME IN FOR THAT CAPACITY NUMBER, THAT WOULD REALLY HELP US.

AND YOU CAN CONTINUE WATCHING FROM THE 5TH FLOOR.

AND WE DID GET THE LARGER COURTROOM FOR THIS PURPOSE, SO I'M GLAD WE'RE USING IT. THANK YOU.

GO AHEAD. >> GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS AISHA ARCHER. I LIVE IN PRECINCT 1 AND I'M A VOLUNTEER FOR [INDISCERNIBLE] MOMS DEMAND ACTION ADVOCATES NATION-WIDE FOR EVIDENCE BASED GUN VIOLENCE INTERVENTION AND PREFERENCE INITIATIVES. TODAY WE ASK THE COURT TO APPROVE THE INVESTMENT IN HEART, RISE, A DISMES YOU CAN VIOLENCE SURVIVOR SUPPORT PROGRAMS. BECAUSE OF THE STATE PREEMPTION LAW, OUR LOCAL LEADERSHIP HAS LIMITED POLICY OPTIONS FOR PREVENTING GUN VIOLENCE. HARRIS COUNTY'S INVESTMENTS IN COMMUNITY HEALTH AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION SERVICES ARE SOME OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOLS AVAILABLE TO US TO INTERRUPT CYCLES OF VIOLENCE AND SAVE LIVES.

IN ADDITION, RECENT FEDERAL CUTS IN SUPPORT PROGRAMS WILL WORSEN THE UNDERINVESTMENT IN HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE THAT HAVE LED TO A DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT OF GUN VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES. HARRIS COUNTY'S PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMS ADDRESS THESE DISPARITIES BY SPECIFICALLY FOCUSING RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY GUN VIOLENCE. PLEASE APPROVE THE $4.5 MILLION

INVESTMENT IN RISE, HEART -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU. >> HEY, EVERYBODY.

GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS CHRISTOPHER RIVERA.

I WORK WITH THE TEXAS RIGHTS PROJECT AND I THINK INVESTING IN POLLUTION CONTROL, RISE, THE HEART PROGRAM AS WELL AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES ARE REALLY IMPORTANT.

THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THE COMMUNITY WANTS.

WE HAVE YET TO HEAR ANY INCREASES FOR POLICING, SHERIFFS OR SURVEILLANCE AND WE'RE LOOKING FOR ANY ALTERNATIVES TO CUT, WE SHOULD DEFINITELY CUT AND CANCEL OUR FLOCK CONTRACT, THERE'S ACTUALLY THREE SHERIFF DEPUTIES WHO WERE CAUGHT WITH MISCONDUCT. THEY HAVE YET TO REVEAL EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID. I SUSPECT THAT THEY WERE STALKING OR PREYING ON THEIR EX-PARTNERS.

WE CAN'T PROVE IT YET BUT AGAIN THE SHERIFF HAS NOT BEEN TRANSPARENT IN THIS ISSUE. THEY HAVE YET TO SHARE HOW MUCH CRIMES ARE BEING SOLVED BY USING FLOCK AND I THINK THERE IS NO SAFEGUARDS TO HAVING FLOCK IN OUR COUNTY SO WE NEED TO REMOVE THIS DEVICE. IT'S PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS AND MAKING ALL OUR LIVES DANGEROUS SO PUT THAT $860,000 IN HEART, MUSICIAN CONTROL, ANYTHING BUT SURVEILLANCE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.

MY NAME IS MIRANDA WATKINS MARTIN AND I HAVE OWNED A BUSINESS IN HARRIS COUNTY FOR THE LAST 26 YEARS.

IN RECENT YEARS WE HAVE SUFFERED FROM INCREASES IN INSURANCE AND EVERY SINGLE FEED ACROSS THE BOARD.

AFFORDABILITY IS FORCING US TO DO MORE WITH LESS.

BUT I ALSO SEE THE OTHER SIDE OF AFFORDABILITY, WHAT MY EMPLOYEES ARE GOING THROUGH. WE HAVE ALWAYS AS A WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS INSISTED ON PAYING OUR EMPLOYEES WELL ABOVE MINIMUM WAGE. IN FACT MOST OF OUR EMPLOYEES MAKE $20 AN HOUR OR MORE. BUT I HAVE EMPLOYEES COMING TO WORK WHO ARE EXHAUSTED BECAUSE THEY'RE WORKING SECOND JOBS AT NIGHT, JUST TO AFFORD GAS AND HEALTH CARE FOR THEIR KIDS.

THERE ARE SO MANY PROGRAMS THAT HARRIS COUNTY PROVIDES THAT ASSIST WITH THESE ISSUES THAT I AM ASKING YOU TO PLEASE LOOK SERIOUSLY AT HOW SMALL BUSINESSES ARE BEING AFFECTED AS WELL AS OUR EMPLOYEES AND CONTINUE PARTNERSHIPS FOR LOWER

DAYCARE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

MY NAME IS SARAH, HI COMMISSIONER -- I JUST WANT TO SAY THE GREEDY BUREAUCRAT PAY RAISE IN THE FACE OF AN AFFORDABILITY CRISIS DOES NOT ALIGN WITH YOUR STRATEGIC PLAN OF A BUDGET. IT DOESN'T MAKE HARRIS COUNTY SAFER. IT DOESN'T CONNECT COMMUNITIES WITH SAVER INFRASTRUCTURE, MAKE THE ECONOMY INCLUSIVE -- HOW DOES A BUREAUCRAT PAY RAISE INFLUENCE -- AND THIS IS THE STRATEGIC PLAN IN YOUR BUDGET. SO I PROPOSE A BUDGET AMENDMENT

[00:35:01]

TO REMOVE THIS PAY RAISE ALLOCATION AND REDIRECT THIS FUNDING AND ROUND IT UP TO A MILLION DOLLARS.

AND THEN ANOTHER BUDGET AMENDMENT I PROPOSE TOO IS THAT TO EDIT THE LANGUAGE IN THE JAIL COST SECTION, WHERE IT SAYS 550 OUTSOURCED BEDS. I THINK YOU SHOULD REPHRASE THAT TO SAY 550 OUTSOURCED CAGES, BECAUSE BEDS ARE WHAT ALL OF YOU SLEEP IN, BUT NOT WHAT THEY'RE SLEEPING IN.

THE JAIL CONDITIONS IN THE HARRIS COUNTY JAILS RIGHT NOW, THEY'RE CAGES. THOSE ARE NOT BEDS SO I JUST

PROPOSE -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5 CARLTON HARRIS, ERICA [INDISCERNIBLE]

>> THIS MONEY CAN BE USED A LOT MORE EFFICIENTLY IN PROGRAMS [INDISCERNIBLE] AS WELL AS IMPROVING OUR ROADS, POSSIBLE CHILD CARE FOR OUR FAMILIES THAT NEED THEM DURING THE DAY AS WELL AS MAINTAINING THE PROGRAMS OF HEART AND RISE THAT OTHER HOUSTONIANS HAVE BROUGHT UP TODAY.

THESE CAMERAS WILL ONLY INVITE FURTHER LITIGATION AGAINST THE CITY AND HARRIS COUNTY THAT WILL SERVE AS A FURTHER DRAIN ON OUR RESOURCES ALREADY. BECAUSE OF THE BLATANT PRIVACY VIOLATIONS, BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL FEEL IT IS THEIR DUTY TO TAKE THEM DOWN. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ANY CONTRACTS ALREADY IN PLACE TO PUT UP ULPRS BE CAP SOLD AND NOT ENTER INTO ANY NEW ONES TODAY.

>> CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

>> ERIC ESCARA. >> THANK YOU.

>> MY NAME IS NICK. I WORK IN PRECINCT 4.

I'M A MEMBER OF [INDISCERNIBLE] AND I'M HERE TO ASK YOU, COMMISSIONER [INDISCERNIBLE] TO STOP FUNDING MASS SURVEILLANCE.

FLOCK CAMERAS ARE BEING FUNDED WITH THIS MONEY WITHOUT KNOWING WHERE ALL THESE CAMERAS ARE AND WHO SPIES ON US WITH THEM.

DOES YOUR OFFICE HAVE DATA ON HOW THESE CAMERAS REDUCE CRIME IN OUR PRECINCTS? WE KNOW THREE DEPUTIES IN SHERIFFS' OFFICES ARE SUSPENDED BECAUSE THEY MADE USE OF THE FLOCK CAMERAS. THERE'S NO NEED TO ADD MORE FUNDING TO THEMMENT AND WE KNOW THAT YOU WILL USE THE MONEY TO RENEW NEXT YEAR'S FLOCK CONTRACT AND ONCE YOU DO THAT, YOU WILL BE CONSPIRING TO ALLOW MORE WOMEN AND CHILDREN TO BE SPIED ON. DO YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY'S WE WILL BEING OR DO YOU SIMPLY SUPPORT THESE CAMERAS BECAUSE YOUR CAMPAIGN DONORS TELL YOU TO IS THIS BECAUSE THAT $25,000 FROM THE HILLCO PACK IS MORE ENTICING.

USE THIS MONEY TO INCREASE MORE MONEY FOR THE HART OR RISE PROGRAMS OR TO PAY STATUTE YOUR FUNDS AND INCREASE OUR CAPITAL RESERVE. SO EITHER STOP FUNDING --

>> YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU, SIR.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS AIRY AN WITLE AND I STAND BEFORE YOU AGAIN AS THE SAME INDIVIDUAL UNDER DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. DUE TO THE SUPPORT OF A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION THAT'S ALLOWING ME TO GROW, RESOURCES OPPORTUNITY AND NETWORKS OF SUPPORT.

THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN SO MUCH POSITIVE POTENTIAL TAKEN AWAY FROM THE FUTURE WHO ARE GOING TO BECOME OUR FUTURE [INDISCERNIBLE] NEGATIVE THAT LEAD THEM DOWN THE WRONG PATH.

AS YOU CONSIDER THE HARRIS COUNTY 2027 BUDGET I URGE YOU TO PUT COMMUNITIES AT THE CENTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEED RESOURCES FOR THE YOUTH, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, VIOLENCE PREVENTION, AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND STRONG COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE ALREADY DOING THE WORK.

THEMES RESOURCES ARE VALUABLE. WE SHOULD NOT WAIT FOR CRISIS TO HAPPEN BEFORE WE INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

PREVENTION OPPORTUNITY AND COMMUNITY [INDISCERNIBLE] ARE

[00:40:01]

ALL PUBLIC SAFETY. WITHOUT PUBLIC SAFETY, OUR COMMUNITY HAS NO UNION. HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, WE ASK YOU TO VALUE AND PRIORITIZE A BUSINESS THAT EMPOWERS TO STRENGTHEN NEIGHBORHOODS AND SUPPORT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, NOT

JUST SYSTEMS -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONERS, BEFORE YOU APPROVE THE HIGHEST TAX RATE HIKE IN 20 YEARS, WHY AREN'T YOU SHOWING THE SAME WILLINGNESS TO AGGRESSIVE RAISE REVENUE FROM THE INDUSTRIES RESPONSIBLE FOR SAGUENAY SHORT ENGINE THE LIVES OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS? WHERE IS THE BINDING CONTRACT THAT INDICATES THAT AN 8% POLICE RAISE NEEDS TO HAPPEN THIS YEAR? WHY IS IT THAT O AND B AND ALREADY MODELED THE ONE BILLION DOLLARS [INDISCERNIBLE] BASED ON THE MAXIMUM VOTER APPROVAL RATE? WHY NOT TAKE THIS ISSUE TO THE VOTERS INSTEAD OF SEEING THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF PAIN YOU CAN INFLICT ONTO ALREADY STRUGGLING FAMILIES? WHY IS FUNDING FOR SHERIFF DETENTION INCREASING BY ALMOST 29 MILLION, WHEN BOTH THE POPULATION AND NUMBER OF DAYS SPENT IN DETENTION HAS DECREASED? AND AS HARRIS COUNTY HAS BEEN PULLED INTO COMPLYING WITH 287G, HUSTONIANS DESERVE TO KNOW IF YOU ARE QUIETLY BUILDING OUT THE LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR EXPAND I.C.E. ENFORCEMENT. WHY ARE HOMEOWNERS PAYING $40 MILLION A YEAR FOR THE PORT OF HOUSTON'S DEBT WHEN THEY HAVE 684 MILLION IN ANNUAL OPERATING REVENUE THAT IS DUE IN PART TO

THE F35 MILITARY SUPPLY CHAIN -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

>> TIFFANY JEN. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, ROBIN GEARY.

DAVID ESPINOZA. JOSEPH HERNANDEZ.

MARIA JE SSO. ANGELINA HUDSON.

YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> MY NAME IS DAVID ESPINOZA.

WELL, I'LL GET TO THE POINT. WHAT I'M ASKING FOR IS TO FULLY FUND POLLUTION CONTROL AND PUBLIC HEALTH, BEING THAT FOR A LOT OF FOLKS IN OUR NORTHEAST COMMUNITY WHERE PEOPLE TREAT A LOT OF OUR WATERWAYS AS DUMPING GROUNDS, IT'S GEORGIAN BAY ESSENTIAL TO GOING TO BE ESSENTIAL TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY FROM ILLNESSES AND FLOODING.

AND THE OTHER THING IS MAYBE JUST WANT TO STATE A POINT THAT WHERE I AM, SORT OF DISAPPOINTED HOW THIS PROCESS HAS BEEN GOING IN TERMS OF INCREASING TAXES ON OUR RESIDENTS.

BUT OF COURSE WE HAVE A FLAT TAX THAT WE HAVE TO FOLLOW.

THAT'S GOING TO HURT THE POOREST PEOPLE MOST.

BUT JUST TO MAKE A POINT BECAUSE I KNOW WE'VE TALKED AND WORKED WITH YOUR OFFICES THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS AS WELL BUT WE DO NEED TO START WORKING TOGETHER ON HOW TO STAND UP TO THE STATE OF TEXAS AND ACTUALLY MAKE OUR POSITION MUCH STRONGER, BECAUSE APPARENTLY WE CAN'T -- EVERY ONE OF OUR PROBLEMS COMES FROM THE

STATE REGULATIONS -- >> THANK YOU, SIR.

THANK YOU. >> AND AMENDMENTS -- YEAH I'LL TALK TO YOU SOON ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

HELLO, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM [INDISCERNIBLE].

#. >> GOOD MORNING.

I'M A RESIDENT OF LAKEWOOD IN PRECINCT 1.

I AM HERE TO SPEAK ABOUT THE FUNDING FOR OUR PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION CONTROL DEPARTMENTS.

I HAVE LIVED THERE FOR 30 YEARS AND I HAVE WATCHED AS OUR NEIGHBORHOOD HAS GRADUALLY BECOME SURROUNDED BY FACILITIES THAT PRODUCE OR STORE CHEMICALS AND MAKE CEMENT, AS WELL AS TRUCK REPAIRS, SHOPS AND RAIL YARDS.

I DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHICH OF THESE IS A SOURCE OF THE FOUL ODOR, BUT I QUESTION THESE BUSINESSES -- THESE BUSINESSES

[00:45:02]

ARE PAYING ENOUGH ATTENTION TO ENSURE THESE BUSINESSES ARE PERFORMING THE NECESSARY MAINTENANCE TO PREVENT POLLUTION IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. A HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS VITAL FOR OUR COMMUNITY, BECAUSE POLLUTION IS A POISON THAT KILLS US SLOWLY. FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENCE, A RESPONSIBLY FUNDED HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROVIDES A CRUCIAL BENEFIT, HELPING TO KEEP PEOPLE AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE, DESPITE THE CONDITIONS WE HAVE TO ENDURE.

I KNOW THAT PROGRESS IS NOT PERFECT, BUT PLEASE, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER TO STAND UP FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU, GRACIAS.

>> HELLO. MY NAME IS JESSE HERNANDEZ.

I'M A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 1 IN NORTHEAST HOUSTON AND I SUFFER FROM ASTHMA. I WAS CONCERNED TO LEARN THAT HARRIS COUNTY HAS MORE CONCRETE PLANS THAN ANY OTHER COUNTY IN TEXAS AND THAT MANY OF THESE COMPANIES CONTINUE TO OPERATE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE PARTICULATE MATTER THEY PRODUCE HARMS PEOPLE LIKE ME, INCLUDING THE ELDERLY AND YOUNG CHILDREN, AND IT IS NOT JUST FOR THE LINES OF TRUST DRIVING THROUGH OUR STREETS.

WE NEED THIS DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THE RESOURCES TO DEFEND US AGAINST STATE THAT DOES NOT VALUE MY FAMILY'S LIVES.

COMMISSIONERS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE ONE MILLION DOLLAR ALLOCATION FOR POLLUTION CONTROL AND MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AT CURRENT LEVELS SO THEY CAN CONTINUE PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO THOSE IN NEED, ESPECIALLY LOW INCOME WOMEN WHO SUFFER THE MOST WHEN MEDICAL RESOURCES ARE LACKING. PLEASE KEEP US IN MIND WHEN YOU VOTE TODAY AND WHEN YOU FINALIZE NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING AGAIN. JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS.

I AM PETRA CRERVE ANT HE IS AND I HAVE LIVED IN THE LAKEWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD FOR OVER 52 YEARS. I HAVE ISSUES WITH PEOPLE DUMPING TRASH AND DEAD ANIMALS INTO THE BAYOU.

THE ODOR IS SO UNBEARABLE THAT I PREFER NOT TO LEAVE MY HOUSE AND I WORRY THAT MY FAMILY AND PETS COULD GET SICK FROM BREATHING IN THAT STENCH AND ANY CHEMICALS PRESENT IN THE WATER.

THAT IS WHY I SUPPORT FULLY FUNDING POLLUTION CONTROL EFFORTS SO THAT SOMEONE INVESTIGATES WHO IS DUMPING THE TRASH AND ENSURES A THOROUGH CLEANUP.

[00:50:02]

I ALSO WANT TO SUPPORT HOUSING ASSISTANCE.

I NEARLY LOST MY HOME AFTER HARVEY.

ALTHOUGH WEST STREET RECOVERY WAS THE ORGANIZATION THAT HELPED ME, I KNOW THE COUNTY CAN HELP US AS WELL.

THIS INVESTMENT COULD BE USED TO HIRE THE NECESSARY STAFF TO ENSURE HOME INSPECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT, ALLOWING FOR THE FASTER COMPLETION OF REPAIRS ON HOMES DAMAGED BY THE STORMS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND I HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER WHAT I HAVE

SAID TODAY. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUNK HIDALGO JD ALLEGE OWE.

I'M CALVIN HARRIS, I'M CO-CHAIR. RECOMMITTEE.

I PROUDLY STAND IN SUPPORT OF THIS 4.5 MILLION INVESTMENT TO EXPAND RISE, HART AND SUPPORT EVER SURVIVORS OF DOMESTICS VIOLENCE, BUT TODAY I WANT US TO SEE THIS AS MORE THAN AN INVESTMENT IN THESE THREE PROGRAMS. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD A TRUE HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY SAFETY ECOSYSTEM. PUBLIC SAFETY WORKS BEST WHEN WE STOP OPERATING IN SILOS. LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS A ROLE, HART HAS A ROLE, RISE HAS A ROLE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE A ROLE. AND TRUSTED COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS HAVE A ROLE. THE POWER COMES WHEN WE CONNECT THEM. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, CEASAR ESPINOZA. ANGELINA HUDSON.

MARK GRADE I. ANGELUS BONNILLA AND MARY SPEC.

YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GORGE, JUDGE.

GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. I'M EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF [INDISCERNIBLE]. AS USUALLY COME TO YOU WITH A REQUEST FOR MORE FUNDING FOR THE COMMUNITY.

I BELIEVE $4.5 MILLION IS JUST A DROP IN THE BUCKET TO HELP OUT MANY PEOPLE. AND WHAT EFFECTS THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE GREATLY IMPACTS THE IMMIGRANT LATINO COMMUNITY AS WELL. JUST LAST YEAR, WE HAD A LADY WHO WAS RELEASED FROM BENTOP AND UNFORTUNATELY HAD A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AT HER HOME AND INSTEAD OF HART OFFICER SHOWING UP, HPD SHOWED UP AND THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES FILED CHARGES ON HER AND SHE WAS QUICKLY DEPORTED JUST TWO DAYS LATER.

WHEN SHE COULD HAVE RECEIVED HELP, WHERE SHE COULD HAVE BEEN HERE TO GET THE HELP THAT SHE GREATLY NEEDED.

SO A SMALL EXPANSION IN PROGRAMS ARE AN INVESTMENT AND DO WE WANT TO INVEST NOW OR DO WE WANT TO INVEST IN THE FUTURE --

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE HIDALGO AND ALL COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS ANGELINA HUDSON.

I'M CEO OF NOMI, THE NOT ALLIANCE OF [INDISCERNIBLE] FOR HOUSTON AND WE HAVE A LARGE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HARRIS CENTER. THE HARRIS CENTER IS LOOKING TO INCREASE THEIR BUDGET TO SUPPORT THE STAFF THAT TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

THEY DON'T HAVE INSURANCE. AND SO WE'RE ASKING THAT YOU APPROVE THEIR SMALL INCREASE [INDISCERNIBLE] AND OTHER CARE COORDINATORS. FOR WHOSE THOSE WHO WOULD NOT GET THE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS THAT THEY NEED IF THEY DID NOT HAVE THE HARRIS CENTER. IT'S A SAFETY NET IN OUR COUNTY, SO WE'RE ASKING THAT YOU PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THOSE HEALTH CARE WORKERS GET THE INCREASE THAT THEY NEED TO CONTINUE THE WORK THAT THEY DO. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> HI, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS [INDISCERNIBLE]. I'M A VOLUNTEER FOR [INDISCERNIBLE] AND I LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST AREA.

I AM FEARFUL OF THE OVERSPENDING ON APLRS BUT WHAT ARE WE REALLY MEANT TO SPEND ON, I CAN TELL YOU, BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY BETTER WAYS AND OPTIONS LIKE HEALTH CARE.

HERE IS ANOTHER OPTION PERHAPS, THIRD SPACES THAT CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR KIDS AND TEENAGERS.

ONE MORE OPTION, SIDEWALKS. SOME STUDENTS HAVE TO WALK OVER GRASS AND ON THE STREET. ON THE ROADS AS WELL.

SO STOP MAKING THE BUDGETS GO TOWARDS NONSENSE.

[INDISCERNIBLE] >> THANK YOU.

[00:55:04]

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS MARK GRADE I.

I'M THE BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE FOR IATSE LOCAL 51, THE STATE [INDISCERNIBLE] WORKING AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN HARRIS COUNTY.

MANY ITEMS ON THIS BUDGET ARE IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY.

WORK SITE SAFETY PROGRAM INVESTMENTS IN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS AND SUSTAINABLE WAGE STANDARDS.

THE WORK -- THE WORK ON SUSTAINABLE WAGES IS SO IMPORTANT, IT NEEDS TO INCLUDE PROTECTIONS AGAINST THE MISCLASSIFICATION OF WORKERS AS 1099 WORKERS.

THIS PRACTICE IS ALL TOO COMMON IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND CONSTRUCTION. IT IS USED TO PUT THE EMPLOYER TAX BURDEN ON THE WORKERS, NOT WHERE IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS.

THIS BUDGET IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT WORKER PROGRAMS AND PROTECTIONS, BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, THOSE JOBS WILL PRODUCE RESPONSIBLE RESIDENTS PLAYING EQUAL SHARES IN THE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU.

>> MARY SPECK. I'M GOING TO MAKE Y'ALL ACCOUNTABLE AND TRANSPARENT. I INVESTIGATED LAST NIGHT ABOUT HARRIS COUNTY [INDISCERNIBLE] Y'ALL HAVE BEEN GETTING APPROXIMATELY $4.5 BILLION SURPLUS SINCE 2011.

YOU CAN DISCOUNT COVID, THAT'S FINE.

BUT HOW CAN YOU BE $181 MILLION SHORT WHEN YOU HAVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS SURPLUS? HOW CAN YOU ON CAMPAIGN TRAILS BE PROMISING PROGRAMS YOU DON'T HAVE MONEY FOR? I MEAN, SERIOUS, WHAT BUSINESS MODEL ARE YOU GOING BY? YOU ARE BANKRUPTING US AND THEN EXPECT US TAXPAYERS TO TAKE YOU OUT AND BAIL YOU OUT! $36 BILLION HAS COME THROUGH YOUR ORGANIZATION, SINCE YOU TOOK OWNERSHIP.

I CAN ACCOUNT FOR YOU. WHEN YOU TAX US AGAIN YOU WILL

NOT BE IN OFFICE. >> YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, MERLIN RASKEY. RUSTY BRIGGS.

WALTER MALLOT. EARL MCBRIDE.

GREGORY SHAW. LAURA GALLIER.

YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> HI.

MY NAME IS [INDISCERNIBLE] I GO TO CITY HALL EVERY WEEK SINCE [INDISCERNIBLE] GOT SHOT AND KILLED IN THE STREET AND I NOT ONLY HAVE [INDISCERNIBLE] BUT I THINK YOU GUYS SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT GIVE ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT RAISES UNTIL, FIRST OF ALL, THERE'S [INDISCERNIBLE] AND DE-ESCALATION PRACTICES AND PEOPLE STOP DYING. BECAUSE THIS IS A -- THE KIDS -- HIS KIDS ARE BORN HERE. AND HE'S DEAD AND HE LIVED HERE HIS WHOLE LIFE. THESE KIDS HAVE LIVED HERE THEIR WHOLE LIFE. 20 YEARS SHOULD NOT BE WHY YOU GOT CAUGHT -- I'M SORRY BUT -- I'M NERVOUS.

BUT YOU SHOULDN'T GET SHOT JUST BECAUSE YOU LOOK LIKE SOMEBODY.

SO THE RACIAL PROFILING NEEDS TO STOP.

I SEE THAT A LOT OF OUT COUNCILMEMBERS AND COMMISSIONERS HAVE LATINO LAST NAMES, ESPECIALLY YOU, ADRIAN GARCIA, AND GUYS, COME ON, WE'VE GOT TO DO BETTER.

IT'S BEEN 60 DAYS. 60 DAYS AND NOBODY'S DONE ANYTHING. WE'RE LETTING THESE PEOPLE WALK AROUND OUR STREETS. WHAT HAPPENED LIKE A COUPLE

WEEKS AGO -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, THANK YOU. >> PLEASE, PLEASE, GIVE THEM

JUSTICE. >> GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS EARL MCBRIDE. I'M A MEMBER OF THE TOPS COUNTY LEADERSHIP. AND I URGE THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO APPROVE THE ADDITIONAL 4.5 MILLION TO INVEST IN HART, RISE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION AND BECOMING [INDISCERNIBLE] FOR THE STAND ALONE COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT. HARRIS COUNTY MUST BUILD A SYSTEM THAT CONNECTS PEOPLE. WE UNDERSTAND THE END AVAILABILITY OF A PROPER RESPONSE TO THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN HARRIS COUNTY AND HOW MANY MORE CHILDREN HAVE TO LOSE THEIR MOTHER OR THEIR FATHER OR THEIR SOURCE BROTHER BECAUSE THE INAVAILABILITY OF THE HEALTH CARE CRISIS -- WE'RE TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO NOT PUT PEOPLE IN JAIL, INCARCERATION.

WE NEED SOME HELP IN THE COMMUNITY.

WE NEED TO HAVE A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN GO, A SHELTER WHERE THEY CAN GO AND WE URGE YOU TO GIVE ADDITIONAL FUNDS THAT WE NEED TO HELP US IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

AND WE WANT TO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

THANK YOU. >> THANKS.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS GREG SHAW.

I'M ONE OF THE COMMUNITY LEADERS AND WE SUPPORT THE HART FOUNDATION, THE RISE AND DOMESTICS VIOLENCE.

[01:00:03]

AND TEXAS IS NUMBER 1 IN THE COUNTRY WITH UNINSURED PEOPLE FOR HEALTH CARE. SO HEALTH -- I MEAN HART ACTUALLY IS A PROGRAM THAT ACTUALLY WORKS FOR THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY. THEY ANSWER OVER 7, 8,000 HEALTH CALLS EVERY DAY -- EVERY 24 HOURS.

TEXAS HAS THE LARGEST POPULATION IN THE COUNTRY OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS IN THE COUNTRY. THAT'S A MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM.

AND THE MAJORITY THE SEX OFFENDERS IN TEXAS ARE

MIDDLE-AGED CAULK CAUCASIANS. >> THANK YOU.

YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU, SIR.

>> MY NAME IS LAURA GALLIER AND I LIVE IN PRECINCT 1.

I'M ASKING YOU TO FREEZE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BUDGET AND USE THE FREED UP FUNDS FOR BASIC SERVICES THAT ACTUALLY KEEP PEOPLE SAFE. THAT INCLUDES POLLUTION CONTROL, ESPECIALLY NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS, VIOLENCE PREVENTION, INCLUDING THE RISE PROGRAM, THIRD SPACES LIKE PARKS AND LIBRARIES, INDIGENT DEFENSE SO CONSTITUTIONALLY ERIN DID FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE, ESPECIALLY NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS.

PROBATE COURTS THAT CARE FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. THE GREEN FLEET INITIATIVE, SECOND CHANCE APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS TO PROTECT US FROM STATE AND FEDERAL INTERFERENCE.

AND EVICTION PROTECTIONS. THESE BASIC COUNTY SERVICES PROVIDE HOLISTIC SAFETY AND PAY FOR THEMSELVES BY PREVENTING CRIME AND POOR HEALTH AND ARE PREFERRABLE TO OVERRELIANCE ON

LAW ENFORCEMENT. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS WALTER MALETTE. I'M WITH THE TOP COUNTY LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER. I AM DERBY STAND BEHIND THAT, BECAUSE THEY OFFER SO MUCH FOR OUR COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY WITH HART AND RISE. WE'RE REQUESTING $4.5 MILLION TO BE PUT INTO THESE PROGRAMS, BECAUSE THEY'RE VERY MUCH NEEDED AND NECESSARY. SPECIFICALLY NOW, WHEN MENTAL HEALTH IS SO HIGH AND ALSO INCARCERATION IS SO HIGH.

WE NEED THOSE FUNDINGS. WE ARE 5 MILLION PEOPLE IN THIS CITY. $4.5 MILLION, THAT'S LESS THAN ONE DOLLAR PER INDIVIDUAL. THAT'S A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR A BIG RETURN ON THIS MONEY. AND THESE ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORT.

THANK YOU. >> OKAY, HI.

GOOD MORNING, I'M RUSTY BRIGGS, TOP MEMBER AND A HOMEOWNER IN PRECINCT 3, WHICH CONTAINS THE FM1960 CORRIDOR.

RENOWNED FOR ITS LARGE POPULATION OF UNHOUSED PEOPLE.

NEARLY ALL OF THEM SUFFER FROM SOME TYPE OF MENTAL DISORDER.

PSYCHOLOGISTS ARE ON RECORD THAT IT'S A CHICKEN AND EGG SITUATION. IT'S NOT CHEER IF PEOPLE BECOME UNHOUSED BECAUSE OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES OR IF THEY DEVELOP THEM FROM THE EXTREME STRESS THAT SURVIVING IN THE STREETS.

WHICHEVER IT IS, JAIL ISN'T DESIGNED TO RESOLVE THE NEEDS OF SOMEONE UNHOUSED AND IN CRISIS. HARRIS COUNTY SHOULD RESPOND WITH TRAINED PROFESSIONALS, TREATMENT, HOUSING CONNECTIONS AND COMPASSION, NOT HANDCUFFS. THIS ISN'T ABOUT CHOOSING BETWEEN HART AND POLICE BUT GIVING FAMILIES AND OFFICERS REAL CRISIS ALTERNATIVES. I URGE YOU TO INVEST OUR TAX DOLLARS TO STRENGTHEN HART, RISE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND LAUNCH A STAND ALONE COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT. PLEASE INVEST IN CARE INSTEAD OF CRIMINALIZING PEOPLE FOR BEING UNHOUSED.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, SANDRA RIVERA.

LUCINDA DAVIS. BRIAN KELLY.

RYAN SHOELET. CATHERINE BAKE ON.

MARIA FLORIA MENENDEZ. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

[01:05:53]

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS SANDRA RIVERA.

I'M A MEMBER OF TOP. JESUS LEFT US WITH A MEMBER, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. TODAY I ASK: HOW DO WE PUT THAT MESSAGE INTO ACTION IN OUR COMMUNITY? OUR CHILDREN, OUR YOUTH AND OUR FAMILIES ARE FACING SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES. THAT IS WHY WE NEED TO INVEST THE 4.5 MILLION IN PANELS LIKE HART AND RISE WHICH PROVIDE PREVENTION, SUPPORT AND ACCESS TO THE HELP OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS.

INVESTING IN MENTAL HEALTH MEANS CARING FOR OUR NEIGHBORS, PREVENTING CRISIS AND BUILDING A SAVER AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITY.

LET'S TURN OUR LOVE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS INTO ACTION.

LET'S INVEST IN OUR PEOPLE AND BUILD A STRONGER, HEALTHIER HARRIS COUNTY TOGETHER. THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS LUCINDA DAVIS AND I'M A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER WITH THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT. [INDISCERNIBLE] LOVE, MERCY AND WORK HUMBLY WITH OUR GOD [INDISCERNIBLE] BE GOOD STEWARDS OF WHAT HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO US.

AS SOMEONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, I KNOW FIRST HAND THAT LEAVING IS NOT ALWAYS EASY.

WHEN YOUR SAFETY, YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR FINANCIAL STABILITY ARE AT STAKE, WALKING AWAY CAN FEEL IMPOSSIBLE.

MY FRIEND AND FELLOW TOP MEMBER IS NOW FACING SEVERAL RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERIES. HER HISTORY REMINDS US THAT EARLIER INTERVENTION, SAFETY, PLANNING, ADVOCACY AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT CAN MAKE A LIFE CHANGING DIFFERENCE.

NO WOMAN SHOULD HAVE TO RISK EVERYTHING JUST TO SURVIVE.

THIS IS WHY I URGE YOU TO INVEST AN ADDITIONAL 4.5 MILLION IN HART, RISE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND PREVENTION TO ESTABLISH A STANDARD --

>> YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU.

>> -- COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY MAIM IS RYAN SHOELET. I AM THE BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE ELEVATORS CONSTRUCTORS LOCAL 31 IN HOUSTON.

I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF ALL OF OUR APPRENTICESES.

IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS WE'VE BROUGHT IN 107 NEW TAX PAYING PREVENTS FOR FAMILY SUSTAINING SAFETY FIRST JOBS RIGHT HERE IN HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY. SO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP, YOUR ADVOCACY FOR THIS PROGRAM.

MY REQUEST IS TO CONTINUE FUNDING THAT PROGRAM.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, THOSE TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE COMING RIGHT BACK HERE INTO OUR COUNTY. SO I THANK YOU FOR YOUR

CONSIDERATION. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY.

MY NAME IS DR. CATHERINE BACON AND I'M A MEMBER OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY, A LICENSED COUNCILOR SUPERVISOR AND HAVE WORKED IN THE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSION FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS.

AS YOU CONSIDER AGENDA ITEM 5 I ASK YOU TO INCLUDE FUNDING THAT WILL ALLOW THE HARRIS CENTER TO PROVIDE STAFF WITH A MINIMUM 20-DOLLAR AN HOUR WAGE. I KNOW FIRST HAND THAT MENTAL HEALTH CARE HAS LONG BEEN UNDERFUNDED.

I ALSO KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT CAN BE FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TO FIND EMPLOYMENT THAT PROVIDES A LIVABLE WAGE WITHOUT REQUIRING THEM TO WORK MULTIPLE JOBS TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES. WHEN PROFESSIONALS LEAVE BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO STAY, OUR COMMUNITIES LOSE EXPERIENCE, STABILITY AND CONTINUITY OF CARE.

PROVIDING A PAY INCREASE FOR HARRIS CENTER STAFF IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR WORKFORCE AND IN THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

AS HARRIS COUNTY DEVELOPS THE 2027 BUDGET, I'M ASKING YOU TO MAKE A CLEAR INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE, NOT SURVEILLANCE.

WE SHOULD REMOVE FLOCK CAMERAS FROM OUR COMMUNITIES AND REDIRECT THOSE PUBLIC DOLLARS TOWARDS PROVEN COMMUNITY BASED APPROACHES TO PUBLIC SAFETY. CAMERAS MAY COLLECT INFORMATION BUT THEY DO NOT ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF CRIME OR BUILD TRUST BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE INSTITUTIONS MEANT TO SERVE

[01:10:01]

THEM. OUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEEDS INVESTMENTS IN YOUTH PROGRAMS, VIOLENCE PREVENTION, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, COMMUNITY REACH AND RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES. WE NEED TO SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THESE COMMUNITIES AND EMPOWER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT ALREADY UNDERSTAND THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

PUBLIC SAFETY SHOULD NOT COME AT THE EXPENSE MUCH PRIVACY, DIGNITY OR COMMUNITY TRUST. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME

FOR THE RECORD. >> MARIA GLORIA MENDEZ.

>> THANK YOU. >> AND GOOD MORNING, Y'ALL.

>> GOOD MORNING. >> MY NAME IS BRIAN, KELLY, VP WITH CWA UNITED WORKERS OF HARRIS CENTER.

I'M A PRECINCT 1 RESIDENT I AUTO A MENTAL HEALTH WORK AND A MEMBER OF TOP. I WANT TO URGE THE COUNCIL TO ADOPT A 20-DOLLAR MINIMUM WAGE FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS. WE ARE THE MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS FOR ALL OF HARRIS COUNTY. AND OUR MEMBERS SHOULD NOT BE DONATING PLASMA OR DOOR DASHING IN THE EVENING SO THEY CAN MAKE ENDS MEET. MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS DESERVE MORE AND I URGE THIS COUNCIL TO APPROVE A 20-DOLLAR MINIMUM WAGE. I FURTHER URGE THIS COUNCIL TO APPROVE ADDITIONAL FUNDING OF 4.5 MILLION FOR HART, RISE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION. MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS, UNLIKE CONSTABLES AND SHERIFFS DEPARTMENTS, SAVE THE TAXPAYER MONEY AND MAKE HARRIS COUNTY A SAFER AND HAPPIER PLACE TO LIVE.

THANK YOU NOR YOUR FOR YOUR TIM. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, STEPHANIE VALDEZ. JENNIFER HERNANDEZ.

RICK C CASTILLO. MARY ELLEN ACCUSEULA.

ROBIN GEARING. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. I HAVE A GIFT WITH YOU, YOU GUYS WILL GET IT LATER. WE HAVE BEEN COMING HERE FOR SEVERAL YEARS BECAUSE WE BELIEVE RESIDENTS DESERVE A VOICE IN HOW OUR COUNTY INVESTS OUR PUBLIC RESOURCES.

THROUGH YEARS OF ADVOCACY WE HAVE LEARNED A LOT AND WE'VE DEVELOPED A PEOPLE'S BUDGET PLATFORM FOR THIS YEAR THAT PRIORITIZES COMPLAINING PROGRESS, AND HOUSING.

WE ASK YOU TO REMEMBER THAT POLLUTION CONTROL AND HOUSING ARE NOT SEPARATE ISSUES. FOR FAMILIES LIVING NEARBY INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES, POLLUTED WATERWAYS AND WHERE FAMILIES CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO STAY IN THEIR HOUSES THEY PUSH INTO COMMUNITIES THAT ALREADY CARRY SOME OF THE GREATEST ENVIRONMENTAL BURDENS. AND THESE PROBLEMS AREN'T GOING AWAY. IF WE IGNORE THEM OR CONTINUE TO UNDERINVEST, WE ARE SIMPLY MAKING THE COST OF ADDRESSING THEM HIGHER DOWN THE ROAD. A BALANCED BUDGET IS IMPORTANT BUT BEING PROACTIVE IN INVESTMENT IS HOW WE PROTECT HARRIS COUNTY'S FUTURE, OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE, OUR COMMUNITIES AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE. THESE INVESTMENTS ARE ALSO AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP TOWARDS PUTTING THE COUNTY'S STRATEGIC PLAN AND CLIMB JUSTICE PLAN INTO ACTION --

>> YOUR TIME IS UP. >> I JUST WANT TO THANK Y'ALL -- YOUR STAFF IS GREAT. THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS [INDISCERNIBLE] VICE-CHAIR OF THE HARRIS COUNTY ESSENTIAL WORKERS BOARD, A CONSTRUCTION WORKER AND A PROUD MEMBER OF IUPAT.

THE UPDATE MAKES ONE THING VERY CLEAR, THE WORKLOAD IS TOO LARGE FOR THE NUMBER OF MONITORS WE CURRENTLY HAVE.

EIGHT MONITORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BETWEEN 60 AND 33 ACTIVE PROJECTS EACH. WHILE DEO OVERSEES HUNDREDS OF PROJECTS AT DIFFERENT STAGES, INCLUDING 23 HARRIS HEALTH PROJECTS, WE APPRECIATE THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE TRAINING [INDISCERNIBLE] SITE VISITS AND WORKER CLASSIFICATION BUT WE HAVE TO ASK OURSELVES HOW EFFECTIVE ARE WE -- OUR REPRAYING WAGE POLICIES IF WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TRAINED PEOPLE TO ENFORCE THEM? HARRIS COUNTY NEEDS TO INVEST MORE IN COMPLIANCE OFFICERS AND MAKE SURE EVERY PROJECT IS ADEQUATELY MONITORED. WE ALSO NEED MONITORS WHO ARE FULLY TRAINED AND CAPABLE OF [INDISCERNIBLE] WAGE VIOLATIONS AND OTHER COMPLIANCE ISSUES. HARRIS COUNTY IS A STRONG COUNTY WITH STRONG POLICIES -- THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. HI, GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS MARY ELLEN CUESELL. I'M FROM THE UNINCORPORATED PART OF HARRIS COUNTY. I'M USED TO HUGE BUDGETS THAT NEED STREAMLINING. THE $3.1 BILLION BUDGET YOU'RE CONSIDERING IS RECKLESS AND INSULTING TO ALL HARRIS COUNTY TAXPAYERS. YOUR GOAL HOB SHOULD BE A ZERO BASED BUDGET. BE RESPONSIBLE HIKE MOST FAMILIES WHO WHEN THEY FACE FINANCIAL STRAIN [INDISCERNIBLE] STOP SPENDING ON IDEOLOGIES AND SPECIAL PROJECTS AND STOP

[01:15:01]

RAPIDLY EXPANDING THE COUNTY'S BUDGET AND TAX RATE.

THAT IS SOCIALISM. RESIDENTS IN THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT OF HARRIS COUNTY WHO ARE NOT SUPPORTED WITH EXISTING ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD APPRECIATE MORE OF YOUR ATTENTION. AND ABOUT AGENDA ITEM 1 1, WHY S THE COURT USING A [INDISCERNIBLE] TOP FEEDING THE BEAST. THIS IS YET ANOTHER INSULT TO TAXPAYERS. THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS JENNIFER HERNANDEZ. DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS FOR IUPAT DISTRICT COUNCIL 10. I'M ALSO PROUD TO REPRESENT WORKERS IN THE FINISHING TRADE AND SERVE ON HARRIS COUNTY'S WORK SITE SAFETY COMMITTEE. WHEN SOMEONE GOES TO WORK, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO THEIR JOB SAFELY AND BUILD A LIFE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILY. AND THAT'S WHY THIS POLICY MATTERS. BUT THIS POLICY IS ONLY EFFECTIVE IF WE HAVE THE RESOURCES AND COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT AND ENFORCE IT. I'M ASKING FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND FUNDING FOR THE WORK SITE SAFETY POLICY AS WELL AS THE COUNTY AGENCIES AND COMPLIANCE STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE. THIS INVESTMENT PROTECTS WORKERS, SUPPORTS RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTORS AND HELPS PREVENT INJURIES, DELAYS AND UNNECESSARY COST.

I BELIEVE THIS POLICY GIVES HARRIS COUNTY AN OPPORTUNITY TO SET HIGHER STANDARDS FOR HOW WE BUILD AND HOW WE VALUE THE PEOPLE DOING THE BUILDING. CONTINUING TO FUND, I AND ENFORCE IS AN INVESTMENT IN A SAFER, STRONGER FUTURE FOR HARRIS COUNTY. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, ALFREDO DOMINGUEZ. UK WU.

AMY ZACKMEYER. KENDALL AHERHN.

[INDISCERNIBLE] AND ROBIN GEARING.

YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> HEY, COMMISSIONERS.

HOW ARE YOU DOING. MY NAME IS ALFREDO DOMINGUEZ.

I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY SAFETY BUDGET TO TALK ABOUT THE COUNTY'S BUDGET AGAIN.

I'M REALLY SHOCKED, EVERY YEAR THAT THE BUDGET COMES OUT, BECAUSE I'M ALWAYS HOPEFUL IN THE ABILITY OF A BUDGET DOCUMENT TO BE A DOCUMENT OF MORALS AND A DOCUMENT OF THE THINGS THAT THIS COUNTY CARES ABOUT. WE'RE SPENDING $400 ALMOST PER RESIDENT ON COMMUNITY SAFETY IN THE WAY THAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT AND WE'RE UNWILLING TO GIVE $4.5 MILLION IN TOTAL TO THIS ONE CARVEOUT LIKE HART, LIKE RISE TO CREATE A TRUE STAND-ALONE COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT.

AND I THINK WHEN I LOOK AT THE ACTUAL BUDGET, WHERE WE'RE SPENDING ALMOST $400 MILLION ON DETENTION, JUST MANAGING THE JAIL POPULATION, NOT EVEN INCLUDING OUTSOURCE, WE CAN'T EVEN EASILY AGREE TO SPEND 1% OF THAT TO FUND, TO MAKE SURE DO NOT GET INCARCERATED. AS THE STATE CONTINUES TO LEVEL NEW AND EXOTIC WAYS TO INCREASE THE JAIL POPULATION WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE'RE TAKING IT EXTREMELY SERIOUS TO REDUCE IT.

THANK YOU. >> IT IS IMPERATIVE THIS COURT FOCUS THE BUDGET ON ISSUES THAT SUPPORT WORKING PEOPLE.

THIS MEANS FULLY FUNDING DEO'S OBLIGATIONS TO MONITOR WORK SITES AND INVESTIGATE ISSUES RELATED TO WAGE AND HOUR VIOLATIONS. IT MEANS MAKING SURE THAT PARTNERS LIKE HARRIS HEALTH DO THEIR PART IN FUNDING THAT WORK AS WELL. IT ALSO MEANS INVESTING IN KEEPING HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS HOUSED, INVESTING IN THE EVICTION DEFENSE PROGRAM THAT HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFULLY PILOTED IN SEVERAL JP COURTS, AND EXPANDING IT TO ALL COURTS.

THERE WAS A MEMO DETAILING WHY THIS PROGRAM MUST BE FUNDED AT 1.5 MILLION OR MORE. THE TLDR OF THAT MEMO IS THIS PROGRAM WILL ULTIMATELY SAVE COSTS BY PRESENTING THE UNSEEN COSTS OF EVICTION. WITH THE BUDGET CRISIS BROUGHT IT OUT BY STATE AND FEDERAL LEADERSHIP IT IS MORE VITAL THAN EVER THAT MAKE YOUR WAY MAKE SHORT INVESTMENTS THROUGH THE 2027 BUDGET. I BELIEVE THAT PROGRAMS LIKE HART, RISE, D VP I AND THE EVICTION LEGAL DEFENSE PROGRAM ARE THOSE SMART INVESTMENTS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. >> CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR

NAME FOR THE RECORD. >> I'M AMY ZACKMEYER WITH NEW

HOUSTON. >> THANK YOU.

>> EVICTION COST [INDISCERNIBLE] BY HELPING FAMILIES STAY HOUSED EVICTION LEGAL DEFENSE REDUCES THE NEED FOR EMERGENCY SHELTERS, HOSPITALS, CHILD WELFARE, COURTS AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES.

SAVING COSTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY. IN 2025 THE COMMISSIONER COURT PROVIDED CRITICAL FUNDING TO ESTABLISH HOUSTON -- [INDISCERNIBLE] FACING EVICTION. IT IS VITAL THAT THIS COURT FUNDS THIS PROGRAM AT 1.5 MILLION TO EXPAND THE HOUSTON EVICTION ADVOCACY CENTER, TO ADDITIONAL COURTS IN ORDER TO SAVE ON THE UNSEEN COST OF EVICTION TO TAXPAYERS.

[01:20:04]

MY NAME IS [INDISCERNIBLE] WORKING FOR NEW ECONOMY FOR

WORKING HOUSTON. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING. I'M KENDALL O'HEARN WITH NEW HOUSTON. EVICTION ADVOCACY IS AN INVESTMENT THAT PAYS FOR ITSELF. LAST YEAR ALONE WE SAW MORE THAN 76,000 EVICTION FILINGS. RIGHT NOW ONLY 2% OF TENANTS HAVE LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND NEARLY FOUR IN ONE CASES END IN DEFAULT JUDGMENT, THE MOST EXPENSIVE PREVENTABLE OUTCOME FOR TAXPAYERS -- PREVENTABLE OUTCOME.

LEGAL AID CHANGES THAT MATH. THE HOUSTON EVICTION ADVOCACY CENTER IS ALREADY DELIVERING. 1500 HOUSEHOLDS REPRESENTED WHO WERE ABLE TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES OR HAVE TIME TOE FIND ALTERNATIVE HOUSING WITHOUT AN EVICTION RECORD IN UNDER A YEAR.

A 500,000-DOLLAR INCREASE TO 1.5 MILLION TOTAL LETS IT SNOOND MORE COURTS AND RETURN FAR MORE THAN IT COSTS.

THIS KIND OF INVESTMENT IN HOUSING SECURITY PREVENTS HOMELESSNESS AND SAVES TAXPAYERS MONEY.

THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE. MY NAME IS [INDISCERNIBLE] I'M A SCIENTIST AT SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH.

I'M SPEAKING TODAY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THE WASTEWATER MONITORING FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE.

OUR CLINICAL [INDISCERNIBLE] WASTEWATER MONITORING GIVES US A BROADER AND OFTEN EARLIER PICTURE OF DISEASE ACTIVITY ACROSS THE COMMUNITY. IN HARRIS COUNTY A SINGLE SAMPLE CAN TELL US THE INFECTION ACTIVITY IN [INDISCERNIBLE] WITH OVER 500,000 RESIDENTS. WATER WAIST MONITORING IS NOT SIMPLY GIVING US ANOTHER DATA SET, IT'S AN EFFICIENT WAY TO KNOW SOUTHEASTERN AND ACT SOONER, BEFORE A [INDISCERNIBLE] BECOMES MORE COSTLY. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO

SPEAK. >> THANK YOU.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, SERENA ARZU.

SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, ANTONIO ROBERT DRUMMOND.

ON ITEM 5, JESSICA CAMPOS. ITEMS 5 AND 28, ROB CHODE.

WILLIAM PERK INSON. AND ITEM 5 MASS AD MUHAMMAD.

YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS SERENA ARZU. AND I AM A PRECINCT 3 RESIDENT.

I'M HERE TO EXPRESS MY OPPOSITION TO THE FUNDING OF ALPRS. THERE ARE MANY SAFETY CONCERNS THAT I AND OTHERS HAVE WITH BEING SURVEILLED BY THESE CAMERAS. COUNTY FUNDS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOCATED TO THIS. THESE CAMERAS MAKE MYSELF AND MANY OTHERS FEEL UNSAFE. WE BARELY HAVE COUNTY FUNDS, AND YOU ALL ARE TRYING TO ALLOCATE IT TOWARDS MASS SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS. AS THE HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 3 RESIDENT, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THESE FUNDS ALLOCATED TO PROGRAMS LIKE HART, RISE, INSF AND LOWERING THE ABYSMAL BLACK MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE HERE IN OUR VERY OWN COUNTY, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST IN THE COUNTRY. STOP FUNDING MASS SURVEILLANCE AND THESE INVASIVE FLOCK CAMERAS.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS JESSICA CAMPOS.

I AM A MOTHER AND A FOUNDER OF HOUSTON [INDISCERNIBLE] MONARCHS. I'M HERE TO SPEAK AGAINST USING FLOCK CAMERAS AND TO ASK THAT THEY BE COVERED AND DEACTIVE EIGHT. I HOMESCHOOL MY LITTLE ONE, DRIVE ACROSS HOUSTON TO GET MY KIDS TO AND FROM SCHOOL AND SUPPORT IMMIGRANT AND [INDISCERNIBLE] THESE CAMERAS DON'T MAKE ME FEEL SAFE, THEY MAKE ME FEEL WATCHED.

I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WONDER IF IT'S CREATING A MAP OF EVERYWHERE I GO. WE DO NOT NOW KNOW WHO CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION OR WHERE IT MAY END UP.

WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT COOPERATING WITH I.C.E., HOW CAN IMMIGRANT FAMILIES TRUST THESE CAMERAS WILL BE USED -- WON'T BE USED TO LOCATE AND DEPORT OUR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY NEIGHBORS NEIGHBORS? HARRIS COUNTY SHOULD COVER OUR CAMERAS UNTIL WE HAVE INDEPENDENT AUDITS, STRICT PRIVACY PROTECTIONS AND A COMPLETE PROHIBITION AGAINST USING THE DATA FOR IMMIGRANT ENFORCEMENT.

>> GOOD MORNING, MEMBERS OF THE COURT.

MY NAME IS BOB CHOTE AND I WANT TO ADDRESS MOST OF MY COMMENTS DIRECTLY TO MY COMMISSIONER AND NEIGHBOR, MS. BRING ONCE.

YOU STARTED USING THE TERM "IN THE BUDGET" AND IF I MAY THAT'S KIND OF DISINGENUOUS BECAUSE YOU COULD PACK THE BUDGET AND COME BACK TO US AND SPANK US WITH ANOTHER TAX INCREASE ON TOP OF

[01:25:01]

THE ONE FROM TWO YEARS AGO. LET ME SUGGEST SOME THINGS THAT MAY NOT BE NEEDED IN A BUDGET. FIRST OFF IS A SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM OF THREE PEOPLE. BILLBOARDS.

THE BILLBOARD MESSAGE PUT ON DUMP TRUCKS.

WHAT DID THAT COST US? AND WHEN PEOPLE HEARD I WAS COMING TO SPEAK, MANY, MANY PEOPLE CONTACTED ME AND SAID CUT DOWN ON THE WAY TOO FREQUENT MAILERS, MAILBOX STUFFERS.

MOST BEING PAID FOR BY CAMPAIGN FUNDS.

IN TERMS OF FLOCK CAMERAS, LET'S NOT THROW OUT THE BABY WITH THE

BATH WATER. >> THANK YOU.

YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU, SIR.

>> -- FOR THIS MATTER. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS DR. WILLIAM BRETT PERKISON. I'M WITH THE HOUSTON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND A PRACTISING CLINICIAN AT UT HEALTH HOUSE TONIGHT I'M HERE TODAY TO URGE HARRIS COUNTY TO CONTINUE FUNDING WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES. THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS REMAINS A MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR HARRIS COUNTY. SPEAKING AS A PHYSICIAN, I CAN TELL YOU, FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, THAT KNOWING THE LATEST FACTS ABOUT EMERGING DISEASES HELPS ME IN THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS THAT I CHOOSE AND AIDS ME IN HOW EFFECTIVELY I'M ABLE TO TREAT THEM. WATER WAIST MONITORING HAS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED VALUE IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLISHED EVIDENCE HAS LINKED WASTEWATER TREATMENT ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH OUTCOMES. IT HELPS PROTECT VULNERABLE POPULATION AND STRENGTHENS OUR PREPAREDNESS FOR FUTURE OUTBREAKS. I RESPECTFULLY ENCOURAGE THE COURT TO MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR THIS CRITICAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.

MY NAME IS HASSAN MUHAMMAD. I'M A YOUNG ADULT WHO IS CURRENTLY RECEIVING VIOLENCE PREVENTION SERVICES FROM THE FORGOTTEN THIRD. I'M A COMMUNITY PARTNER WITH HARRIS COUNTY. I PROUDLY STAND IN SUPPORT OF THIS 4.5 MILLION INVESTMENT TO EXPAND RISE AND HART.

AND SUPPORT SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND COMMUNITY VIOLENCE, THAT POWER COMES WHEN WE BUILD THAT ECOSYSTEM.

JUST HAVING THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO FIND A WAY AROUND VIOLENCE, JUST DIFFERENT RESOURCES -- JUST OPENING DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE TYPE OF PEOPLE SO THAT WAY WE CAN AT LEAST PREVENT DIFFERENT THINGS FROM HAPPENING.

YEAH, THAT'S -- THAT'S ALL I HAD.

>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, BONNIE AUSTIN WHITLEY.

SHAWNZA BRANCH. JOSIAH RECTOR.

RORY KAY. CAL MISSCARDO.

EUNICE RODRIGUEZ, YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD MORNING. I AM HERE -- BONNIE AUSTIN WHITLEY. I'M A MOM, A GRANDMOTHER, GREATT GRANDMOTHER. I'VE LIVED IN PRECINCT 4 FOR OVER 60 PLUS YEARS. WE HAVE BUSINESSES, AND WE RAISED OUR CHILDREN THERE. I SPEAK IN FAVOR OF THE $4.1 MILLION IN MAINTAINING FUNDS FOR HART AND RISE.

TO SEND POLICEMEN TO ADDRESSES FOR HOMELESS AS WELL AS SUPPORTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES WITH RESOURCES. I HAVE WORKED WITH HOMELESS OVER 20 PLUS YEARS. I'VE SEEN CHILDREN AND PARENTS, OLDER PEOPLE, YOUNGER PEOPLE, MEN COME THROUGH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, AND SOME OF THE MEN AND SOME OF THE WOMEN AND SOME OF THE CHILDREN SAID THEY JUST NEEDED HELP.

THEY COULD NOT FIND HELP OR THEIR APPOINTMENT WAS TOO LONG OR THE PROGRAM STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE.

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

>> OH, REALLY? >> HELLO.

I'M JOSIAH RECTOR. I'M WITH THE TEXAS EMPLOYEES UNION. I'M WRITING TO AND HE IS OPPOSITION TO FUNDING FOR FLOOD CONTROL AND POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAMS. URBAN FLOODING IN HARRIS COUNTY WILL INCREASE 50% BY 2036 RELATIVE TO 2013 LEVELS.

THE SEA LEVEL IS SUPPOSED TO RISE 2.5 INCHES AT GALVESTON'S PEER AND WHICH KNOW HARRIS COUNTY WILL NOT BE PREPARED THE NEXT TIME A STORM HITS. AND THESE CUTS WILL ONLY MAKE THAT WORSE. THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT NEEDS TO PROTECT OUR MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS BY PRESERVING THE PROPOSED 83 MILLION-DOLLAR FISCAL YEAR 27 ENGINEERING ALLOCATION FOR FLOOD CONTROL AND ADDING AT LEAST A

[01:30:03]

MILLION FOR DRAINAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE PERMITTING CAPACITY. WE ALSO MUST SAY NO TO THE POLLUTION CONTROL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

HOUSTON LANDING REPORTED IN 2023 IN JUST ONE YEAR, AIR POLLUTION KILLED AN ESTIMATED 1,372 PEOPLE IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THAT'S MORE THAN FIVE TIMES THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO DIED IN HOMICIDES IN THE SAME COUNTY LAST YEAR.

DO WE REALLY CARE ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY?

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> BETTER INVESTMENT IN SAVING

THOSE HIVES. >> AFTER THE FOLKS THAT ARE LINED UP SPEAK, CAN WE TAKE JUST A 5-MINUTE BREAK, PLEASE?

GO AHEAD. >> HI.

MY NAME IS RORY KAY. I LIVE IN PRECINCT 4.

I'M A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER WITH THE FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY.

BUT I CAME TODAY TO ASK Y'ALL TO PLEASE END FUNDING FOR FLOCK IN OUR COUNTY. FLOCKE HAVE CONTROL OVER INFORMATION AND WHY SHOULDN'T OUR BUDGET BE USED FOR OTHER SERVICES? ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, OTHER COUNTIES ARE ENDING THEIR CONTRACTS WITH FLOCK.

THEY SEE THAT THESE SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS ARE A WASTE OF MONEY AND ARE NOT MAKING THEIR COMMUNITIES SAFER.

THEY'VE BEEN USED TO STALK, TO TRACK PEOPLE IN OTHER STATES.

214 COMMUNITIES HAVE ENDED AND REJECT READY CONTRACTS WITH FLOCK, INCLUDING AUSTIN, SAN MARCUS AND SIX MORE JUST IN TEXAS AND 90 OF THESE CANCELLATIONS HAVE HAPPENED THIS PAST AUGUST ALONE. SO HARRIS COUNTY HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THIS TREND. I WOULD SUPPORT USING IT FOR POLLUTION, FLOOD CONTROL, FOR THE HARRIS CENTER, MINIMUM WAGE OR FOR EVICTION DEFENSE. THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS CAM ESCARDO. THIS TECHNOLOGY DOES THE OPPOSITE OF BUILDING SAFETY, TRUST AND COLLECTIVE POWER IN OUR COMMUNITIES. WHO BENEFITS FROM THIS TECHNOLOGY ANYWAYS? LAW ENFORCEMENT ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVE EXPLOITED ALPRS TO STALK AND TRACK INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT A WARRANT. OFTEN OUT OF INDIVIDUAL INTEREST. ALPRS ARE CLEARLY A DANGER TO HOUSTON RESIDENTS' SAFETY AND RIGHTS.

FLOCK DOES NOT SERVE THE PEOPLE. AS A YOUNG PERSON LOOKING TO BUILD A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND HOME HERE IN HOUSTON, I KNOW THIS CAN'T HAPPEN WITH ALPRS IN OUR CITY.

WE BUILD COLLECTIVE POWER THROUGH OPEN DIALOG AND PROGRAMS FOR THE PEOPLE, LIKE HART, RISE, INSF AND THE HARRIS CENTER, NOT THROUGH SURVEILLANCE. STOP FUNDING MASS SURVEILLANCE AND STOP FUNDING FLOCK AND ALPRS IN HARRIS COUNTY NOW.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS SHAWNZA BRANCH.

I AM A LONG-TIME RESIDENT OF NORTHEAST HOUSTON AND A MEMBER OF THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE.

IN MY TIME IN THE ORGANIZATION, WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR AND KEEPING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS SAFE FROM FLOODING AND MY NEIGHBORS AND THEIR PROPERTIES SAFE FROM ITS EFFECTS.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HURT MY COMMUNITY IS POLLUTION, AND POLLUTION ISN'T ALWAYS SOMETHING VISIBLE, A CHEMICAL IN THE AIR.

IT IS OFTEN RIGHT IN YOUR FACE AS PILES AND PILES OF TRASH LINING THE SIDES OF OUR STREETS. LAZY CONTRACTORS AND BUSINESSES BELIEVE THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH DUMPING PILES OF TRASH EVERY DAY IN THE BAYOU AND THE LAZIER ONES DRIVE TO SOME QUIET STREETS LIKE MINE AND LEAVE IT IN THE EMPTY LOT OR ALONG THE DITCHES.

THIS TRASH COULD BLOCK THE PATH OF WATER OR END UP IN THE BAYOU.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS EUNICE WOODS RODRIGUEZ. I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF THE HOUSTON EVICTION ADVOCACY CENTER.

I HAVE STAGE 4 BREAST CANCER, AND MY HUSBAND HAS ATTEMPTED TO DISEF THREE TIMES AND EVERY TIME HE'S LOST.

I'M IN PRECINCT 2. I CALLED THE CONSTABLES AT LEAST 12 TIMES AND THEIR RESPONSE TO ME IS THAT -- HIS NAME IS ON THE DEED AND THERE'S A TEXAS -- WHATEVER -- WHATEVER I'M UPSET BUT -- ON AUGUST 27TH, I WALKED INTO THE COURTROOM AND HOUSTON EVICTION ADVOCACY CENTER WAS SITTING THERE.

MY CANCER TREATMENT, I GOT A DIVORCE LAWYER, IT'S EXHAUSTING MY FINANCES. THEY WERE THERE TO OFFER ME FREE

SERVICES. >> MA'AM, I'M SO SORRY BUT WE'LL VISIT WITH YOU SO WE CAN CONTINUE HEARING THOSE --

>> OKAY. FOLKS, GIVE ME UNT.

[01:35:12]

>> ALL RIGHT, IT'S 10:50 SO WE'LL CONTINUE.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, ALICE LU. LEXIE SOMEWHERE SKI.

AMANDA JONES. BECKY SELL.

NATASHA MALICK. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> HI. MY NAME IS ALICE LU.

THIS YEAR POLLUTION CONTROL'S ENTIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET IS 10.8 MILLION. ALL OF THE COUNTY'S AIR, WATER AND SOIL MONITORING OPERATION COMPARED TO 101 MILLION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT RAISES IN THE FIRST YEAR ALONE.

ACROSS THE COUNTRY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS ARE BEING ROLLED BACK AND FUNDING FOR JAILS AND POLICE ARE BOOMING. IT IS PAINFUL TO LIVE IN A CITY, A STATE AND A COUNTRY THAT PRIORITIZES GUNS OVER FOOD, COPS OVER HEALTH AND JAILS OVER JOBS. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AN CONSTABLE'S ENTIRE ANNUAL BUDGET 1.1 BILLION IS MORE THAN 100 TIMES LARGER THAN POLLUTION CONTROL'S TOTAL BUDGET.

WE'RE ASKING FOR THE COURT TO INCREASE FUNDING TO POLLUTION CONTROL BY ONE MILLION DOLLARS. POLLUTION CONTROL COULD USE THE INCREASED FUNDING TO FUND ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ATTORNEYS AND A LITIGATION FUND AND TO END THESE INCREASES WILL PAY -- IN END THESE INCREASES WILL PAY FOR THEMSELVES.

WE ALL KNOW THERE ARE POLLUTERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY POISONING OUR COMMUNITIES, CUTTING PEOPLE'S LIVES SHORT AND GET AGO WAY WITH IT THESE FUNDING INCREASES WILL BOOSTEN FOVMENT AND INCREASE THE COUNTY'S ABILITY TO --

>> YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU.

>> HEY GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS BECKY SELL AND I'M THE CODIRECTOR OF DISASTER PREPARED AT WESTERN RECOVERY SO IT'S MY JOB TO UNDERSTAND RISKS OPPOSED POSED TO MY COMMUNITY AND PREPARE FOR THEM.

I'VE SET UP 8 DISASTER HUSHES AND WE'RE TRAINING PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTY TO SET UP HUBS INCLUDING IN PRECINCT 4.

THIS LAST YEAR I'VE BEEN WORKING SPECIFICALLY ON AIR RISKS AND UNDERSTANDING THE RISK POSED TO US BY THE AIR ENVIRONMENT.

WE'RE INTO THAT THINKING IT WOULD ALL BE ABOUT LIKE CHEMICAL FIRES, LEAKS, ONE-OFF EVENTS BUT HAVE QUICKLY LEARNED THAT WE'RE CONSTANTLY IN AN AIR CRISIS. SO WE'VE BEEN INSTALLING AIR PURIFIERS, TRAINING WITH CHEMICAL MASS, TRAINING WITH SHELTER IN PLACE AND TO HELP PREPARE, BUT THAT'S KIND OF ABSURD THAT THAT'S THAT -- THAT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE DEPENDING ON ME. WE NEED YOU GUYS TO INVEST ONE MILLION DOLLARS INCREASE IN POLLUTION CONTROL.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS NATASHA MALICK AND I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF TEXAS APPLE SEED IN SUPPORT OF THE FULL INVESTMENT NEEDED TO SCALE, EXPAND AND SUSTAIN COMMUNITY SAFETY PILLARS LIKE HART, RISE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION. WE TALK A LOT ABOUT THIS WORK AS ALTERNATIVE RESPONSES. BUT REALLY, IT IS AN ESSENTIAL FUNCTION OF GOVERNANCE. CERTIFIED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS MEETING PEOPLE IN CRISIS.

VIOLENCE INTERRUPTERS REACHING PEOPLE BEFORE VIOLENCE CAN OCCUR. AND POLICE OFFICER TIME AND RESOURCES BEING RESERVED FOR ACTUAL CRIME.

PUBLIC SAFETY IS STRONGEST WHEN PEOPLE HAVE MULTIPLE EFFECTIVE TOOLS TO ADDRESS THE VAST VARIETY OF COMMUNITY NEEDS.

HARRIS COUNTY AND SPECIFICALLY THIS COURT HAS ALREADY PROVEN THAT WE CAN BUILD SOMETHING BETTER.

NOW YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER YOU BELIEVE THESE SERVICES ARE OPTIONAL OR WHETHER GIVING PEOPLE THE RIGHT HELP AT THE RIGHT TIME IS SIMPLY WHAT WE OWE ONE ANOTHER.

>> HELLO, I'M LEXIE SOMEWHERE SKI.

PLEASE STOP THE OVERTAXATION AND OVERSPENDING.

HARRIS COUNTY HAS STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS THAT NEED OUR TAX MONEY SUCH AS PROVIDING JAIL SPACE FOR CRIMINALS AND SAFE ROADS. AND THAT DOESN'T COST NEARLY THE AMOUNT THE COUNTY COLLECTS IN TAXES.

SHAME ON YOU. IS THIS A GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE OR A GOVERNMENT BY THE RULERS, FOR THE RULERS? A 12% TAX INCREASE IS UNACCEPTABLE JUST AS A 17% TAX INCREASE A FEW YEARS AGO WAS.

THE ELECTED OFFICIALS, THERE'S A RECENT ARREST RECORD -- [INDISCERNIBLE] THIS DOESN'T PASS THE SMELL TEST. SOME HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE LOSING THEIR HOMES BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD THE HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES. A 3.1 BILLION BUDGET IS

[01:40:03]

RIDICULOUS AND WAY MORE THAN WHAT'S NEEDED TO MEET STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE IMPLEMENT THE SUGGESTED $100 MILLION IN TAX CUTS INSTEAD OF INCREASING THE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON HARRIS COUNTY TAXPAYERS.

NO NEW TAXES. THANK YOU.

I'M AMANDA JONES, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR THE HARRIS CENTER. AND THE DESIGNEE OF KEENA PACE OUR CEO WHO HAD TO STEP AWAY FOR AN UNEXPECTED MATTER.

I'M PLEASED TO SUPPORT IN SUPPORT OF COMMISSIONER BRIONES' PROPOSAL TO ALLOCATE $1.4 MILLION TO THE EMPLOYEES OF THE HARRIS CENTER. THESE FUNDS WOULD BENEFIT OUR EMPLOYEES WHO WORK WITH HIGH ACUITY PATIENTS IN SETTINGS SUCH AS THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL, THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC CENTER, THE DUAL DIAGNOSIS RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM, IDD GROUP HOMES AND JAIL DIVERSION. THIS PROPOSAL, IF APPROVED BY COMMISSIONERS COURT, ALONG WITH THE RECENT RAISE PASSED BY OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES WOULD MEAN THAT EVERY HARRIS CENTER EMPLOYEE WOULD EARN AT LEAST $20 AN HOUR.

THAT MATTERS. IT'S AN INVESTMENT IN THE PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND IT SENDS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE, THAT HARRIS COUNTY RECOGNIZES THE CRITICAL ROLE THAT THEY PLAY. COMMISSIONERS COURT --

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS VANESSA JOSEPH.

EXACTLY ONE WEEK AGO TODAY, I STOOD IN AN EVICTION COURTROOM COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED, FACING A MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR CORPORATE LANDLORD, THE ATTORNEY TOLD ME MY CASE WAS LOST BECAUSE I TRIED TO -- AND TRIED TO PRESSURE ME INTO SIGNING AWAY MY RIGHTS.

BUT BECAUSE PROGRAMS LIKE HOUSTON EVICTION ADVOCACY CENTER EXIST, I WAS GIVEN FREE DEDICATED ATTORNEY WHO STOOD BY MY SIDE. WHO WE DISCOVER MASSIVE CORPORATE FILING ERRORS AND FAILED TO RESOLVE COMPLETE COURT DISMISSAL, THAT PROTECTING MY RECORD KEPT MY FAMILY SAFE.

WITHOUT A FREE LEGAL AID, PLEASE APPROVE -- APPROVE THIS 1.5 MILLION AND MORE BUDGET EXPENSE SO THAT EVERY SINGLE MOTHER IN HARRIS COUNTY HAVE A FAIR FIGHTING AND KEEP THE ROOF OVER THEIR HEAD. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> BYE BYE.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, FARUK MICKOSO.

CONCHITA RAY HE REYEZ. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME DOING SOMETHING LIKE THIS SO Y'ALL BEAR WITH ME.

SO HARRIS COUNTY IS ONE OF THE LARGEST AND FASTEST GROWING COUNTIES IN TEXAS AND THE STRENGTH OF THE COUNTY DEPENDS ON THE STRENGTH OF THE FAMILIES WHO LIVE AND WORK THERE.

FOR MANY FAMILIES, ONE OF THE BIGGEST BARRIERS IS FINANCIAL STABILITY AND SOMETHING AS BASIC AS FINDING AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE CHILD CARE IS NOT EASY FOR MOST OF THE RESIDENTS IN HARRIS COUNTY. FOR WORKING PARENTS, CHILD CARE CAN CONSUME A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THEIR PAYCHECK AND WHEN THOSE COSTS BECOME TOO HIGH, PARENTS MAY BE FORCED TO REDUCE THEIR HOURS, TURN DOWN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, HEAVE SCHOOL OR EVEN LEAVE THE WORKFORCE ALTOGETHER.

AND THAT JUST DOESN'T AFFECT THE INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES, THAT AFFECTS FAMILY GROUPS. WHEN WE DISCUSS THE COUNTY BUDGET, WE SHOULD CONSIDER CHILD CARE, AFFORDABILITY AS AN INVESTMENT RATHER THAN SIMPLY JUST ANOTHER EXPENSE.

HARRIS COUNTY HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRIORITIZE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT ADDRESSES EVERYDAY AND THE COST OF FAMILIES AND

CHILDREN ARE HAVING TO FACE. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

>> FARUK MICKOSO. >> THANK YOU.

>> READY? >> GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS BARBARA WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY COUNCIL.

BEFORE SHE DIED GLORIA STEINEM SAID IF YOU DON'T HOPE IT, IT WILL LIKELY NEVER HAPPEN. TODAY MY HOPE IS WE CONTINUE MOVING FORWARD AND YOU ALL MAKE DECISIONS THAT PUT US FORWARD AND NOT BACKWARDS. THE INVESTMENTS THAT YOU ALL HAVE MADE SINCE COVID HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE.

THE $4.5 MILLION BEING PROPOSED TO EXPAND HEART AND RISE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

THE STORIES OF PEOPLE AND THEIR LIVES MATTER AND THE TRAJECTORY OF CHILDREN'S LIVES MATTER. AND THESE DOLLARS DO THAT.

SO MY HOPE TODAY IS THAT YOU WILL MAKE DECISIONS THAT KEEP US MOVING FORWARD. THANK YOU.

[01:45:01]

>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE. MY NAME IS KAYLA.

I'M HERE AS A BILINGUAL LEGAL ASSISTANT WITH THE HOUSTON ADVOCACY CENTER. IN MY ROLE I SAT WITH HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES FACING EVICTION. MANY ARE NAVIGATING THE EVICTION PROCESS FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT COURT THEY ARE OVERWHELMED AND SCARED AND UNCERTAIN WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.

MOST OF THE TIME THE FAMILIES ARE HOPING FOR EXTRA TIME TO FIGURE OUT THE NEXT STEPS. HAVING US THERE TO PROVIDE CLEAR INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT DURING THE DIFFICULT TIME MEANS MORE THAN WORDS CAN EXPRESS.

EVERY DAY I SEE THE SERVICES THAT IT MAKES FOR THE FAMILIES.

YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND FUNDING WOULD ALLOW US TO SERVE MORE FAMILIES AND EXPAND ACCESS OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND HELP US PREVENT HOMELESSNESS BEFORE IT HAPPENS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS GRACEY, ORGANIZER AT BIO CITY WATER KEEPER AND CONSTITUENT OF PRECINCT 4. THE COUNTY CONTINUES TO DEFINE SAFETY AS MORE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MORE SURVEILLANCE WHILE PROGRAMS THAT ACTUALLY PROTECT COMMUNITY HELP REMAIN UNDER FUNDED AND DEVALUED. WE CAN'T ARREST THEIR WAY INTO COMMUNITIES OR OUT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS.

TRUE PUBLIC SAFETY MEANS CLEAN AIR, SAFE DRINKING WATER AND RELIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROTECTION FROM INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION AND ENDS THE FLOCK SAFETY CONTRACT AND INVESTING IN PROGRAMS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES.

HARRIS COUNTY POLLUTION CONTROL SERVICES NEEDS GREATER INVESTMENTS FOR TESTING AND ENFORCEMENT.

THE COUNTY ATTORNEY ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION NEEDS DEDICATED RESOURCES TO HOLD REPEAT CORPORATE POLLUTERS ACCOUNTABLE. WE ASK YOU TO FIND HEART AND RISE PROGRAMS THAT ADDRESS THE CONDITIONS THAT MAY COMMUNITIES

-- >> YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> INVEST IN THE PEOPLE. >> THANK YOU.

>> DON'T CRIMINALIZE THE VULNERABLE.

THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, I'M A COMMUNITY ADVOCATE AND BOOTS OF THE GROUND DURING DISASTERS. I SUPPORT THE PROPOSED $4.5 MILLION INCREASE TO EXPAND THE RISE AND HEART PILOT PROGRAM BECAUSE THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR COMMUNITY REQUIRES US TO INVEST IN PREVENTION, INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT, NOT SIMPLY REACT AFTER A CRISIS OCCURS.

HARRIS COUNTY FACES CONCERNS ABOUT PEOPLE REMAINING INCARCERATED LONGER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE AND AT SAME TIME WE ARE SEEING AN ALARMING RATE OF SUICIDE AMONG BLACK BOYS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 TO 17 IN THIRD WARD.

THESE ARE NOT JUST NUMBERS. THESE REPRESENTS YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES THAT NEED HELP BEFORE CIRCUMSTANCES ESCALATE AND TO INCARCERATION CRISIS AND TRAGEDY. IF WE INVEST ADDITIONAL 4.5 MILLION I WANT US TO MAKE SURE THAT THE INVESTMENT REACHES THE COMMUNITIES THAT NEED IT THE MOST.

>> THANK YOU YOUR TIME IS UP. >> RISING HEART SHOULD BE GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERBETWEEN EARLY AND --

SPEAKING OF ITEM 5... YOU EACH HAVE A MINUTE.

>> MY NAME IS DOMINIC. I'M HERE TO SPEAK ABOUT DOUBLE STANDARD IN PROPERTY TAXES. MY ORGANIZATION TEXAS CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT EXPOSE THAT CHEVRON AND OCCIDENTAL ARE RECEIVING TAX ABATEMENT DEALS THAT ARE ROBBING THE COMMUNITIES. TOTAL STUDY IS $1 BILLION OF TAXES SHOULD BE COMING TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES AND COUNTIES ARE GOING TO THE SAME PEOPLE VIOLATING THE AIR PERMITS. WE FOUND THE TOP FIVE RECIPIENTS OF THE TAX DEALS ARE VIOLATING THE AIR PERMITS AND HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND. I'M HERE TO DEMAND THAT YOU ALL STOP BALANCING THE BUDGET OFF THE BACKS OF THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE VULNERABLE. WE NEED YOU ALL TO HOLD THESE CORPORATIONS ACCOUNTABLE, WE NEED YOU TO RAISE THE TAXES AND QUANTIFY THE DAMAGE THEY ARE DOING TO PUBLIC HEALTH TO HOUSING AND TO NATURAL RESOURCES AND WE NEED YOU ALL TO STOP

MAKING EXCUSES. >> YOUR TIME IS UP.

[01:50:01]

>> FOR THE BUDGETS THAT IMPACT PEOPLE'S LIVES.

>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE. MY NAME IS SHERRON HENDERSON.

I'M HERE TODAY TO ASK THAT YOU SUPPORT THE MILLION DOLLARS INCREASE FOR POLLUTION. I DEAL WITH CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES AND EVERYTHING AND THE POLLUTION MAKE IT WORSE.

I HAVE NEIGHBORS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AS WELL.

THE DITCHES IN MY COMMUNITY ARE FILLED WITH HEAVY TRASH THAT SMELLS AND MAKE US FEEL LIKE NO ONE CARES ABOUT US.

WHEN WE CALL FOR HELP, IT'S ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM.

BUT I KNOW AS YOU ELECTED OFFICERS, OFFICIALS HOWEVER YOU PUT IT CAN MAKE SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

POLLUTION CAN BE CONTROLLED. OUR HEALTH CAN BE PROTECTED.

PLEASE INCREASE THE POLLUTION CONTROL BUDGET.

>> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS MY NAME IS REECEY SWAN AND MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE AND PRACTITIONER AND WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IMPACTED BY THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

TODAY ASKING YOU TO PROTECT AND INCREASE THE INVESTMENTS THAT HELP THEM THRIVE. I SPENT SEVEN YEARS IN HARRIS COUNTY DETENTION AND BOTH PARENTS SERVED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLECTIVELY OVER 70 YEARS.

I UNDERSTAND THAT ACCOUNTABILITY MATTERS BUT SO DO THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE GROWING UP AND WHAT I LEARNED IS THAT PREVENTION IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST FOUNDATIONS TO PUBLIC SAFETY. YOUNG PEOPLE DO NOT CHOOSE MANY OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT SHAPE THE EARLIEST YEARS.

TRUSTED ADULTS AND SAFE SPACES AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES ARE WHAT GIVE THEM OPTIONS.

WHEN COMMUNITY DOLLARS ARE CUT, WE TAKE THOSE OPTIONS AWAY.

WE CANNOT ASK OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SUCCEED WHILE REDUCING THE SUPPORT THAT MAKES THE SUCCESS POSSIBLE.

WHEN BUDGETS GET TIGHT, YOUTH AND COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS CANNOT BE WHAT WE SACRIFICE. THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE, MY NAME IS ANGELA BOWEN, A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 1 IN NORTH HOUSTON.

I HAVE A BIG CONCERN WITH THE TAX INCREASE THAT YOU'RE PROPOSING ESPECIALLY WHEN MANY FAMILIES LIKE MINE ARE STRUGGLING TO PAY THE BILLS AND NOT THAT I WANT SERVICES CUT.

BUT RATHER THAT YOU ARE IRRESPONSIBLY SPENDING OUR MONEY ON SALARIES THAT HAVE REACHED RIDICULOUS LEVELS.

TODAY I AM ASKING YOU TO MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN THE SAFER PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS PROPOSED BY A COMMISSIONER ELLIS, INVEST IN THESE COMMUNITIES, COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS NOW AND YOU WILL SEE A CYCLE OF INCARCERATION BEGIN TO CLOSE AND OUR COMMUNITIES WILL BECOME A BETTER PLACE.

>> TIME IS UP. THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE, I'M SPEAKING AS A COMMUNITY ADVOCATE AND MOTHER. MY SONS LOST TWO FRIENDS IN THE LAST YEAR. TWO YOUNG PEOPLE KILLED BEFORE THE AGE OF 21. YOU WATCHED YOUR KIDS GRIEF FRIENDS NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME ADULTS, VIOLENCE PREVENTION STOPS BEING THE LINE ITEM IN THE BUDGET AND BECOMES PERSONAL. PROGRAMS LIKE HEART AND OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED ALTERNATIVES MATTER.

WE CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THE YOUNG PERSON IS ARRESTED AND HOSPITALIZED OR SHOT AND KILLED BEFORE WE DECIDE TO INVEST IN THEM. WE NEED MORE BEHAVIORIAL HEALTH SERVICES AND CRISIS RESPONDERS AND YOUTH PROGRAMS AND FAMILY SUPPORT. PUBLIC SAFETY IS NOT ONLY ABOUT HOW WE RESPOND AFTER SOMETHING HAPPENS, IT'S ALSO ABOUT WHETHER WE WERE WILLING TO INVEST IN PREVENTING IT.

MY SON CANNOT GET HIS FRIENDS BACK.

THEIR FAMILIES CANNOT GET THEIR CHILDREN BACK.

WE TALK ABOUT FUNDING HEART AND COMMUNITY-BASED ALTERNATIVES, REMEMBER BEHIND THE BUDGET NUMBERS ARE YOUNG PEOPLE AND REAL PARENTS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE PRAYING YOU NEVER GET THE

CALL. >> THANK YOU.

YOUR TIME IS UP. CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME

FOR THE RECORD. >> JOY DAVIS.

>> THANK YOU. >> HARRIS COUNTY PLACES 1.92 BILLION UNDER ITS MAKE HARRIS COUNTY SAFER AND MORE JUST CATEGORY. THE EIGHT CONSTABLES AND SHERIFFS PATROL OPERATION ALONE RECEIVE 786.5 MILLION INCLUDED PROJECTED CAREOVER. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY

[01:55:04]

DEVELOPMENT RECEIVES ONLY 24.1 MILLION.

WE APPLAUD LEADERS BEING TOUGH ON CRIME.

WE WANT TO APPLAUD AND VOTE FOR LEADERS EQUALLY TOUGH ON PREVENTION. THE BUDGET INCLUDES 21.7 MILLION IN UNALLOCATED SPENDING. PROPOSED 4.5 MILLION FOR HEART RISE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT IS LESS THAN 2/10 OF 1% OF THE GENERAL BUDGET.

I CALL ON THE COURT TO COMMIT THE FUNDS TO THE CONDITIONS THAT CREATE SAFETY BEFORE THE CRISIS OCCURS.

HOUSING STABILITY, EVICTION PREVENTION, BEHAVIORIAL HEALTH, FOOD ACCESS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE AND COMMUNITY BASED

VIOLENCE PREVENTION. >> THANK YOU.

>> BE TOUGH ON CRIME AND BE TOUGH ON PREVENTATIVE SERVICES.

PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

>> MY NAME IS LANETA, YOU BETTER GET IT RIGHT, BECAUSE WE DO

VOTE, ROBINSON. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, CECILIA, MELISSA, ITEM 5 AND 28, NICOLE, VICTOR, JANE, ROBIN, YOU EACH

HAVE A MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.

MY NAME IS CELILA IN PRECINCT 1. WE TALK ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY, I WANT TO SHARE WHAT SAFETY CAN LOOK LIKE FROM WHERE I STAND.

EMERGENCIES BEGIN TO LOOK DIFFERENT FOR US, SOMEONE IN MY SHOES COULD BE EXPERIENCING CONFUSION, A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS OR SIMPLY NEED ASSISTANCE GETTING CONNECTED TO SERVICES.

WE DON'T NEED POLICE OFFICERS COMING TO OUR HOME FOR THAT.

THIS IS WHY WE NEED MORE FUNDING FOR OUR HEART PROGRAMS. WE NEED TRAINED RESPONDERS FOR THESE NON-VIOLENT CALLS, PUBLIC

SAFETY INVOLVED RESPONDING -- >> THANK YOU.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MARK CARNEY. MA'AM.

>> HI. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONER AND JUDGE. MY NAME IS NICOLE EARL.

HARRIS COUNTY THERE IS A HOMELESS CRISIS ON THE RISE.

AND NOTHING IS SAID. IN HARRIS COUNTY, THERE IS A RISE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS THAT ARE BEING -- WHO ARE BEING LEFT UNTREATED WITH FAMILIES HAVING NOWHERE TO TURN.

AND NOTHING IS SAID. ALSO IN HARRIS COUNTY, THE UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES ARE STILL DEALING WITH FLOODING ISSUES WHEN IT RAINS. AND ALTHOUGH SOMETHING IS SAID, WORK IS BEING DONE VERY -- AT A MINIMAL.

BUT WHAT IS BEING SAID IS INCREASED LAW ENFORCEMENT SALARIES. WHAT IS ALSO BEING SAID IS THE FACT THAT THE CITY OF HOUSTON BELIEVES THE TAX INCREASE OF 7.6% IS NEEDED TO HELP FUND THE DEFICIENT AND TO BALANCE THE

DEFICIENT OF THE BUDGET. >> THANK YOU.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

>> HI. MY NAME IS JANE ADAMS. IT'S FACT THAT WE HAVE UNINSURED OF THE COUNTRY.

AND IN 2014 THEY LOWERED THE ELIGIBILITY.

IF I MAKE 11:75 AN HOUR, I CAN'T QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID AND TOO RICH FOR HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH. WHY SHOULD TAXPAYER FUNDING GO TO ONLY MAKING SURE THAT THE LOVED ONES WHO DELAY THE CARE DON'T DIE WHEN SHOW TO THE ER AND COST $1.7 BILLION BECAUSE OF DISPARITY AND HIGH SICK IS RIPPLES ACROSS THE BOARD.

I'M ASKING TO WORK WITH THE HARRIS BOARD TO INCREASE THE GOLD CARD FROM 150 TO 200. DALLAS HAVE SAFETY AT 250%.

AND IT SHOWS WITH BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES AND STATISTICS.

>> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, MY NAME IS MELISSA.

[02:00:09]

COMMISSIONER POINTED OUT THAT HARRIS COUNTY BUDGET WAS 1.9 BILLION FROM 2019 AND NOW APPROACHING 3.1 BILLION FOR 2027. THE PROPOSED COUNTY TAX RATE IS 9.6% HIGHER LAST YEAR AND ADDITIONAL INCREASES FOR FLOOD CONTROL AND HARRIS HEALTH. I UNDERSTAND THAT HEALTH CARE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER ESSENTIAL COSTS ARE INCREASING.

BEFORE ASKING FOR TAXPAYERS FOR MORE MONEY, GOVERNMENTS SHOULD FIRST DISTINGUISH BETWEEN WHAT IS REQUIRED AND WHAT IS OPTIONAL. WHEN OUR HOUSEHOLD COSTS GO UP, TAXPAYERS HAVE TO CUT SPENDING AND MAKE TOUGH CHOICES.

COUNTY GOVERNMENTS SHOULD HAVE TO DO THE SAME BEFORE ASKING US FOR MORE. TAXPAYERS INCOMES DON'T AUTOMATICALLY INCREASE EVERY TIME GOVERNMENT'S EXPENSES DO.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IDENTIFIED MORE THAN 500 MILLION IN NONSTATUTORY SPENDING. THAT DESERVE SERIOUS EXAMINATION. PLEASE PRIORITIZE ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND REDUCE DISCRETIONARY SPENDING.

THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M VICTOR AND MEMBER OF PURE JUSTICE AND RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 2.

I'M HERE TO SPEAK OF THE PERSPECTIVE OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH VIOLENCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

JUST RECENTLY PERSONALLY LOST TWO.

YOU REALIZE THAT, PUBLIC SAFETY IS SOMETHING THAT YOU HEAR ADULTS TALK ABOUT, THE GROWN PEOPLE TALK ABOUT.

THESE WERE YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH FUTURE AND FAMILY AND DREAMS AND PEOPLE EXPECTED THEM TO BE HERE.

THIS IS WHY PROGRAMS LIKE HEART AND OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED ALTERNATIVES ARE IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND PUBLIC SAFETY ISN'T JUST WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SOMEONE IS ARRESTED OR AFTER VIOLENCE IS ALREADY OCCURRED. IT INCLUDES HOW COMMUNITIES RESPOND TO MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AND CONFLICT AND TRAUMA AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MAY NEED INTERVENTION BEFORE A SITUATION BECOMES WORSE. MY TWO FRIENDS NEVER HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW OLDER. THE LIVES ARE PART OF REASON I'M STANDING HERE TODAY AND PART OF THE REASON CONVERSATIONS ABOUT YOUTH PREVENTION, COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND PUBLIC SAFETY MATTER SO MUCH TO ME. THANK YOU.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, BECKY, MARIAM, TIA, MARILYN, YOU EACH

HAVE A MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING.

I'M A CONSTITUENT OF PRECINCT 1, I'M BECKY SMITH.

I'M SPEAKING TO YOU AS THE TEXAS DIRECTOR OF CLEAN WATER ACTION AND NATIONAL GROUP OF ONE MILLION MEMBERS NATIONWIDE WHO ARE CLEAN WATER VOTERS LIKE ME. PLEASE FULLY FUND POLLUTION CONTROL AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND FLOOD PROTECTION.

A BUDGET IS A MORAL DOCUMENT. SAFETY FOR HARRIS COUNTY EXISTS SAFE FROM TOXIC POLLUTION AND FLOOD WATERS AND UNCOMFORTABLE HOMES AND TREATABLE AND PREVENTABLE DISEASES.

MORE LAW ENFORCEMENT CANNOT PROVIDE THIS SAFETY.

PLEASE FREEZE LAW ENFORCEMENT SPENDING AND FULLY FUND POLLUTION CONTROL AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND FLOOD PROTECTION AND INVEST IN THE REAL PUBLIC SAFETY.

>> GOOD MORNING TO COMMISSIONERS.

I'M HERE TO SPEAK TODAY ON THE FISCAL BUDGET.

I FIND IT INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATING TO SEE THAT THE ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE IS UP FOR DEBATE YEAR AFTER YEAR.

IT SHOULDN'T BE. FLOOD CONTROL AND POLLUTION CONTROL AND HOUSING AND PUBLIC HEALTH CARE SUSTAIN THE LIVES AND MAKE US CITY SAFER. WE DESERVE TO HAVE THE SAY WHERE OUR MONEY GOES AND THE BUDGET IS FAILING TO MEET THE ESSENTIAL NEEDS. OUR HOMES ARE FLOODING, PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD HEALTH CARE, AND PEOPLE ARE FEARFUL OF THEIR LIVES AND INSTEAD OF PROVIDING AND FUNDING ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE THAT KEEP US SAFE, YOU ARE FUNDING OVERPOLICING. THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

FUND PEOPLE'S NEEDS, NOT YOUR POCKETS.

THANK YOU. >> CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR

NAME FOR THE RECORD. >> MARIAM NASSAR.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING. I'M A SCIENTIST AND PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER AND INVENTOR IN THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER.

WASTE WATER SURREY IS AN EARLY WARNING INVESTMENT FOR THE COUNTY. WE SAW THIS IN HOUSTON WHEN MEASLES WAS DETENTED IN WASTE WATER TEN DAYS BEFORE CLINICAL CASES REPORTED. THOSE TEN DAYS MATTERED AND GAVE PUBLIC HEALTH TIME TO MOBILIZE AND ALERT CHILD CARE CENTERS AND CLINICS AND HOSPITALS. THE FUNDING IS 22-CENTS PER

[02:05:02]

HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENT PER YEAR. FOR PERSPECTIVE SINGLE PEDIATRIC HOSPITALIZATION IS $14,000. THE HEALTH ECONOMICS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. EARLY DETECTION CAN REDUCE PRESSURE ON HARRIS HEALTH. I URGE YOU TO CONTINUE FUNDING IT. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M A PASTOR ON HOMESTEAD.

I'M HERE TODAY UNDERSTANDING THERE IS A NEED FOR BUDGET CUTTING WHEN THE COUNTY IS DEALING WITH A DEFICIT, I DO UNDERSTAND THAT. BUT WHAT I CAN'T ACCEPT IS CUTTING IN AREAS THAT IS NEEDFUL AND A NECESSITY FOR THE COMMUNITY SUCH AS HEART AND RISE INITIATIVES THAT HELP PREVENT AND INTERVENE IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY THAT WE ARE A PART OF.

I'M REMINDED AND I WILL BE TAKING MY SEAT -- I'M REMINDED SINCE LAST 20 YEARS WE HAD THREE DEATHS DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM OUR CHURCH WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE, ACROSS THE STREET.

BRADY DAVIS IN 2006 AND COREY DAVIS IN 2026.

>> YOUR TIME IS UP. >> I WORK WITH COLLECTION FOR YOUTH AND LIVE IN PRECINCT 4. PUBLIC SAFETY IS NOT ABOUT INCREASING SURVEILLANCE AND ADDING TO SALARIES.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEANS INVESTING IN PROGRAMS THAT KEEP PEOPLE FROM ENTERING THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN THE FIRST PLACE.

PROGRAMS LIKE HEART AND RISE SHOULDN'T BE ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK BECAUSE OF POOR BUDGET EDITIONS MADE LAST YEAR.

THESE PROVIDE SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES. CUTTING THEM CREATE GREATER CHALLENGES FOR THE COMMUNITIES DOWN THE ROAD.

IF WE CARE ABOUT PUBLIC SAVETY, WE NEED TO INVEST IN PREVENTION AND OPPORTUNITY. WE CANNOT KEEP REPEATING THE SAME DECISIONS AND EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS.

HARRIS COUNTY DESERVES THE BUDGET THAT INVESTS IN PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS. THANK YOU.

>> TIA JEFFERSON WITH PURE JUSTICE.

I RECALL JUDGE STATING A WHILE BACK THAT THE CONCERN WAS TO FILL THE BEDS IN THE COUNTIES. AND WHEN WE GOT BIGGER FISH TO FREE IN THE COMMUNITY. AND WE HAVE HEALTH ISSUES, RESOURCES THAT NEEDS TO GO TOWARDS HOUSING, SUICIDAL PREVENTION, ALL TYPES OF STUFF THAN FILLING THE BEDS.

SO Y'ALL CHOSE TO GIVE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT MONEY TO POLICE THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN WE FEEL MORE UNSAFE THAN SAFE.

SO WOMEN ARE HAVING TO COMPROMISE THEIR BODY, HAVING TO COMPROMISE A LOT OF HOW THEY ARE LIVING.

EVERYBODY IS COMPROMISING SOMETHING IN THIS POINT.

AND WE ARE TRYING TO -- >> THANK YOU.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU.

>> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, MICHAEL BENDER, ROGER, KELLY, ANDREW, ASIF, AND FELIX. YOU EACH HAVE A MINUTE.

>> I'M HERE TODAY TO ASK THAT WE NO LONGER FUND FLOCK IN THE COMMUNITIES. I'VE BEEN WORKING IN RESTAURANTS FOR EIGHT YEARS AND THROUGHOUT THE TIME MET PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY AND ALL ARE DOING THE BEST TO GET BY AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE ENDS MEET. A LOT OF THEM ARE TELLING ME THEY'RE SCARED TO COME TO WORK BECAUSE THEY'RE WORRIED WHAT THE CAMERAS ARE GOING TO SEE AND WHO CAN USE THE INFORMATION.

WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IS NOT TRANSPARENT FROM WHAT THE INFORMATION THE CAMERAS ARE USING IS BEING USED NOR.

WE ARE JUST BEING TOLD THEY ARE STOCK AND TRACK PEOPLE AND NOT ON THE CAMERAS TO BEGIN WITH. WITH ALL OF THE ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE HAVE, CAMERAS THAT ARE SURVEYING PEOPLE EVERY SINGLE TIME IS SOMETHING I CAN'T BELIEVE WE ARE DISCUSSING WHEN WE ARE HAVING SO MANY HEALTH ISSUES.

I WANT ALL OF THE MONEY WE HAVE AVAILABLE TO MAKING OUR COMMUNITY SAFER AND HEALTHIER. THANK YOU.

THIS IS ANDY MARSHAL FROM PRECINCT 2.

[02:10:04]

WE DON'T WANT THE 2027 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AIDING AND ABETTING INCIDENTS SUCH AS THE ICE SHOOTING OF LORENSO OR WHEN THE MAN CALLED POLICE FOR SHOTS IN THE AIR.

IN THIS TIME, PUBLIC TRUST WOULD BE BETTER GAINED BY THE REPRESENTATIVES IN THE 2027 FISCAL YEAR SPENT ON MORE ROBUST SOCIAL SERVICES SUCH AS RISE AND HEART AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION AND FOR THE HARRIS CENTER.

INSTEAD OF EXPENSIVE MEASURING PROFITABLE TO THOSE IN POWER SUCH AS MORE FLOCK CAMERAS IN THE COMMUNITY THAT SERVE TO TERRORIZE IMMIGRANTS AND REINFORCE SOCIAL STRATIFICATION.

FLIPPANT DISMISSALS THAT THE PHONES TRACK US DON'T HELP ANYONE AND CALCULATED OR UNDERESTIMATED.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> I AM KELLY HEAP, THE DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SUPPORT SERVICE AT FAMILY TIES LOCATED AT NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY.

WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE INVESTMENT IN SYSTEMS LIKE DBAF AND HEART AND RISE COORDINATED RESPONSE TEAMS AND WARM REFERLES AND HOUSING ACCESS AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION WORK THAT CREATES PATHWAYS TO SAFETY. THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE FUND HELPS IN THE COMMUNITY BY GIVING SURVIVORS THE POWER TO OBTAIN SAFETY AND SECURITY. THEY HELP MOVE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS FROM TRYING TO SURVIVE ANOTHER DAY AND FUTURE OF HOPE AND HEALING. WE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WINCING WITNESSING SURVIVORS BACK IN THE COMMUNITY OF ADVOCACY AND MORE.

THEY HELP CHANGE THE COURSE OF SURVIVOR'S LIES AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO INCREASE IN THE INVESTMENT THAT ARE IMPROVING AND SAVING LIVES IN THE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU AGAIN. >> THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS ROGER, I'M THE TEXAS STATE DIRECTOR FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION ORGANIZATION FOUNDED BY GABBY GIFFORDS.

I'M HERE TO ASK THAT YOU CONTINUE INVESTING IN EVIDENCE-INFORMED COMMUNITY DRIVEN STRATEGIES THAT OFFER PROVEN AND SUSTAINED REDUCTION AND INCREASE TO HEART AND RISE AND STAND ALONE COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT.

WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IN SIM IS IT DRIVES DOWN VIOLENCE.

WE KNOW FROM THE WORK OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS ARE COST SAVINGS OF $250,000 PER LIFE.

REDUCTION OF VIOLENCE MEANS EMS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AREN'T CALLED AND ER SURGEONS AREN'T USED AND MEDICAL EXAMINER AREN'T NEEDED AND DA AND COUNTY USE THEIR RESOURCES ELSEWHERE.

I ASK TO INCREASE IN THE HEART AND RISE PROGRAMS.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER.

MY NAME IS ASIF I'M HERE ASKING COMMISSIONER ELLIS TO MAKE A MOTION TODAY UNDER AGENDA ITEM 26-55701 SO COMMISSIONER YEAR VOTE BEFORE THE '27 YEAR IS ADOPTED.

STILL NO GUIDELINES BEEN PROVIDED FOR HARRIS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERACTION WITH ICE.

IF THE COURT IS NOT PREPARED TO APPROPRIATE THE FUNDING TODAY, THEN I'M ASKING AT MINIMUM THE ONB TO RETURN BEFORE FINAL ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AND ONE TO PROVIDE AN AMOUNT TO PROPOSED FUNDING SOURCE AND THREE APPROPRIATE THE FISCAL YEAR '27 BUDGET. ALSO REQUESTING COMMISSIONER ELLIS TO COME TO HOUSTON CITY HALL AND HELP US TO FIGHT FOR JUSTICE. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> MY NAME IS FELIX.

I COME HERE TODAY TO CALL ON YOU COMMISSIONERS TO ESTABLISH A HOUSING TRUST FUND THAT SUPPORTS LEGAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES LIKE EVICTION DEFENSE TITLE CLEARING AND SINCE DIDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT. HARRIS COUNTY FACE HOUSING GAP OF $130,000. THIS MEANS AFFORDABILITY FOR HOMES IS GETTING FAR HIGHER AND THE GAP KEEPS GROWING.

AS THAT GAP GROWS SO DO INEVICTIONS AND HOMELESSNESS.

THE BUDGET THIS YEAR IS 24.1 MILLION, 1/40 CLOSE TO THE

[02:15:07]

SHERIFF BUDGET. I RUN THE WEST STREET HOME DISASTER PROGRAM AND WITNESSED WHAT IT DOES TO THE HEALTH.

AND MESSAGE IS PROTECT THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET AND STOP INVESTING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF THOSE WHO CAN'T

PUT SHEET ROCK UP. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 5, JAYLIN, CHRISTINA, ROBIN. FOR ITEM 7, JULI AND ITEM 23, CHRIS AND ROGER. YOU EACH HAVE A MINUTE.

>> GOOD MORNING. I'M THE AREA ORGANIZING DIRECTOR FOR ASK ME THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES. ON BEHALF OF ASK ME HARRIS COUNTY WORKERS WHO REPRESENT 6,000 HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY WORKERS I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR INCLUDING FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S NEW CONSULTATION POLICY IN THE 2027 BUDGET.

THIS IS JUST ONE MORE EXAMPLE OF THE COUNTY LISTENING TO WORKERS, TAKING THEIR NEEDS INTO ACCOUNT AND ACTUALLY PUTTING MONEY BEHIND THE POLICY THAT WAS PASSED.

WE VIEW THIS CONSULTATION POLICY AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD TRUST AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

COUNTY WORKERS KNOW THEIR JOBS BETTER THAN ANYONE AND IT MAKES SENSE TO GIVE THEM A VOICE AND A SEAT AT THE TABLE.

SO THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH YOU TODAY.

MY NAME IS JAYLIN AND I REFLECT THE COLLECTIVE ACTION FOR USE.

I LIVE IN HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 2 AND HERE TO EXPRESS OPPOSITION OF BUDGET CUT. 60 SECONDS IS NOT ENOUGH.

INVEST IN THE COMMUNITY. THERE'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS AND MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AND POLLUTION CRISIS.

FLOCK CAMERAS AREN'T STOPPING CRIMES.

THEY ARE NOT MAKING AUTHORITIES ARRIVE FASTER TO THE SCENE.

THE FINES SHOULD BE TARGETED TOWARDS PUBLIC RESOURCES AND FACILITIES WE USE EVERY DAY TO HELP.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS JULIO WITH TEXAS HOUSERS. BUDGET SHOULD REFLECT IMPROVEMENTS FOR QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS.

HOUSING STABILITY IS CENTRAL TO THE HEALTHY AND SAFE AND THRIVING COMMUNITY. A TOPIC OF CONCERN WE HAVE HEARD MANY SPEAKERS TALK ABOUT AFFORDABILITY IS HOUSING PRECARITY. HERE TO DATE 470,282 EVICTION FILINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED IN OUR 16 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURTS. EVICTION PROGRAMS THAT THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO FAIR EVICTION HEARING AND SLUMLORDS USE EVICTIONS AS PREDATORY AND VIOLENT PRACTICES.

THE HOUSING TRUST FUND COULD PROVIDE A MECHANISM TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS AGAINST DISPLACEMENT. I AGREE WITH THE SPEAKERS OF INVESTMENTS IN HEART AND RISE AND OTHERS.

YOU ARE ELECTED TO MAKE THE HARD DISCUSSIONS TO SUPPORT THE CONSTITUENTS NOT JUST THE WEALTHY.

WE MUST PROTECT AND VALUE LIVES. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> HONORABLE JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, MY NAME IS CHRISTI 2345, BORN AND RAISED IN HOUSTON. I'M A GUN VIOLENCE SURVIVOR AND THE NATIONAL ORGANIZING COMMUNITY OF NATIONAL JUSTICE.

I'M HERE WITH SHARED VISION OF HARRIS COUNTY AND EVERY RESIDENT CAN DRIVE. I URGE THE COURT TO IMPROVE $4.5 MILLION INVESTMENT OF HEART AND RISE AND DOMESTIC VILENESS PREVENTION. GROWING CITIES MODELING HOW MESSAGES TRANSFORM PUBLIC SAFETY AND SAVE LIVES.

THEY AREN'T SOCIAL SERVICES, THEY ARE CRITICAL PUBLIC SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE. THEY ARE VITAL FOR BUILDING PUBLIC SAFETY ECOSYSTEM THAT EFFECTIVELY SUPPORTS THOSE IMPACTED, PROTECTS THOSE AT RISK AND ALLOWS OUR COMMUNITIES TO THRIVE AND SAVE LIVES. INVESTING IN THE PROVEN STRATEGIES IS NOT ONLY FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE PATH FORWARD IT IS THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY FOR LASTING CHANGE.

THE NATION LOOKS FOR HARRIS COUNTY TO LEADERSHIP LET US RISE TO THE MOMENT AND PARTNERING WITH AND FULLY FUNDING THE FRONT LINE ORGANIZATIONS WE CAN FORGE THE SAFER AND HEALTHIER AND BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR EVERY FAMILY IN THE COMMUNITY.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND ESTEEMED COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS CHRIS PARKER, TRUSTEE. I'M HERE TO RESPECTFULLY

[02:20:03]

ADVOCATE FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF US CONTINUING TO HOST GRADUATIONS AT RELIANCE STADIUM. WE HAVE SUMMER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL HAS 13,000 PEOPLE AT GRADUATION. THERE IS NO OTHER VENUE IN THE COUNTY THAT WILL DO. IT IS THE BEST PLACE.

WE WERE TOLD THAT CONCERTS GENERATE MORE REVENUE THAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS, AND THAT -- BUT I RESPECTFULLY ASK SHOULD CONCERTS PROMOTER'S NEEDS BE PLACED ABOVE THE SCHOOL CHILDREN? HUMBLE STRIVES TO BE THE GREAT COMMUNITY PARTNER TO HARRIS COUNTY.

AND PLEASE HELP US IF YOU CAN. PLEASE HELP US.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN.

AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S GOTTEN MY ATTENTION.

I APPRECIATE YOUR BEING HERE. AND ADVOCATING FOR IT.

AND I HAVE MADE MY APPOINTE AWARE THAT THIS IS A CONCERN FOR ME AND SO HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET THE SPORTS CORPORATION TO

RECONSIDER. >> THANK YOU.

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU.

I'M ROGER BROWN. I SERVE AS THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR HUMBLE ISD AND SERVE ABOUT 47,000 STUDENTS IN NORTHEAST HARRIS COUNTY. AND SO LIKE MS. PARKER, I'M HERE TO ASK FOR THE HELP IN SECURING RELIANCE STADIUM FOR THE GRADUATION. YOU THINK ABOUT IT IN LIFE WE CELEBRATE BIRTH AND CELEBRATE THE FIRST YEAR OF THE BIRTHDAY.

THE STUDENTS MOVE THROUGH AND WE CELEBRATE GRADUATION.

WE LOOKED AT OTHER ONES AND DIKON PARK AND ASTROS AND NBA PLAYOFFS POSSIBLY AND WE ASK FOR THE HELP AND GREAT VENUE WITH ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY PARTICIPATE IN THE CELEBRATION.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 35, SKANA AND 23, MATTHEW AND WILL. ITEM 28, DOROTHY AND ITEM 29 JACOB. YOU EACH HAVE A MINUTE.

THIS IS A TAX DOCUMENT THAT SHOWS YOU SUPPRESSED THE EVIDENCE IN PRECINCT 5. HOW DOES IT HAPPEN WHEN IT WAS NEVER ON THE AGENDA? THIS SHOWS BID RIGGING, NO OTHER BIDDERS WERE HERE. WHAT THIS IS ABOUT IS OUR COMMUNITY. SOMEONE GOT CONTRACT NAME AND PUT THE HOUSE IN THE CONTRACTS WITHOUT IT BEING ON THE AGENDA AND YOU WANT TO DO THE OPEN MEETING AX.

AND THEN WE USE CONSTABLES TO GO AND EXCHANGE TAX AND GET MONIES.

WE WANT TO KNOW WHERE THE MONEY WENT.

THIS IS HARRIS COUNTY. THE MONEY IS NOT THERE.

THIS IS THE REGISTRY. WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? WHO WANTS TO ANSWER THIS? MR. GARCIA AND ELLIS, YOU ARE SENIOR COMMISSIONERS. YOU ARE AN ATTORNEY.

CAT -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

>> YOU DID YOUR OATH ALL OF YOU. >> STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE

RECORD. >>

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS MATTHEW, THE PRINCIPAL OF SUMMER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL.

WE ARE ONE OF THE LARGEST HIGH SCHOOLS AND ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE STATE AND APPROACHING 4200 STUDENT THIS IS WEIR.

I'M COMING TO ASK FOR THE SUPPORT AS THE COLLEAGUES DID TO ALLOW US TO USE NRG STADIUM FOR GRADUATION.

AS YOU KNOW GRADUATION IS MORE THAN JUST A SCHOOL EVENT.

IT'S COMMUNITY GATHERING AND CELEBRATION AND MILESTONE THAT EVERYONE CHERISHES. FOR YEARS I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WITNESSING THE FAMILIES PARTICIPATE IN THE CEREMONY.

WE HAVE MOMS AND DADS AND AUNTS AND UNCLES AND GRANDPARENTS AND COUSINS AND THIRD AND FOURTH COUSINS, YOU NAME IT.

YOU BEEN TO THE GRADUATION, YOU HAVE SEEN IT AND 20 PEOPLE IN MATCHING SHIRTS IN GRADUATION GEAR AND EVERYONE IS THERE TO CELEBRATE. IT'S GREAT IF EVERYONE CAN ATTEND ONLY WITH THE FACILITY LIKE NRG AND MAKES THE MOMENTS POSSIBLE. FAMILIES SHOULDN'T HAVE TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE DECISION WHICH FAMILY MEMBER TO LEAVE BACK AT HOME. PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE GRADUATION AT NRG, THANK YOU GUYS.

[02:25:01]

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ALLOW ME TO SPEAK TODAY.

I'M WILL FAULKNER AND I'M THE PRINCIPAL AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.

THIS REQUEST IS PERSONAL. MY SON IS GRADUATION OF HIGH SCHOOL. DURING THE JUNIOR YEAR SUFFERED THE STROKE. WITH SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS RESUMED THE EDUCATION AND GRADUATED.

ALL THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAW HIM RECEIVE THE DID LO MA AT RELIANT STADIUM. IF NOT, WE HAD TO DECIDE WHO GOT THE TICKET. HOLDING THE CEREMONY ALLOWED EVERYONE TO CELEBRATE THE ONCE IN A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT.

I WANT THE SAME EXPERIENCE FOR ALL POSSIBLE OF THE GRADUATES AND RELIANT STADIUM AND NRG PROVIDES THE SEATING FACILITIES AND PARKING THE COMMUNITY NEEDS TO COME TOGETHER.

THANK YOU FOR THE CONSIDERATION. >> THANK YOU.

>> HELLO. I'M DOROTHY.

I'M HERE REALLY ON PLAI BEHALF E PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY.

I'D LIKE TO ASK THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY HOW HAS HARRIS COUNTY IMPROVED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS SINCE THEY RAISED OUR BUDGET TO EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT? HOW IS YOUR LIFE GOTTEN BETTER? IT HASN'T, HAS IT? I'M VERY SAD THAT MORE PEOPLE AREN'T HERE FOR ME TO SAY WHAT I WANT TO SAY.

BUT YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT OUR -- WHAT YOU'RE ASKING FOR, ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ASKED FOR ALL THE DIFFERENT THINGS, I THINK THEY'RE INCREDIBLE. MY HEART BLEEDS FOR THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE TO BREATHE IN FOUL AIR AND BE AROUND STENCH DISGUSTING THINGS. SHAME ON US FOR NOT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. BUT ALSO NOTHING IS FREE.

YOU'RE ABOUT TO RAISE THE TAXES ON THE PEOPLE.

I SPOKE TO A LITTLE LADY THE OTHER DAY THAT WAS IN TEARS THAT SAID I HAVE TO LEAVE HARRIS COUNTY.

I LIVED HERE FOR 45 YEARS. I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE MY HOUSE ANYMORE. AND ALSO I'D LIKE WHEN PEOPLE

SPEAK. >> THANK YOU.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> PEOPLE WOULD LIKE YOUR

ATTENTION. >> THANK YOU MA'AM.

>> POSSIBLE ACTION RELATED TO THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS, NOW, THERE ARE FOUR OUT OF FIVE THAT WERE STUPID AND TOOK THE RAISES AND OTHER REJECTED THE RAISE. KNEW IT WAS NOT FEASIBLE? IT WOULDN'T BE NO GOOD. NO NEW TAXES.

THE ECONOMY IS STUPID. BYE.

>> THANK YOU. >> I'M JACOB.

>> THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL THE

SPEAKERS. >> OKAY.

[Departments (Part 1 of 2)]

ALL RIGHT. LET ME GO THROUGH FIGURING OUT WHAT WILL GO ON CONSENT AND WHAT WILL NOT.

SO COLLEAGUES WE HAVE 31 ITEMS ON TODAY'S AGENDA.

AND WE'LL GO THROUGH ANY ITEMS YOU WOULD LIKE TO PULL FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. SO SINCE IT'S 31, I WILL JUST GO THROUGH THEM. SO ITEM 1, WE ARE DISCUSSING ON THE REAL PROPERTY. ITEM 2 WOULD YOU GUYS LIKE TO

PULL ITEM 2 FOR DISCUSSION? >> JUDGE, ITEM 1 HAS -- I THINK THERE'S A SEPARATE MOTION FOR IT.

ITEM 2 WE NEED TO MAKE A STATEMENT.

BUT WE NEED TO HAVE A CONVERSATION.

SHOULD NOT BE CONSENT. >> YES OR ITEM 2.

ITEM 3? I MEAN, THE ONES THAT NEED A MOTION, I WILL READ IT WHEN JAMES ASKS FOR IT.

ASKING THE COLLEAGUES IF THEY WANT TO DISCUSS IT.

>> YES ON 3. >> ITEM 4.

>> YES ON 4. >> 5?

>> YES. >> 6, YES.

ITEM 7? ESG PROGRAM.

I'LL JUST LEAVE IT FOR DISCUSSION.

[02:30:02]

DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS. ITEM 8, ANYBODY NEED TO DISCUSS

THAT ONE? >> NO.

>> 9, NO. IS THAT OKAY? 10. ALL RIGHT.

>> NO. >> 15 AUDITOR, AUDITED CLAIMS.

>> I DON'T THINK SO. DO YOU HAVE ANY --

>> NO. >> PURCHASING, ITEM 16.

THAT'S ALL ON PURCHASING. 20?

>> NO. >> 21?

>> NO. >> 22? THAT'S COMMISSIONER RAMSEYS ITEM.

I THINK YES, RIGHT. >> YES.

>> 23, YES. 24, NO.

PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT. 25?

>> NO. >> ALL RIGHT.

WE'RE ALMOST DONE HERE. 26?

>> YES. >> 27?

>> NO. >> 28?

>> NO. >> THOSE ARE JUST TRANSMITTAL.

>> YES. >> WE DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS.

>> OKAY. >> SO THAT ONE IS APPROVED AS PRESENTED. 29?

>> EXECUTIVE SESSION. >> 30 EXECUTIVE SESSION.

WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON BOTH.

>> I DON'T NEED IT FOR 29 BUT IN RESPONSE TO THE PREVIOUS MOTION.

>> WE WANT 30, JUDGE. >> 29 AND 30 FOR EXECUTIVE

SESSION. >> I THINK 29 IS FINE.

SHE SAYS SHE DOESN'T NEED TO GO BACK.

>> ONLY 30. GOT IT.

ONLY 30 WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

AND 29 WILL GO TO CONSENT. AND THEN 31.

>> YES, DISCUSS. >> OKAY, GREAT.

ALL RIGHT. SO LET'S START --

>> MOVE TO THE CONSENT AGENDA? >> YES.

>> ITEM 29, ANY ACTION ON THAT OR NO ACTION?

>> 29 IS A TRANSMITTAL, SO WE JUST -- YEAH, NO ACTION.

SORRY, YEAH, IT'S A NO ACTION. >> IT'S JUST A TRANSMITTAL,

RIGHT? >> IT'S JUST A NO ACTION.

I WAS MISTAKEN. ANYTHING ELSE?

JAMES? >> NO, MA'AM.

>> IS THERE A MOTION FOR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 31 EXCEPT FOR THE ITEMS

THAT WE'VE SET FOR DISCUSSION? >> SO MOVE.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

LET'S START WITH ITEM 5 AND THE RELATED ITEMS ON THE TAX RATE AND THE BUDGET JUST BECAUSE I KNOW THAT'S WHAT FOLKS ARE MOST INTERESTED IN. SO THAT ONE WOULD GO ALONG WITH THE REAL PROPERTY ITEM AND THE CONSTABLE FEE, RIGHT?

BASICALLY JUST THOSE THREE? >> ITEM 2 AS WELL, SALARY

GRIEVANCE. >> RIGHT, OKAY.

SO WHY DON'T WE -- OKAY. >> ITEM 1 WITH A MOTION.

NONCONTROVERSIAL. >> YEAH, ITEM 1 IS ON THE HIGH VALUE UNDERUTILIZED COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

>> NEED TO READ THE LANGUAGE? >> GO FOR IT.

>> THERE'S A MOTION. >> IS THAT WHAT I HAVE HERE?

>> IT CAN'T -- THANK YOU. ITEM 1 HANDED OUT, YOUR TEAM

SHOULD HAVE THE MOST RECENT. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS A --

>> HAVE THEM PROCEED WITH THE DUE DILIGENCE AND SELL THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES 1225 ELDER AND 6710 EAST AND HOUSTON TEXAS,

12721 FOX TON ROAD 77048. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> AYE. >> I HAVE ANOTHER MOTION ON ITEM

1? >> ANY OPPOSED?

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> MOTION TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TO PROCEED WITH THE DUE DILIGENCE AND DECLARE THE SURPLUS AND SELL 10555 NORTHWEST FREE WAY HOUSTON

[02:35:06]

TEXAS 77092. >> IS THAT IN THE PRECINCT?

>> IT IS IN 4. >> COMMISSION BY BRUYNE AND

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> AYE.

>> THERE'S ANOTHER ONE. OCA -- DO WE NEED TO MAKE THE

MOTION? >> THOSE WERE THE MOTIONS.

>> WE'RE DONE WITH THAT ITEM. >> SO THEN SOUNDS LIKE ITEM 2 BEFORE WE GOAT TO ITEM 5, IS THAT WHAT I HEARD?

>> YES. >> ITEM 2.

>> MOVE WE TAKE NO ACTION. >> SECOND.

>> DOES IT NEED A MOTION OR JUST SAY NO ACTION?

>> JUDGE GO AHEAD. >> WE CAN PROVIDE CONTEXT FOR

THIS ONE THAT IS HELPFUL. >> THE COUNTY JUDGE PROPOSED SALARY FOR NEXT YEAR IS 139,574.20.

AFTER COURT SET THE SALARY, THE COUNTY JUDGE TRIGGERED A GRIEVANCE. ON AUGUST 20TH THEY HEARD IT AND VOTED 6-3 TO RECOMMEND INCREASE OF TREASURER SALARY 181,411,36.

UNDER THE STATUTE COURT IS REQUIRED TO CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATION BUT NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE ACTION.

IF YOU DON'T ACT, THE SALARY REMAIN AT 139.

>> NO ACTION. >> NO ACTION.

>> OKAY. ALL RIGHT.

SO NO ACTION ON THAT ONE. >> SO THEN IF WE GO TO ITEM 5, I WILL TAKE ITEM 5 ALONG WITH ITEM 6.

THAT'S IT, RIGHT? >> YES.

>> ALL RIGHT. >> WE HAVE 3 AND 4.

>> YOU GOES WANT TO GO IN ORDER? >> WE CAN DO 5.

>> DON'T FORGET. >> I WON'T FORGET.

>> LET'S GO TO ITEM 5. >> JUDGE, IF I MIGHT JUST LAY

OUT -- >> LET'S START WITH DIRECTOR

RAMOS. >> SO AS COURT IS AWARE, WE PRESENTED THE BUDGET AUGUST 17TH.

WE ARE HERE NOW TO AMEND THE BUDGET AND FROM HERE THAT AMENDED BUDGET AND TAX RATES FORMALLY NOTICED TO THE PUBLIC.

FOR YOUR REVIEW AND ADOPTION ON SEPTEMBER 17TH.

WHAT THE PROPOSED ORDER THAT I WOULD HAVE WOULD BE WE WOULD TAKE UP EITHER THE TAX RATES OR THE CUTS OR ANY CUT AMENDMENTS FIRST. ONCE WE HAVE AGREEMENT ON THE CUTS AND THE TAX RATES, WE WOULD MOVE ON TO SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS.

I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE OFFICES.

THERE'S THE SLATE THAT I THINK HAS SOME GENERAL CONSENSUS OR GENERAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COURT OFFICES THAT I CAN READ OUT. THAT WOULD BE MY PROPOSED ORDER.

>> YES, GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE DO THE TAX RATE FIRST BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY WE KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY WE HAVE. THEN YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TO SPEND. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE TO YOU?

>> YES, SIR. THE TAX RATE JUST FOR THE RECORD, WE'LL READ OUT THE FORMAL MOTION IN THE SECOND.

FOR THE GENERAL FUND RECOMMENDING THE APPROVED RATE AND FLOOD CONTROL RECOMMENDED THE APPROVED RATE AND PORT IS DEBT SERVICE AND HARRIS HEALTH RECOMMENDING LAST YEAR'S REVENUE

PLUS 20 MILLION. >> MAKE THE MOTION.

>> I THINK WE HAVE TO DO THE -- >> I WILL LET YOU READ.

>> WE HAVE TO DO INDIVIDUALLY. >> CLEAR MY THROAT AS I GO.

>> JUST START WITH THE HORTICUPORT OFHOUSTON.

MOTION TO SET THE PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2026, 9:00 A.M.

TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED TAX RATE OF 0.603 OF HUNDRED DOLLARS OF TAXABLE VALUE FOR DEBT SERVICE AND DIRECT THE MANAGEMENT OF TAX SERVICE COLLECTOR AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLISH ALL BY APPLICABLE LAW.

>> SO MOVED. >> COMMISSIONER BRUNES.

>> SO MOVED. >> I HAVE A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT.

>> ON THE PORT? >> YES.

>> OKAY. >> I'M SORRY.

IT IS ON THE -- >> THERE'S A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUNES AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. JUST BECAUSE SO MUCH ATTENTION ON THE BUDGET, JUST CLARIFY WHY WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE ON THE

[02:40:02]

PORT TAX RATE. >> JAY CAN JUMP IN IF I GET IT WRONG, HOW THE STATUTE BECAUSE THEY SIGN UP FOR DEBT WE ARE AGREEING TO PAY IT REGARDLESS OF ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS OR DISAGREEMENTS. THE DEBT RATES ARE ALWAYS SORT OF MANDATORY REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE COMMISSIONER COURT VOTES FOR OR NOT. YOU ESSENTIALLY SIGNED UP FOR THE DEBT RATE WHEN YOU AUTHORIZE THE DEBT TO BE ISSUED.

>> THAT'S RIGHT. OBLIGATED TO PAY THE DEBT.

THE DEBT AND THE RATE IS AS FOLLOWS.

>> WHEN DID WE AUTHORIZE THE DEBT TO BE ISSUED?

>> I WOULD NEED TO GO CHECK. LONG BEFORE ANYONE'S TENURE.

THE PORT ISSUES REVENUE ONLY BONDS.

>> THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO CLARIFY.

THIS IS DEBT SERVICE ON DEBT AUTHORIZED MANY YEARS AGO.

WE STILL NEED TO APPROVE IT. >> SHOULD BE RETIREED IN THE

NEXT TEN YEARS. >> THANK YOU.

>> SO ON THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, THIS IS THE VAR?

>> YES. >> A MOTION TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2026, AT 9:00 A.M. TO CONSIDER FOR HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT THE PROPOSED 2026 TAX RATES PER HUNDRED DOLLARS OF TAXABLE VALUE OF UP TO 0.0423 FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS AND 0.4123 AND TAX RATE 0.05266 AND DIRECT THE OFFICE AND MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AND TAX ASSESSOR AND COLLECTOR AND OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO EXECUTE AND PUBLISH ALL BY APPLICABLE LAW AND MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> SECOND.

>> SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

YOU ARE FLAGGED TO SPEAK. >> NO.

>> ON THE GENERAL FUND COMMISSIONER --

>> SO MOVED. I HAVE A MOTION TO MAKE.

>> SHOULD WE GO TO HARRIS HEALTH.

>> DO WE HAVE A SECOND MOTION FOR THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT?

>> THE HEARING FOR THE BUDGET. >> CORRECT.

>> I WOULD RECOMMEND TAKING THOSE UP AFTER ANY BUDGET

AMENDMENTS. >> YEAH, OKAY.

SO ALL RIGHT. SO COMMISSIONER GARCIA, GO

AHEAD. >> THANK YOU.

ON THE -- WE'RE NOW TALKING ABOUT THE COUNTY TAX RATE, CORRECT? THE GENERAL FUND.

>> UNLESS YOU WANT TO GO TO HARRIS HEALTH FIRST.

>> THIS WILL BE A MOTION FOR THE GENERAL FUND.

SO, LOOK, AS THE BUDGET HAS BEEN PROPOSED BY MR. RAMOS, WE HAVE WE HAVE AN OPTION OF -- WE HAVE THE $15 MILLION SURPLUS.

>> THAT'S CORRECT, SIR. >> AND SO I THINK THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO SHOW OUR CONSTITUENTS THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO GRAB EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN ESPECIALLY WHEN FOLKS ARE REALLY DEALING WITH REAL ISSUES. THE BUDGET AS WE'RE CONSIDERING IT IS ALREADY DIFFICULT AS IT IS FOR RESIDENTS AND I KNOW IN MY PRECINCT, SO MY MOTION WILL BE TO SET THE PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2026, AT 9:00 A.M. TO CONSIDER FOR HARRIS COUNTY THE PROPOSED 2026 TAX RATES OF UP TO 0.36171 FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS AND 0.05354 FOR DEBT SERVICE FOR TOTAL TAX RATE OF 0.41525 AND TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, THE TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR AND OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO EXECUTE AND PUBLISH ALL RELATED NOTICES AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW. THIS MEANS THAT THIS WILL -- WE WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE THE CONSTITUENTS AT LEAST $24 BACK.

NOW, $24 MAY NOT SOUND LIKE A WHOLE LOT.

BUT THAT'S ALSO THE SAME THING WE SAID WHEN WE PASSED BONDS.

IT WILL BE 24 BUCKS, 23 BUCKS, 15-DOLLARS, 12-DOLLARS.

THIS IS $24 THAT CAN FILL THE TANK OF GAS, THIS IS $24 THAT WILL HELP TO BUY MILK AND EGGS. THIS IS $24 THAT CAN HELP TO BUY A CHILD, YOU KNOW, A NEEDED RESOURCE AT THEIR HOME.

SO THIS IS $24 THAT'S REAL MONEY FOR REAL FAMILIES IN MY PRECINCT

AND SO THIS IS MY MOTION. >> I WOULD HAVE A SUBSTITUTE MOTION. DO IT AT THIS POINT?

>> YES, YOU CAN. >> SUBSTITUTE AND DON'T GET THE

SECOND, GO BACK TO THE OTHER. >> IF YOU WANT TO DO SUBSTITUTE ON HIS, WE WOULD VOTE ON YOUR MOTION FIRST AND THEN GO BACK TO

COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S. >> THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION I WOULD HAVE ON THE GENERAL TAX RATE WOULD BE SET A PUBLIC HEARING ON

[02:45:02]

SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2026, 9:00 A.M. TO CONSIDER FOR HARRIS COUNTY THE PROPOSED 2026 TAX RATES PER HUNDRED OF TAXABLE VALUE OF UP TO 0.32742 FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS AND 0.05354 FOR DEBT SERVICE FOR TOTAL RATE OF 0.38096.

THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THE TAX RATE IS TODAY IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THERE WOULD BE A, WHAT I CALL, FLAT TAX FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT WOULD BE MY SUBSTITUTE MOTION.

>> COLLEAGUES ON THIS -- AT LEAST MAYBE SOMETHING GOT LOST IN MY OFFICE. BUT I HADN'T HAD THE CHANCE TO REVIEW THESE. SO CAN WE JUST HAVE SOME TIME TO LOOK AT THEM WITH OUR TEAM? MAYBE TAKE A LITTLE BREAK.

ALL RIGHT. SO IT'S NOON.

>> WHAT'S THE PROCESS? MOTION HAS BEEN MADE.

>> SO -- >> I THINK IF THERE'S -- FIRST I THINK THE QUESTION IS THERE A SECOND ON THE MOTION?

>> ON THE SUBSTITUTE. >> AND IF THERE'S NOT A SECOND ON THE SUBSTITUTE, THEN WE'LL FIND THERE'S A SECOND ON THE PRIMARY MOTION? AND --

>> I'M JUST NOT READY TO VOTE ON EITHER ONE OR MAKE A SECOND ON EITHER ONE OF THEM RIGHT NOW. I NEED TO REVIEW IT.

WE ARE ALREADY RUSHED THINGS THROUGH AND FLOCK, CAN WE NOT RUSH THE ENTIRE TAX RATE THROUGH.

I JUST SAW THE MOTION. >> IF I MIGHT MAKE THE SUGGESTION. MOST IMPORTANT THING WE DO TODAY. IF YOU WANT TO GO TO LUNCH AND COME BACK AND DO IT IN AN HOUR, IT'S FINE IN MY JUDGMENT.

DO YOU WANT TO TAKE AN HOUR? >> I AGREE.

IF YOU CAN IN WRITING CIRCULATE ANY MOTIONS SO WE CAN ASSESS THE IMPACT, I THINK THAT'S REASONABLE AS WELL.

>> MY STAFF GOT ONE OF THEM AT 11:59 AND DIDN'T RECEIVE THE OTHER ONE. MAYBE GOT LOST SOMEWHERE.

BUT THE POINT IS I HAVEN'T SEEN THEM.

>> OKAY. IF THERE'S ANY OTHERS, I PLAN TO MAKE A MOTION IN TERMS OF THE ONE ONB WAS RECOMMENDING.

AND MAKE SURE SEND IT OUT IF SOMEONE DOESN'T HAVE IT.

FOURTH OR FIFTH? >> ALL RIGHT.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BREAK -- WHAT I'M HEARING BREAK UNTIL 1:00?

>> I WILL HAVE -- I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT 1:00.

I WILL BE GONE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR.

SO I'D LIKE TO SEE IF WE CAN FIGURE THIS OUT.

IF NOT, TAKE A BREAK. >> COME BACK AT 2.

>> COME BACK AT 2 IS FINE WITH ME.

>> MIGHT BE TWO MOTIONS ON THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT AS WELL.

DO WE WANT TO GET THAT OUT? >> IF THERE ARE VARIOUS MOTIONS ON ALL OF THEM, THIS IS A SUGGESTION.

I WOULD SUGGEST SEND THEM OUT. I'M PREPARED TO MAKE A COUPLE THAT WERE RECOMMENDED BY ONB AND YOU HAVE THEM AND SOMEBODY SEND THEM OUT. IF MEMBERS HAVE OTHERS, JUST SEND THEM OUT. WE HAVE TWO HOURS TO LOOK AT

THEM. >> WHAT WE CAN DO COMMISSIONER ONCE THE MOTIONS ARE MADE, SEND BACK ONE DOCUMENT WITH ALL OF

THE MOTIONS. >> PERFECT.

>> MIGHT THROW THE NAME ON IT. IF IT'S A GUESS.

>> WE CAN DO THAT. >> OKAY.

>> THANK YOU. >> SO COMMISSIONER --

>> GO AHEAD. >> IF IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE NOW THAT WE HAVE THE THREE MOTIONS FOR THE GENERAL FUND, I THINK IT WOULD BE HELPFUL FOR ANOTHER MOTION OF HARRIS COUNTY AND CRUNCH THE NUMBERS AND HAVE IT READY FOR 2:00 IF YOU KNOW IT.

>> BASICALLY ANY MOTIONS THAT FOLKS ARE PLANNING TO MAKE, YOU WILL HAVE TWO HOURS. JUST PLEASE HAVE THE COURTESY OF

SENDING THEM OVER TO REVIEW. >> IF YOU CAN IN THE NEXT 15 MINUTES, DURING THE LUNCH BREAK. I WOULD LIE BUNCH BUT DON'T WANT

TO INFLUENCE THE VOTE. >> ACCOMMODATION COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WE'RE TAKING A TWO-HOUR BREAK, WHAT I'M HEARING?

>> ALL RIGHT. IT'S 12:04.

WE'LL BE BACK AT 2:00. >> JUDGE, CAN I REQUEST -- WE ONLY HAVE ONE ITEM IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

IT IS ONE THAT IS SOMEWHAT TIME SENSITIVE AND DO THAT AT 2:00 --

>> WE CAN DO IT NOW. >> I THINK WE'RE SQUEEZED BECAUSE WE HAVE SOMEONE THAT NEEDS TO TALK ABOUT IT.

IF WE DO THAT AT 2. WON'T TAKE 15, 20 MINUTES.

>> THE PERSON THAT NEEDS TO TALK ABOUT IT ISN'T HERE.

>> THEY ARE COMING IN. DO IT AT 2:00, THAT WOULD BE

GREAT FOR THAT. >> OKAY.

>> DO IT AT 2 AND THEN GO TO THOSE.

>> EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 2? >> DO I NEED TO SAY

[Executive Session]

>> IT IS NOW 2:05. COMMISSIONERS COURT IS BACK? SESSION, AND WE WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON ITEM --

>> ITEM 30. >> OKAY, IT'S NOW 2:03, AND

[02:50:12]

>> THANK YOU. 3:01 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. WE WERE ABOUT THE O'DONNEL ITEM.

CAN I JUST PUT NO ACTION ON THAT ONE? WELL, IT DOESN'T HAVE AN ACTION ITEM.

[Departments (Part 2 of 2)]

>> I SHOW NO ACTION THANK YOU. >> ALRIGHT. SO WE LEFT OFF AT THE, WE HAVEN'T DISCUSSED THE HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH OR GENERAL FUND TAX RATE. SO I HAVE COMMISSIONER GARCIA

AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> WHEN THEY GET SET UP WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO WALK THROUGH WHAT'S ON THE TABLE?

>> SURE. >> SURE SO O FOR THE GENERAL FUND O AND B RECOMMENDED A TAX COUNTY TAX RATE OF POINT 14750 FOR REVENUE OF $242,000,000 AND 900 THOUSAND THAT WOULD COST THE AVERAGE HOMESTEAD $242 A YEAR. COMMISSIONER GARCIA MOTION IS 4.225 FOR REVENUE 2407, 900 THOUSAND.

AND THAT WOULD COST THE AVERAGE HOMESTEAD $135 AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD A TOTAL COUNTY TAX RATE OF.38096 WHICH I BELIEVE IS LAST■EAR'S UMBER. AT 2.179 AND THAT WOULD BE $343 AND 600,000 LESS THAN THE VOTER APPROVED RATE AND THAT WOULD INCREASE THE AVERAGE HOMESTEAD BY $25.

HARRIS HEALTH THERE ARE TWO PROPOSALS ON THE TABLE.

O AND B IS RECOMMENDING.19528 FOR M AND O TAX REVENUE OF 1 POINT 178200,000 THAT COST AVERAGE HOMES 237 DOLLARS.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY PROPOSED 0.18418 THAT WOULD YIELD A REVENUE OF 1 POINT 107 BILLION, 700 THOUSAND.

500 THOUSAND LESS AND INCREASE THE TAX FOR THE AVERAGE HOMESTEAD BY $2. THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE.

THERE ARE FIVE PROPOSALS ON THE TABLE, JUDGE

>> IF RAMSEY, GARCIA AND ELLIS? >> YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF MOTIONS

ON THE TABLE? >> SO WE HAD A MOTION AND THEN

WE HAD A SUBSTITUTE MOTION? >> CORRECT.

>> I CAN'T REMEMBER WHO MADE THAT.

>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD THE ORIGINAL MOTION AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD A SUBSTITUTE MOTION

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WHAT WAS YOUR INSTITUTE MOTION AGAIN?

>> SUBSTANTIVE OR SUBSTITUTE ON THE GENERAL, DO I NEED TO REREAD

IT? >>.38096.

WHICH WOULD BE $243 MILLION 600 MILLION LESS.

>> THAT'S THE SAME AS LAST YEAR? >> YES, SIR.

>> FOR JUST THE GENERAL FUND? >> RIGHT

>> IF I MAY AND QUESTION. SO THAT WOULD MEAN WE HAVE TO

CUT 243 MILLION? >> YES.

>> OF CURRENT SPENDING? >> WHAT'S BUDGETED ON TOP OF THE 890,000,000 THAT WE CUT AS PART OF THE BUDGET.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY YOUR PROPOSAL IS CUTTING FROM HARRIS

COUNTY HEALTH? >> THAT NUMBER WOULD COVER THE INCREASE IN THE FLOOD CONTROL RIGHT WHATEVER AMOUNT WE'RE INCREASING FLOOD CONTROL WOULD BE TAKEN OUT OF HARRIS COUNTY.

SO IN ASSISTANCE PORT, FLOOD CONTROL AND THE GENERAL AND HOSPITAL DISTRICT IT WOULD BE EXACTLY WHAT WE PAID LAST YEAR IN A TAX RATE. THE SAME.

>> I CAN ASK A QUESTION SO IF WE WERE TO HAVE THE SAME THE THING WITH THE FLOOD CONTROL IS THE VOTERS VOTED FOR THE 2.5 BILLION AND THEN FOR THE OTHER ELECTION WE HAD A HANDFUL OF YEARS AGO SO I DON'T WANT TO GET IN THE WAY OF THAT AND INDISCRIMINATE

[02:55:07]

SPENDING ON THE GENERAL FUND SO IF WE PUT THE GENERAL FUND TO THE SAME AS LAST YEAR THE FLOOD CONTROL TO WHAT WE DISCUSS AND HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH? HE WANTED 20 MILLION?

>> 70.5 MILLION LESS THAN LAST YEAR THAT WOULD ESSENTIALLY BE

THAT. >> THAT'S WHAT HE PROPOSED, BUT I'M TRYING TO DO A SEPARATE, I'M SAYING WE TAKE HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH PROPOSES, THE THING IS THEY WERE NEVER REALLY CLEAR WITH ME ON HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH. SO WHICH TAX RATE ON HARRIS

COUNTY HEALTH? >> THE JOIBT RECOMMENDATION OF THIS IS FOUR HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH IS POINT 19528.

LAST YEAR'S PLUS, 20 MILLION. >> AND THEN FOR FLOOD CONTROL IT'S .05620? SO I GUESS MY QUESTION.

>> YES. WHICH WOULD YIELD A REVENUE OF $260 MILLION.7.

>> THEN FOR THE GENERAL FUND IT WOULD BE IF WE KEEP IT THE SAME, IT WOULD BE, AM I RIGHT TO SAY IT WOULD BE.38096?

>> CORRECT >> THEN THE TOTAL TAX RATE.

LET ME DO SOME MATH HERE REAL QUICK

>> FOR THE THREE PROPOSALS I CAN RUN THROUGH THAT.

>> SURE. >> THE O AND B IS POINT 67147.

WHICH WOULD BE A TAX INCREASE OF 193 DOLLARS.

ON THE COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WHICH WOULD BE THE RECOMMEND FOR ON HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH AND THEN MINUS 15 ON THE GENERAL FUND WOULD BE.66922. THEN ON COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S COMBINED TAX RATE WOULD BE.62413.

WHICH WOULD BE THE AVERAGE HOMESTEAD WOULD COST $41 MORE

>> I GUESS MY QUESTION IS, IF IT WERE.6289 BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT.3096 PLUS.3528 AND .0266 ADDS UP TO IF I'M DOING THE MATH

CORRECTLY? >> I'M SORRY, I LOST TRACK

THERE. >> I'M TRYING TO ADD KEEPING THE SAME GENERAL FUND RATE AS LAST YEAR.

THE FLOOD RATE OF THE APPROVAL RATE AND THE HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH TAX RATE, WELL AT THE SAME, I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD CUT IT. I JUST LOSE TRACK OF WHICH

NUMBER IS WHERE. >> SURE.

SO IF WE DID LAST YEAR'S RATES, OKAY.

SORRY. YOUR QUESTION IS LAST YEAR'S

RATE FOR GENERAL FUND? >> RIGHT.

>> THEN VAR FOR FLOOD CONTROL? >> RIGHT.

>> THEN THE OMB RECOMMENDATION FOR HARRIS COUNTY?

>> GIVE ME ONE SECOND. >> CORRECT.

>> GIVE ME ONE SECOND. IT WOULD BE.63493.

>> IT'S $60 MILLION FOR FLOOD CONTROL AND HARRIS HEALTH.

>> IF YOU LOOK AT THE TOTAL? >> IT'S BETWEEN THEY ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT BORDER, SO 60 MILLION FOR HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH AND FLOOD CONTROL AND $65 MILLION FOR THE GENERAL FUND.

>> OKAY. >> WELL, THAT'S JUST A WEIRD QUIRK IN HOW THE BORDERS ARE SET UP

>> HHS RECOMMENDATION IS POINT 195280?

>> THAT'S CORRECT. >> OKAY.

WITHOUT THE, NO I HAD A QUESTION.

YOU GAVE ME THAT NUMBER NOW. .64393, HOW MUCH WOULD THAT BE

[03:00:03]

IN TERMS FOR THE AVERAGE TAXPAYER?

>> I, IT WOULD BE $75. >> THEN WHAT WOULD BE THE HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH RATE WITHOUT THE 20 MILLION? BECAUSE THAT'S JUST THE SAME AS LAST YEAR, IS THAT, HOW DO YOU

SOMEONE THAT NUMBER AGAIN? >> SO THAT RECOMMENDATION CAME FROM ONE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW. WE'RE ONLY ABOUT A THIRD OF THE TOTAL REVENUE. ONE THIRD IS AS PROPERTY TAXES ONE THIRD IS PATIENT PAY, YOU KNOW/HEALTHCARE AND ONE THIRD IS MEDICAID AND MEDICARE SO AFTER REVIEW OF ALL THE, THEIR INTERNAL FINANCIALS, IT WAS DETERMINED THEY COULD OPERATE WITH THAT, WITHIN THAT LAST YEAR'S REVENUE NUMBER, THE ADDITIONAL 20 MILLION CAME FROM, THEY ARE HELPING SUPPORT ABOUT TEN MILLION OF PUBLIC HEALTH FUNCTIONS AND THEN ADDITIONAL TEN MILLION IN UNALLOCATED POTENTIAL FOR A GRANT PROGRAM

>> THE POINT 19528 IS POINT 18761 PLUS, THE 20 MILLION? BECAUSE THEN MY CONCERN THERE IS THAT WE KNOW THEIR COSTS ARE GOING TO INCREASE AS THE HOSPITALS COME ONLINE SO THIS IS JUST ANOTHER POINT IN TERMS OF YOU KNOW, THE TAX RATE BEING LOWER SORT OF JUST FOR NOW. I GUESS TO GET THROUGH ELECTION SEASON AND THEN IT'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE HIGHER BECAUSE THE VOTERS APPROVED THE HOSPITALS AND WE GOT TO STAFF THEM.

>> I WOULD NOTE FOR THAT ONE IN PARTICULAR, THEIR RANGE WILL CONTINUE TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY LARGER THAN THE GENERAL FUND SO THEY ARE ALLOWED TO GROW BY 8% AND THEY ARE ABLE TO ADD THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF ANY INCREASES TO UNCOMPENSATED CARE BECAUSE HEALTHCARE COSTS GO UP EVERY YEAR AND THAT NUMBER WILL GROW ON TOP OF OUR NORMAL POPULATION GROWTH.

>> I MEAN I JUST WISH THEY WOULD RATHER THAN, OH YEAH.

I DIDN'T REALIZE YOU WERE HERE. THANK YOU.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE. GOOD AFTERNOON.

JUDGE, YOU ARE CORRECT AND I THINK MR. RAMOS WAS EXPLAINING THAT ABSOLUTELY ANTICIPATE F.Y. 28-29 TO BE VERY DIFFICULT YEARS FOR HARRIS HEALTH FOR THE OBVIOUS THINGS THAT YOU JUST MENTIONED. WE ANTICIPATE OPEN THE HOSPITAL IN JANUARY OF 2029. MIDYEAR 2028 WE HAVE TO BRING IN THE STAFF TO ORIENT THEM AND TRAIN THEM TO GET READY FOR THE OPENING DAY ON JANUARY 15TH, 2029.

WE ANTICIPATE OPENING HOLLOWAY HALL OPERATION CENTER WHICH IS OUR CENTRAL FILL PHARMACY AND SOME OTHER PROGRAMS, WE ANTICIPATE OPENING THE PASADENA CLINIC AND POTENTIALLY THE CLINIC IN THE OTHERS SO THE OPERATION FOR HARRIS HEALTH WILL EXPAND VERY RAPIDLY BUT NOT IN 2027 IN WORKING WITH MR. RAMOS WE FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE RATE WE HAVE JOINTLY PROPOSED TO THE COUNTY WHICH IS LAST YEARS M AND O REVENUES AND THE 20 MILLION DOLLARS. WHICH WOULD GIVE US SOMEWHERE

WITHIN TWO TO 3% MARGIN. >> OKAY.

YEAH. COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> SO DOCTOR, WE WENT TO THE VOTERS AND THEY GAVE US PERMISSION TO BUILD A 2.5 BILLION DOLLARS WITH THE FACILITATES. AND YOU FEEL AS THOUGH A RATE THAT HAS BEEN PROPOSED WOULD LET YOU ADD QUITELY PREPARE FOR

OPENING THOSE FACILITATES? >> THE CAVEAT COMMISSIONER THAT IS REALLY THE FOLLOWING FISCAL YEAR THAT'S GOING TO BE HITTING US HARD FOR THAT PREPARATION BUT THE RATE THAT HAS BEEN PROPOSED AND MESSED AROUND WITH, WE FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE IT WILL GET US

READY FOR FISCAL 2028. >> IS IT FAIR TO ASSUME GOING FORWARD WHEN THE FACILITY OPENS WE'LL HAVE TO HAVE MORE MONEY TO OPERATE IT? IT WOULD BE EMBARRASSING TO HAVE A 2.5 BILLION DOLLARS. I MOVE TO CONTINUE THE

DISCUSSION. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS

AND SECONDED BY BRIONES. >> COMMISSIONER YOU ARE RIGHT

[03:05:05]

AND IT'S NOT JUST THAT, I APOLOGIZE LAST TIME IT WAS ATTENDING VIRTUALLY. IT IS WHAT YOU MENTIONED.

ALL THE ADDITIONAL OPERATIONAL COST BUT I THINK IT IS NOT LOST HOPEFULLY ON ANYONE IN THIS ROOM THAT THERE ARE SIGNIFICANTLY HEAD WINDS COMING AGAINST ALL HEALTHCARE FACILITATES INCLUDING HARRIS HEALTH WHICH WE ANTICIPATE TO FULLY RECOGNIZE THOSE HEAD WINDS AGAIN NEXT YEAR AND THE FOLLOWING YEAR IN 2028.

>> IS IT FAIR TO SAY IF WE DON'T HAVE THE LARGEST UNINSURED POPULATION IN THE COUNTRY HERE AND NOT COUNTY, IF OUR STATE LEADERS DECIDED TO DRAW DOWN THE FEDERAL MONEY IT WOULD PROBABLY HELP OUR BUDGET CONSIDERABLY? IT IS IMPORTANT.

>> IT'S TRUE. SAY IT HAS REALITY.

AS A NON-MEDICAID EXPANSIVE STATE WE LEFT A LOT OF MONEY ON THE TABLE AND CONTINUE TO DO THAT AND IT IS A REALITY THAT WE FACE WHAT HAS BEEN HELPFUL OVER THE PREVIOUS DECADE OR SO HAS BEEN THE EXPANSION OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT BUT AS I MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY THOSE NUMBERS ACTUALLY QUITE RAPIDLY AS PEOPLE ARE BEING PRICED OUT OF THE ACA MARKETPLACE.

>> OKAY. TO YOUR CREDIT, I THINK THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, UNAUDITED THROUGH THIS CURRENT FISCAL YEAR YOU EARNED A SURPLUS OF 263 MILLION?

>> THE MARGIN, YES, SIR. >> AND ACCORDING TO WHAT I'VE READ, YOU HAVE JUST UNDER 2 BILLION IN UNRESTRICTED CASH IN

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT? >> THAT'S CORRECT

>> IN TERMS OF BEING IN FINANCIAL SHAPE YOU ARE PROBABLY

IN BETTER SHAPE THAN WE ARE. >> IN MUCH BETTER SHAPE THAN HARRIS HEALTH HAS EVER BEEN AND I WILL TAKE THAT'S A COMPLIMENT TO MY LEADERSHIP TEAM TO PUT US IN THIS SITUATION.

WE ANTICIPATE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR HARRIS HEALTH BUT THIS FINANCIAL POSITION IS PREPARING US FOR THE HEAD WIND WE KNOW WE'RE GOING TO EXPERIEEXPERIENC.

>> COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ Y GARCIA, ELLIS AND BRIONES ON THIS TOPIC? I HAVE SOME MORE QUESTIONS FOR

YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

YOU KNOW FOR YEARS COMMISSIONERS' COURT HAS BALANCED THE BUDGET ON THE BACK SPECIFICALLY ON THE BACK OF HARRIS HEALTH. AND IT LED TO THE DETERIORATION OF YOUR HOSPITAL SOONER THAN LATER.

I'M NOT YOU KNOW SURE IF THIS CREATES LIABILITY BUT YOUR FOLKS HAD TO DO THINGS IN PLACES THAT WERE NOT DESIGNED FOR THE THINGS THEY HAD TO DO. I'VE SEEN IT.

FOLKS WERE BEING WORKED ON IN HALLWAY AND WAITING ROOMS. WHAT WOULD A CUT TO YOUR TAX RATE DO TO YOU TODAY? I MEAN, ASSUMING IT HAPPENS TODAY, IT GOES IN EFFECT TOMORROW, WHAT DOES THAT DO TO YOUR OPERATIONS?

>> ABSOLUTELY. LET ME FIRST COMMISSIONER I'M GOING TO SAY THANK YOU BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN STEADFAST AND CONSISTENT IN VOICING WHAT YOU JUST SAID ABOUT UNFORTUNATELY HARRIS HEALTH BEING IN THE SHORT END OF THE STICK SO TO SPEAK WHEN IT COMES TO ALLOCATION OF THE TAX SUPPORT.

AS A RESULT OF THAT YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT THE SITUATION THEY CREATED AS FAR AS OUR INFRASTRUCTURE DETERIORATING.

FOLKS MAY NOT REMEMBER THIS BUT I REMEMBER CLEARLY THAT WE CAME TOO CLOSE TO SHUTTING DOWN LBJ HOSPITAL IN 2021 BECAUSE THE BUILDING WAS FALLING APART. IT IS TRULY THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD, A LOT OF PRAYERS AND A LOT OF HARD WORK BY A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WE WERE ACTUALLY ABLE TO WITH STAND THAT.

BUT AT YOUR QUESTION WE'RE IN THE BUSINESS OF DELIVERING SERVICE. SO ANY FUNDING CUTS EQUATES TO REDUCING SERVICES. POSTPONES, EXPANSIONS OR ELIMINATING SOME OF THE PLANNED EXPANSIONS.

THAT'S JUST A REALITY BECAUSE THAT'S THE ONLY WAY THAT MATH WORKS. POINT BLANK ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION, FUNDING CUTS FOR US MEANS CUTTING SERVICES.

>> AND JUST TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE DIRECT, WE'RE WORKING ON THE MALL TO OPEN UP A CLINIC THERE.

WOULD THAT TAX RATE-CUT JEOPARDIZE GETTING THAT

OPERATION GOING? >> ABSOLUTELY.

[03:10:02]

AMONG OTHER OPERATIONS. YES.

>> WE'LL HAVE BOUGHT AND BUILT A CLINIC BUT IT MAY BE UNSTAFFED?

>> THE SAME THING APPLIES IN 2029 WHEN WE OPEN THE NEW HOSPITAL. WE CURRENTLY PLAN ON OPENING THE HOSPITAL ON DAY ONE WITH 60 BEDS.

THE CAPACITY IS 211. IF WE DO NOT HAVE THE OPERATIONAL CAPACITY TO DO THAT WE'LL HAVE A LARGE STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY WITH LIMITED CAPACITY TO SERVE OUR PATIENTS WHICH WOULD BE SHAMEFUL.

>> THANK YOU. >> YES, SIR.

>> INITIALLY, I GUESS LET ME, OH SORRY.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY >> I HAVE A SIMILAR QUESTION.

FIRST OF ALL TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM THANK YOU FOR THE CRITICAL WORK YOU DO AND THANK YOU FOR LEADING ONE OF THE LARGEST SAFETY NET HOSPITALS IN THE NATION AND ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION. SO JUST TO CONFIRM YOUR RECOMMENDATION IS LAST YEAR'S M AND O PLUS, 20 MILLION CORRECT?

>> THAT'S CORRECT. >> THAT RECOMMENDATION WOULD ALLOW YOU TO MOVE FORWARD PROVIDING THESE CRITICAL SERVICES WITH THE LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE WE'RE CURRENTLY

OPERATING IN? >> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> NOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA I JUST ASK THIS JUST TO DRILL DEEPER IN YOUR ANSWER IF YOU WOULD, PLEASE, TO ILLUSTRATE WHAT IS THAT RISK AND WHAT IS AT STAKE IF WE WERE TO GO WITH THE ALTERNATIVE MOTION. CAN YOU JUST KIND OF MORE DEEPLY DRILL DOWN IN TERMS OF THE SERVICE IMPLICATIONS AND THE

EXPANSION, ET CETERA. >> EVERYONE IS AWARE OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSIONS. THE HOSPITAL AND CLINICS AND THE PASADENA CLINIC. IN ADDITION TO THAT, AGAIN I THINK IT'S BEEN VERY CLEAR THAT BEING AT HARRIS HEALTH STRUGGLE WITH CAPACITY. WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH HOSPITAL BEDS FOR OUR PATIENTS NOR ENOUGH SPACE IN CLINICS FOR OUR PATIENTS. TO REMEDY THAT ISSUE SOME OF THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE IS CREATE HOSPITAL AT HOME PROGRAM, FOR EXAMPLE. WE ARE CURRENTLY STILL THE ONLY HOSPITAL IN THE HOUSTON METRO THAT OFFERS THAT PROGRAM.

TO THIS DAY THAT PROGRAM HAS SAVED OVER 2,000 HOSPITAL DAYS ON AN AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY ABOUT FIVE DAYS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT 400 PATIENTS WHO DID NOT HAVE TO BE TREATED IN THE HALLWAYS BECAUSE OF OUR HOSPITAL HOME PROGRAM.

WE HAVE CONTINUED TO EXPAND THAT PROGRAM BECAUSE OF THE CAPACITY ISSUE. IN ADDITION TO THAT, A FEW YEARS AGO BECAUSE OF THE KINDNESS AND THE HELP OF THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT WE WERE ABLE TO OPEN OUR ENERGYS DO SCORE I SUITE.

LAST YEAR WE EXPANDED THAT TO FOUR ROOMS THREE DAYS A WEEK.

THIS YEAR WE WERE HOPING TO EXPAND THAT TO FOUR ROOMS FIVE DAYS A WEEK AND I'M REALLY PROUD TO SIGH CURRENTLY WE DON'T HAVE BACKLOG. FOR THOSE THAT DON'T REMEMBER IN 2020 THERE WERE 8,000 PEOPLE WAITING FOR COLONOSCOPIES.

IT IS A COUPLE OF EXAMPLES OF WHAT IT MEANS FOR US TO GO BACKWARDS AND NOT PLAN ON THOSE EXPANSION PROJECTS.

>> AND THIS IS VERY HELPFUL. YOU KNOW HOW SUPPORTIVE I AM OF YOUR CRITICAL WORK AND I'LL BE SUPPORTING YOUR REQUEST, AS WELL AS O AND B'S RECOMMENDATION. ONE LAST QUESTION THAT WAS VIVID EXAMPLE, FOR THOSE WHO POINT OUT THE 263 MILLION MARGIN AND NOT JUST COMMISSIONER RAMSEY BUT YOU READ ABOUT IT IN THIS APPROXIMATELY 2 BILLION IN RESERVE AND THEN I KNOW WE HAVE OUR 2.5 BILLION BOND THAT WAS OVERWHELMING PASSED BY OUR VOTERS IN 2023 SO FOR THOSE WHO STATE, THEY HAVE THESE FUNDS, COULD YOU JUST PLEASE DRILL DOWN FURTHER IN WHAT THESE FUNDS ARE GOING TO BE USED FOR AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE THEM? WHEN YOU SAID HEAD WIND AS A WHILE AGO, COULD YOU BREAK UP OUR PLAN AND THE RISKS AND WHY WE NEED TO BE PREPARED?

>> ABSOLUTELY. MY PLEASURE.

AS FAR AS CASH DAY ON HAND COMMISSIONER, I THINK OUR CFO DID A GREAT JOB EXPLAINING THIS, IT NOT ONLY HELPED TO PROTECT HARRIS HEALTH TOWARDS THE HEAD WINDS BUT IT PROPOSES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO ENJOY A MUCH BETTER CREDIT RATING THAT TURNS OUT IT ACTUALLY SAVES THE TAXPAYERS MONEY AND WE GET A MUCH BETTER BORROWING RATE FOR 2.5 BILLIONS AND WE BORROWED 1.8 OR 9 BILLION OF THAT MONEY WHICH IS PART OF THAT 2 BILLION

[03:15:02]

RESERVE, LET'S CALL IT. THE MARGIN YEAR OVER YEAR COMMISSIONER IS REALLY VERY IMPORTANT AS A SAFETY NET HOSPITAL EVERY DOLLAR IN OUR MARGIN TURNS AROUND AND GOES INTO SERVICE. YOU KNOW PEOPLE, OTHER HOSPITALS HAVE RECOMMENDED THAT I ALSO MENTIONED THOSE MARGINS HELP TO CUSHION SOME OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL PROJECT WHICH IS IS TRUE BUT I HAVE NEVER ADVOCATING FOR ACTUALLY EARMARKING ANYTHING TOWARDS THIS.

EVERY DOLLAR OF MARGIN GOES INTO SUPPORTING THAT OPERATIONS AND EXPANDING THE OPERATIONS. THE HOSPITAL AT HOME PROGRAM THAT I JUST MENTIONED IT WAS NOT PART OF ANY DEDICATED FINANCES BUT SOMETHING THAT WE CAME UP WITH BECAUSE WE HAD MARGINS TO CREATE THIS INNOVATIVE PROGRAM. AS FAR AS HEAD WINDS, EVERYBODY KNOWS ABOUT THE FACT THAT BECAUSE OF THE MEDICAID CUTS WE ANTICIPATE QUITE A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE GOVERNMENTAL SUBSIDIES TO ALL HOSPITALS INCLUDING HARRIS HEALTH.

BUT I SAID ABOUT 2028 IS THAT THE WAY THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL WAS ORCHESTRATED, THE NON-EXPANSION STATES ACTUALLY DO NOT RECEIVE THE FULL BRUNT OF THAT BILL UNTIL JANUARY 2028.

THAT IS COMING. THAT IS GOING TO CONSISTENTLY IMPACT GOVERNMENTAL SUBSIDIES. LAST YEAR I SAID THAT BY THE END OF 2026 BEGINNING OF 2027 WE'RE GOING TO WITNESS A DRAMATIC DROP IN THE FOLKS THAT ARE ABLE TO ACCESS PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. I WAS WRONG.

THAT HAS ALREADY STARTED FROM JANUARY OF THIS YEAR AND VICTORIA CAN CHECK MY MATH. FROM JANUARY TO JULY OF THIS YEAR. THIS IS JUST HARRIS HEALTH, WE HAVE WITNESSED A 10% INCREASE IN OUR INDIGENT CARE AND 10% JOB IN PRIVATE INSURED YEAR OVER YEAR SO THE IMPACT IS COMING.

THE IMPACT IS MORE, FAST AND FURIOUS THAN I EXPECTED SO WHEN I TALK ABOUT THE HEAD WINDS, THOSE HEAD WINDS WERE REAL AND IN ADDITION TO THAT I THINK EVERYONE KNOWS THE 340 FOR HARRIS IS 300 MILLION DOLLARS COST SAVINGS IS ALSO IN A BATTLE BOTH AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL AND STATE LEVEL.

THOSE ARE JUST SOME OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE HEAD WINDS I WAS REFERRING TO. THE ONLY REASON I'M NOT PULLING WHATEVER HAIR I HAVE LEFT OUT IS WE'RE IN A FINANCIAL SITUATION AGAIN THANKS TO THE LEADERSHIP TEAM AT HARRIS HEALTH AND ALL THE FRONT LINE WORKERS THAT CREATED THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR US.

WE'RE IN A POSITION TO WITH STAND THOSE HEAD WINDS BUT WE ALSO NEED HELP. WE CANNOT GO BACKWARDS AS FAR AS

SUPPORT FROM THE COUNTY. >> UNDERSTOOD.

LAST QUICK QUESTION. MY COLLEAGUES HAVE MENTIONED THIS AND YOU MENTIONED THIS BUT FOR THE PUBLIC, I WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN FOR TEXAS TO EXPAND MEDICAID.

1.1 MILLION TEXANS WOULD BENEFIT THE TEXAS DID SO AND THEY HAVE NOT FOR YEARS. THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT ON THE FRONT LINES, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR US? IN TERMS OF DELIVERING CARE THAT TEXAS IS NOT EXPANDED MEDICAID? CAN YOU DRILL DOWN SO EVERYONE IS CLEAR?

>> SURE. I CAN SIMPLIFY THIS QUITE A BIT.

FIRST OF ALL YOU SAID IF TEXAS EXPANDS MEDICAID HOME HEALTH WOULD HAVE BEEN YES ASSUMING WE ALSO RELAXED THE CRITERIA FOR PEOPLE IN TEXAS TO ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID. CURRENTLY TEXAS HAS THE SECOND MOST STRINGENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT.

YOU HAVE TO BE DISABLED, NURSING HOME OR PREGNANT TO GET IT BUT ALL OF THAT ASIDE, WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY THAT WE HAVE 50% PLUS, UNINSURED? THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAVING MEDICAID GIVEN THOUGH IT PAYS 60 CENT ON THE DOLLAR AND HAVING HEALTH TO PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE IS THAT THE BURDEN OF THAT EXPENSE THE INDIGENT CARE FINDS SQUARELY ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE TAXPAYERS.

THAT'S JUST REALITY. >> LOCAL TAXPAYERS.

>> EVERY DOLLAR OF INDIGENT CARE AND LAST YEAR WE WERE 800 PLUS, MILLION DOLLARS IN INDIGENT TAX CARE, EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR OF

[03:20:01]

THAT FALLS ON THE SHOULDERS OF HARRIS COUNTY TAXPAYERS.

>> WE'VE GONE UP 180 MILLION OF UNCOMPENSATED CARE.

CORRECT? >> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> LOCAL TAXPAYERS SHOULDER THAT.

>> THAT'S CORRECT. COMMISSIONER BRIONES WAS SAYING PREVIOUSLY THAT ISSUE IS ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE AS A NUMBER OF UNINSUREED IN THIS COMMUNITY INCREASE, I'M SAD TO SAY THAT

NUMBER WILL ONLY INCREASE. >> AND I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THIS BECAUSE YOU KNOW FOLKS ARE LIKE, RAISING TAXES AND I WISH IN UNITY, RIGHT, AS A PROUD TEXAN AND AMERICAN THE DECISIONS OR LACK, THE ACTIONS OR NOT ACTION OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAVE DIRECT IMPLICATIONS ON OUR NEIGHBORS AND OUR LOCAL TAX BILL SO I JUST APPRECIATE YOU AND I'M SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR RECOMMENDED TAX RATE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

>> THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> COUPLE OF OTHER THINGS. I THINK WE TALKED ABOUT THIS BEFORE. AGAIN WE BRING UP THE HISTORY OF EVERYTHING. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CUTS IN THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT TAX RATE HAS BEEN SINCE 2019.

>> YES, SIR. >> THAT'S WHEN A MAJOR CHANGE ON THE COURT HAPPENED SO WASN'T PRIOR TO THAT BUT 2019 AND FORWARD. THAT'S A POINT.

AS YOU'VE NOTED BEFORE, ONE THIRD OF YOUR REVENUE STREAM COMES FROM COUNTY. SO YOU ARE SOMEWHAT IN A BETTER POSITION IN THAT YOU HAVE MORE REVENUE STREAMS THOUGH THERE ARE CONCERNS MAYBE ABOUT SOME OF THOSE.

WE ALSO, I FOR ONE AM REAL GLAD. I LIVE IN TEXAS.

I FOR ONE AM REAL GLAD THAT OUR TRAUMA ONE HEAD CENTER IS IN THE LARGEST MEDICAL CENTER IN THE WORLD.

I FOR ONE THINK THERE ARE INHERENT BENEFITS TO BEING IN TEXAS. THERE'S INHERENT BENEFITS TO BEING IN THE MEDICAL CENTER AND TO YOUR FINANCIAL STATEMENT, I GIVE YOU CREDIT FOR LEVERAGING THOSE GREAT REASONS TO BE A PROUD TEXAN, THOSE GREAT REASONS TO BE IN TEXAS AND NOT KEEP TALKING ABOUT TEXAS BOY IT'S SURE BAD LIVING IN TEXAS.

I WISH WE LIVED SOME PLACE ELSE. I'M GLAD WE LIVE IN TEXAS.

AND I THANK YOU. I'M GLAD THAT IT IS A GOOD THING. THE OTHER THING I WOULD POINT OUT IS, AND DANIEL POINTED OUT EARLIER, YOU HAVE THE EASIEST PATH TO QUICKLY RESPONDING TO A DOWN TURN THAN ANY OF US.

YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO AN 8% INCREASE A YEAR, IS THAT RIGHT? AND YOU CAN GO UP TO, I DON'T KNOW, YOU ARE AT 18.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN GO TO 70 CENT?

>> NO, SIR, I DID NOT. >> NOW YOU DO.

THAT'S A NUMBER. THAT'S A BIG NUMBER AND I WOULD BE VERY DISCOURAGED IF WE EVER GOT UP TO 70 CENTS BUT MY POINT IS, IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO REACT AND RESPOND AND WE HAVE THESE WONDERFUL PARTNERS CALLED METHODIST AND MEMORIAL HARMON THEY ARE ALSO PROVIDING BILLIONS DOLLARS WORTH OF INDIGENT HEALTHCARE THEMSELVES IN THIS REGION SO WE HAVE SOME GREAT PARTNERS, IF YOU WILL, IN THE REGION SO I THINK IT'S WORTH NOTING. I LIKE YOUR FINANCIAL STATEMENT, I LIKE YOUR ABILITY TO BE FLEXIBLE AND THAT'S THE REASON WHY WE ARE LOOKING FOR AWAY NOT TO IMPACT OUR TAXPAYERS IN HARRIS COUNTY. AFFORDABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY, AFFORDABILITY. THAT'S WHAT I HEAR EVERY DAY FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE ACTUALLY.

ANYWAY. JUST WANTED TO BE SURE WE'RE CLEAR ON AGAIN THOSE NUMBERS GOING FORWARD.

>> COMMISSIONER NOBODY IS MORE PROUD TO LIVE IN TEXAS THAN I AM AS AN IMMIGRANT TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY AND THIS GREAT STATE OF OURS AND YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.

OUR NOT FOR PROFIT HOSPITALS DO QUITE A BIT.

I'M NOT SURE IT'S ACTUALLY IN THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND IT IS QUITE A SUBSTANTIAL BUT NOT EXACTLY BILLIONS AND YOU ARE MAKING A LOT OF ASSUMPTIONS FOR US TO BE ABLE TO ACT QUICKLY.

WE ARE CURRENTLY HERE ASKING FOR LAST YEAR'S REVENUE PLUS, 20 MILLION AND WE ARE, I'M OBSERVING RESISTANCE SO FOR ME TO THINK THAT I'M GOING TO SHOW UP AND ASK FOR 8% INCREASE YEAR OVER YEAR, I WOULD NOT BE SO CONFIDENT.

BUT I APPRECIATE IT. JUDGE?

>> STUDENT: COMMISSIONER, DID YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?YOU HAV?

[03:25:09]

DO YOU HAVE A SENSE OF AROUND WHAT IT WOULD HAVE TO BE NEXT YEAR? KIND OF LIKE A ROUGH GUESSTIMATE

OF? >> I WANT TO SAY THIS BUT I'M LOOKING AT MY CFO TO AYE IF SHE SAYS VAR.

>> IT'S EARLY TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IT WOULD BE AS A RATE.

I THINK - >> IT IS NOT GOING TO BE WHAT IT

IS THIS YEAR. >> RIGHT.

AND SO THAT'S ALL TO SAY, JUST IN THE CONTEXT OF YOU KNOW WHAT'S THE TAX RATE GOING TO BE THIS YEAR, IF WE SAY YOU KNOW, WE WILL PATCH UP THE BUDGET THIS YEAR THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET WITH ONE TIME REVENUE SOURCES AND YOU KNOW EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FUTURE BUT THEN WE KNOW NEXT YEAR WE HAVE TO HAVE A HIGHER TAX RATE FOR THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT.

I MEAN, I THINK IT WOULD BE TOTALLY NEGLIGENT NOT TO DO THAT. SO THEN THE TAX RATE IS GOING TO BE HIGHER ALRIGHT TOGETHER, SO I DON'T THINK THAT NEXT YEAR THERE IS GOING TO BE THE WILLINGNESS TO HAVE THE APPROPRIATE TAX RATE FOR THE GENERAL FUND EITHER. SO LOOK.

I WISH, I APPRECIATE THE WORK THAT YOU DO AND THAT YOUR OFFICE DOES AND THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT DOES.

WE'VE HAD THIS CONVERSATION AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAYS THE SAME THING SOME TIMES OF SOMETIMES I WISH YOU GUY WOULD ASK FOR MORE AND I KNOW THAT I, ALL THOSE INSTANCES, MOST OF THEM IF NOT ALL OF THEM, I SAID, YOU KNOW, DON'T DO THE POLITICS, MAKE YOUR ASK AND WE'LL DO THE POLITICS. SO THAT'S I THINK THAT WILL BE FOR NEXT YEAR'S COURT TO DEAL WITH.

SO I HOPE THAT THE RATE THAT YOU'VE REQUESTED PLUS, THE 20 MILLION IS INDEED WHAT YOU NEED NEXT YEAR.

>> IT IS, JUDGE. >> OKAY.

ALRIGHT. THANK YOU.

>> YES, MA'AM. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> I'M PREPARED TO MAKE A MOTION.

I THINK WE VOTE ON EACH SEPARATELY.

CORRECT SO I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO READ IT FOR THE O AND B

YOU WANT TO READ IT OUT? >> POINT OF ORDER, I MADE A MOTION FOR THE OMB BUDGET. SO JUST WANTED TO SEE WHERE

WE'RE AT. >> OKAY.

>> SURE JUDGE SO JUST FOR THE POINT OF CLARIFICATION I KNOW THAT BOTH COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAVE MADE MOTIONS RELATED TO THE HARRIS COUNTY BUDGET.

WE KNOW WE HAD A PRESENTATION RELATED TO THE HARRIS HEALTH TAX RATE. I DIDN'T KNOW HOW - THERE IS NO SECONDS SO WE CAN HANDLE IT IN THE ORDER THAT YOU WANT TO

HANDLE IT. >> I'D RATHER DO HARRIS HEALTH SINCE THE DOCTOR IS HERE AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.

>> WE CAN GET SOME OF THEM DONE >> I THINK WE CAN JUST SAY IF THAT'S OKAY. HARRIS HEALTH TAX RATE.

>> REPEAT YOUR MOTION FOR YOU. >> NO, WE'RE DOING HARRIS

HEALTH. >> DID YOU NOT MAKE THE MOTION

EARLIER? >> NOT FOR HARRIS HEALTH.

>> YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO THE OTHER ONE?

>> YES. YOU SAID OMB. >> BUT I'M SAYING THAT MOTION DOESN'T HAVE A SECOND. SO CAN WE JUST DO HARRIS HEALTH

NOW THAT WE'RE TALKING TO THEM. >> WE DON'T KNOW WHETHER WE HAVE A SECOND OR NOT BECAUSE YOU INTERRUPTED THE PROCESS SO LET'S GET HARRIS HEALTH OUT OF THE WAY AND THEN WE CAN GO TO THE OMB

BUDGET. >> YOU WANT TO MAKE THIS?

>> I'LL MAKE IT. >> I'LL SECOND IT.

>> FOR THE RECORD. THE MOTION IS TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 17TH AT THE 9:00 A.M. TO CONSIDER DBA TO PROPOSE 2026 TAX RATES PER $100 TAXABLE VALUE UP TO 1.8086 IN MAINTENANCE OPERATION AND POINT 0142 FOR DEBTOR IS VICE FOR A TOTAL TAX RATE OF.19528 AND TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT TO TAX ASSESSOR AND OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO EXECUTE ALL RELATED NOTICES AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW

>> THOSE WAS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE, ALL THOSE AGAINST SAY NO. ANY OPPOSED.

MOTION CARRIES 4-1. THANK YOU GUYS.

OKAY. BACK TO THE GENERAL FUND

COMMISSIONER, GARCIA? >> MY MOTION IS TO SEAT PUBLIC

[03:30:03]

HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 17TH OF 2026 AT 9:00 A.M. TO CONSIDER FOR A HARRIS COUNTY THE PROPOSED 2026 TAX RATES OF UP TO POINT 36171 FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS AND POINT 05354 FOR DEBTOR IS VICE FOR A TOTAL TAX RATE OF.41525 AND TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, THE TAX ASSESSOR AND OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO PUBLISH ALL RELATED NOTICES AS REQUIRED

BY APPLICABLE LAW >> WE ASSUMING THAT MY ALTERNATIVE WAS I DIDN'T GET A SECOND?

>> WE'RE NOT ASSUMING ANYTHING RIGHT NOW.

I THINK THE MOTION HAS BEEN MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

IF THERE IS A SECOND. >> I THINK LET'S TAKE THIS ONE.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SO WE DON'T GET ALL TWISTED UP.

I'M NOT GOING TO SECOND THIS ONE ANYWAY.

WAIT >> THAT MOTION DIES FOR LACK OF A SECOND AND TO BE CLEAR THAT WOULD BE THE BUDGET MINUS THE VARIOUS PROGRAM THAT ADVOCATES WERE TALKING ABOUT SO THE DOMESTICITY VIOLENCE, POLLUTION CONTROL, WE DIDN'T TALK ABOUT THE SUICIDE MORTALITY FOR THE A VETERAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

>> I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA MINUS 15 MILLION, RIGHT?

>> RIGHT. BUT THIS IS ALL 15 MILLION.

IF THAT IS THE VALUE OF THIS. >> THOSE ARE ENHANCEMENTS NOT IN THE BUDGET NOW, SO IT WOULD BE 15 MILLION AS IT STANDS.

>> OKAY. COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> SO I'LL MAKE A MOTION FOR THE OMB RATE AND NOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IF YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR MOTION AGAIN I DON'T WANT TO BE

RUDE. >> I NEED TO REPEAT IT?

>> COMMISSIONER IF YOU WOULD? >> SIMPLY THE SAME TAX RATE, GENERAL TAX RATE, THAT WE HAD THIS YEAR WHICH IS AND LET ME RE REPEAT.

DANIEL DO YOU HAVE THAT NUMBER I SENT YOU?

>> YES, SIR. GIVE ME ONE SECOND.

COMMIS COMMISSIONER.

YEP. SO I CAN READ IT IF YOU WOULD LIKE. MOTION TO SET THE PUBLIC HEARING 20269:00 A.M. TO CONSIDER FOR HARRIS COUNTY THROUGH 2026 RATES PER HUNDRED DOLLAR TAXABLE VALUE OF UP TO POINT 32742 FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION AND POINT 05354 FOR DEBTOR IS VICE FOR TOTAL OF TAX RATE OF 2.38096 AND TO DIRECT THE OFFICE AND MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AND OTHER RELATIVE DEFENDANT'S AS REQUIRED

BY APPLICABLE LAW. >> THAT'S THE TAX RATE WE CURRENTLY HAVE. NOT CHANGING THE RATE?

>> KEEP IT FLAT FROM TAX YEAR 25 TO 26.

>> THAT WOULD BE THE MOTION. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN

COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> I'M GOING TO MAKE A MOTION

AFTERWARDS. >> OKAY.

BRIONES? >> I'M IN AGREEMENT WITH THE OMB RECOMMENDATIONS AND I DON'T HAVE A COMMENT AND I'M NOT GOING TO

SECOND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S. >> I THINK WE LANDED THIS ONE FOR DIFFERENT REASONS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

I THINK FOR THE GENERAL FUND IT WOULD BE ONE THING TO ASK TAXPAYERS FOR A TAX RATE INCREASE IF WE HAD DONE EVERYTHING WE COULD TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE SMART WITH OUR SPENDING, BUT I THINK THAT THE COUNTY LEADERSHIP HAS.

THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR THE BUDGET DIRECTOR CERTAINLY I CAN SPEAK FOR MY STAFF AND THE DEPARTMENT HEADS HAVE WORKED REALLY HARD TO CUT SPENDING AND CUT INEFFICIENT IS AND DID THE STUDY YEARS AGO BUT THE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS COURT HAS BEEN MAKING DECISION AFTER DECISION OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS OR SO TO SPEND MONEY EXPLICITLY AGAINST THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BUDGET DIRECTOR KNOWING THAT WE DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY, FOR EXAMPLE, YOU KNOW THIS 305,000 FOR THE CONSTABLES.

PEOPLE ARE STILL UP IN ARMS ABOUT IT.

CAME OUT OF NOWHERE. THE 100,000,000 DOLLAR SALARY INCREASES, THAT DAY WE WERE IN SUCH A HURRY DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO PAY FOR IT, INCREASES HAVE COME MULTIPLE TIMES SO I HAVE THE LIST HERE OF ALL THE TIMES THAT SOME OF US HAVE FOLLOWED RECOMMENDATION OF THE BUDGET DIRECTOR AND NOT VOTED FOR INCREASES WE CAN'T AFFORD AND SOME OF US HAVE VOTED TIME AND

[03:35:04]

TIME AGAIN FOR INCREASES THAT WERE NOT ON THE BUDGET.

SO I THINK THE ISSUE IS YOU KNOW, THERE ARE SOME VERY WORTHY PROGRAMS HERE THAT SOME OF THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS WERE TALKING ABOUT TODAY. THERE IS PROGRAMS FOR POLLUTION CONTROL, VETERANS, AT RISK YOUTH, SURVIVORS OF DOMESTICITY VIOLENCE, ET CETERA. IF THOSE PROGRAMS, IF WE WERE TO PASS THE PROPOSED BUDGET I THINK WHAT WOULD MAKE US LOOKING GOOD FOR RE-ELECTION WE WOULD HAVE FUNDING FOR THOSE PROGRAMS $15 MILLION FOR THIS COMING YEAR BUT THERE'S 45 MILLION DOLLARS IN THE BUDGET THAT ARE ONE TIME FUNDING SO WE'RE TELLING THESE RESIDENTS HEY, HIGH-FIVE, WE'RE FUNDING YOUR DOMESTICITY VIOLENCE PROGRAM AND YOUR PROGRAM BUT WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO PAY FOR IT NEXT YEAR, BUT BY THE WAY WE KNOW HOW WE'RE GOING TO PAY FOR THE OTHER THINGS THAT WE PASSED SORT OF IN THE DARK OF NIGHT IN BUSINESS COURT MEETINGS AND CURTAILING DISCUSSION, SO HERE'S MY PERSPECTIVE COLLEAGUES, IDEALLY I THINK THAT THE FAIR THING TO DO, THE RIGHT THING TO DO BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN IRRESPONSIBLE WITH OUR SPENDING, WE CANNOT ASK THE TAXPAYERS FOR A TAX RATE INCREASE. I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WE TALK ABOUT IT BUT THIS PROGRAM IS NOT A STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY. THAT PROGRAM IS NOT A STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY AND WE CAN AGREE OR DISAGREE AS TO WHICH PROGRAMS ARE MOST WORTHY, BUT THE PROGRAMS THAT I'VE BEEN PROUD TO SUPPORT OVER MY SEVEN AND A HALF YEARS IN OFFICE, I HAVE NEVER, NEVER FUNDED A PROGRAM WHEN I KNEW THERE WAS NO MONEY FOR IT.

I THINK THAT'S WHAT'S TRULY FISCALLY REASONABLE SO LOOK.

IF WE DON'T GET ANYWHERE THIS MY VOTE WOULD BE TO GO ALONG COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WITH YOUR PROPOSAL.

AS I SAID WE COME AT IT FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES.

IDEALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A COURT PUT THEIR MONEY WHERE THEY MOUTH IS, SO OKAY YOU PASSED ALL THIS MONEY, WE PASSED ALL THIS MONEY, PEOPLE DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE.

JUST LIKE THE FLOCK CAMERAS, YOU KNOW WE HURRYED A LONG AND WE GO AND WATCH A COURT RECORDING AND I'LL PULL IT.

YOU CAN PULL IT MAY 22ND WAS LAST YEAR WAS THE $100,000,000 AND IT WAS HURRY, HURRY. I'D LIKE TO DISCUSS IT.

NO CALL FOR THE VOTE. SO WE MADE THOSE IRRESPONSIBLE DECISIONS. WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO CUT THIS $141.9 MILLION FROM? FIGURE THAT OUT AND THEN OKAY, YOU WANT TO GET THE CREDIT IT TO FUND THESE REALLY GREAT PROGRAMS? HOW ARE YOU GOING TO FUND THEM WITH THE REOCCURRING FUNDING NOT JUST ONE TIME FUNDING SO WHAT I WOULD SUGGEST TO NOT THREE THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATH WATER AND WE NEED TO DO A SPECIAL MEETING ON THE FLOCK CAMERAS BECAUSE EVERYONE HAS SEEN THAT WAS PASSED WITH SLIGHT OF HAND HERE AND THERE, NOT ALLOWED DISCUSSION.

I WOULD WHERE I WOULD BE WOULD BE TO HAVE ANOTHER MEETING WHERE WE HAVE A BUDGET THAT DOESN'T FUND PROGRAMS THAT COMMUNITY CARES ABOUT AND SPEND ALL DAY SPEAKING ABOUT ONLY FOR ONE YEAR. WHERE WE'RE NOT YOU KNOW, JUST GOING ALONG WITH MONEY THAT WE SPEND WHEN WE KNEW WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY. SO I WOULD SAY LET'S REVISIT THIS AND SEE IF THE FOLKS THAT VOTED FOR ALL THESE EXPENDITURES AGAINST THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BUDGET DIRECTOR CAN FIGURE OUT WHERE THEY WANT TO GET THIS MONEY FROM AND WHAT THEY WILL CUT TO PAY FOR ALL OF THIS AND THEN SEE WHAT TAX RATE AND WHAT BUDGET GOES WITH THAT THAT'S MY PERSPECTIVE.

IF THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE I WILL VOTE WITH COMMISSIONER RAMSEY BUT PERHAP THERE'S ARE THREE VOTES ELSEWHERE.

I JUST WANT TOO PUT OUR MONEY LITERALLY WHERE OUR MOUTH IS AND I'M SO TIRED OF SORT OF PULLING WOOL OVER THE COMMUNITY'S AYES.

WE CARE ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH AND DOMESTICITY VIOLENCE AND THIS AND THAT AND IN REALITY WE GIVE ALL OF OUR MONEY TO THE POLITICALLY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE AND WE KNOW THAT STATUTORILY THAT IS NOT MONEY WE CAN EVER CUT, SO WHAT WE CAN CUT ARE THE PROGRAMS THAT WE CAMPAIGNED ON AND THAT'S IT JUST NOT RIGHT.

SO ANYWAY THAT'S MY PERSPECTIVE. I DON'T KNOW THAT I NEED A SECOND. WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO VOTE ON

[03:40:02]

SOMETHING. I GUESS IF WE DON'T VOTE ON ANYTHING. WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO HAVE

ANOTHER MEETING? >> SO, TEAM JUMP IN HERE.

IT WOULD REQUIRE THREE DAYS TO NOTICE IT MEANING WE WOULD NOT HAVE A SPECIAL MEETING UNTIL AFTER NEXT TUESDAY, THEN I BELIEVE WE HAVE TO NOTICE IT FOR TEN DAYS SO YOU ARE PUTTING IT CLOSE TO THE END OF THE MONTH. I WANT TO WARN EVERYONE OF SOME OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT, IF WE DON'T HAVE A BUDGET BY 10/1 THE COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS TOLD ME WE DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE KNIT ANY EXPENDITURES SO THAT WOULD BE PAYROLL AND ALL OF OUR REGULAR OCCURRING BILLS. FROM A TECHNICAL STANDPOINT, AND IF YOU WANT TO JUMP IN AND BACK ME UP HERE, IT TAKES US EIGHT TO TEN BUSINESS DAYS OR 8 DAY TOSSUP LOAD ALL THE BUDGETS INTO THIS SO THAT'S WHY WE HAVE KIND OF AN UNOFFICIAL THING OF THE 20TH OF SEPTEMBER BECAUSE IF WE SCREW THAT UP THAT MEANS THERE

ARE NO PO'S. >> IT'S NOT POSSIBLE.

WE DON'T NEED TO GO INTO DETAIL OF THAT BUT IT'S REALLY A YES OR NO QUESTION. DO WE HAVE TIME TO HAVE ANOTHER MEETING ON THIS, AND IF NOT WE HAVE TO VOTE FOR IT TODAY.

MY ISSUE IS THIS IS PROBABLY THE THIRD OR FOURTH YEAR WE'RE PATCHING A BULLET WOUND WITH A BAND-AID AND NOBODY IS THE WISER SO YOU KNOW, I THINK A COURT SHOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS BEFORE BUDGET SEASON BUT HERE WE ARE AND SO LET'S SEE HOW WE CAN IMPROVE THIS. COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER BRIONES. YOUR ANSWER IS NO BASICALLY?

>> IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT AND PROBLEMATIC.

>> OKAY >> SO I'M PREPARED TO MAKE A MOTION FOR THE RECOMMENDED RATE BUT IF THERE IS A SECOND TO COMMISSIONER RAMSEY I GUESS WE SHOULD VOTE ON THAT.

I THINK MOST OF US HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THIS AND KNEW THIS MEETING WAS COMING SO MY PREFERENCE WOULD BE WE JUST MAKE A DECISION AND WE LIVE WITH IT AND I'M THE KIND OF GUY, I KNOW IT TAKES THREE, YOU KNOW FOR A LONG TIME IT TOOK A LOT MORE IN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY THREE VOTES FOR COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S MOTION COULD CUT 243 MILLION AND GET ON DOWN THE ROAD IF NOT WE'LL JUST MOVE FORWARD FROM THERE WOULD BE MY SUGGESTION. I DON'T WANT TO MAKE A COUNTER TO HIS MOTION. SO I MAKE A MOTION FOR THE OMB

RECOMMENDED RATE. >> I'LL SECOND THAT.

>> YOU WANT TO READ FOR IT THE RECORD?

>> I CAN DO IT BUT I CAN'T GET RID OF THE ALLERGIES OVER HERE

>> FOR THE RECORD THE PROPOSED MOTION IS PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2026 AT 9:00 A.M. TO CONSIDER THE HARRIS COUNTY THE PROPOSED 2026 TAX RATE OF HUNDRED DOLLARS VALUE UP TO.36396 FOR THE OPERATION AND POINT 05354 FOR A TOTAL TAX RATE OF UP TO 41750 AND TO DIRECT OFFICE MANAGER AND BUDGET AND TAX ASSESSOR TO EXECUTE AND PUBLISH ALL RELATED NOTICE AS

REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW >> MOVED.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. >> ALL IN FAVOR?

ANY APPOSED? >> NO.

>> I'M OPPOSED TO THIS ONE. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> EXCUSE ME? OKAY.

SO HE SUPPORTS THE PROPOSED BUDGET BY RAMOS?

>> PROPOSED TAX RATE. >> ALRIGHT. SO WE'RE PASSING THE TAX RATE INCREASE, AT LEAST I'M GLAD THE PUBLIC KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THESE PROGRAMS ONLY HAVE ONE TIME FUNDING, MAYBE BETWEEN NOW AND ELECTION DAY YOU CAN ADVOCATE FOR THE COLLEAGUES HERE TO, OR THESE PROGRAMS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE FUNDING BEYOND ONE YEAR. AND THEN JUST A REMINDER, $45 MILLION OF THE BUDGET IS ONE TIME FUNDING.

OF COURSE I SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS, I JUST DON'T WANT TO CONTINUE STRINGING PEOPLE ALONG JUST FOR THE PURPOSES OF AN ELECTION YEAR AND GIVING ALL THE MONEY TO THE CONSTABLES AND THE POLITICALLY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE BUT OF COURSE IT'S GOOD TO FUND THESE PROGRAMS. ALRIGHT. SO DO WE HAVE, DO YOU

NEED ANYTHING ELSE? >> WE DID TWO MORE?

WE HAVE TWO MORE TO DO? >> I HAVE COMMENTS, PLEASE.

I HAVE MY BUTTON PRESSED. >> DID WE GET THEM ALL?

>> WE DID THE FOUR TAX RATES. SO WE STILL HAVE THE BUDGET

[03:45:03]

AMENDMENT, AS WELL AS ITEM 6. >> DID WE DO SIX?

>> WE HAVE NOT DONE IT YET. BUT BEFORE WE DO THE BUDGET ENHANCEMENTS, IF YOU COULD GIVE ME AND MY TEAM ABOUT 15 MINUTES TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS READY.

>> HOW ABOUT 20? >> IT'S 3:56.

LET'S BE BACK AT A QUARTER PAST FOUR.

>> I HAVE COMMENTS ON WHAT WE JUST PASSED FOR WHEN WE GET

>> SO 416 AND SOME MEMBERS HAVE TO LEAVE.

I WANT TO NOT LOSE A QUORUM SO WE'LL GET STARTED.

I'M WAITING ON MR. RAMOS. >> HE IS PUTTING SOMETHING

TOGETHER, COMMISSIONER. >> DO YOU WANT TO MOVE EITHER

ITEM WHILE WE COME BACK ON IT? >> I HAVE A COUPLE OF ITEMS THAT

ARE DIRECTIONAL. >> OKAY.

>> FOR THE ADMINISTRATORS OFFICE.

I'D LIKE A COUPLE OF THINGS. ONE IS, WHEN'S THE LAST AUDIT WE'VE DONE ON ANY CURRENT TAX ABATEMENTS WE HAVE? THERE'S ONE IN PRECINCT TWO I CHAMPIONED WHICH IS THE HUD TAX FOR THE GREAT WOLF LODGE BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S ANY OTHERS THAT ARE STILL RUNNING THAT, I THINK THAT'S THE ONLY TEXT AGREEMENT WE'VE DONE SINCE 2019 AND I'M CURIOUS TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS ANY STILL RUNNING THAT WERE APPROVED PRIOR TO 2019 AND I'M CURIOUS WHEN THE LAST UTTERANCE HAD BEEN DONE, AND IF NONE HAD BEEN DONE I'M REQUESTING AUDITS ON OUR TAX

ABATEMENTS. >> COULD YOU CLARIFY.

YOU WANT US TO UP DATE ON HOW IT'S WORKING JOB?

>> I WANT TO KNOW IF THEY ARE COMPLIANT WITH THE CONDITIONS OF

THE ABATEMENT? >> OKAY.

THANK YOU. >> SECONDLY, I'D LIKE TO SEE A PLAN FOR WORKING WITH HRT TO DEVELOP A PLAN FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 28 TO CHANGE HEALTHCARE PLANS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES TO ALIGN PREMIUMS AND DEDUCTIBLES WITH HARRIS COUNTY APPEAR EMPTIES IN HOUSTON AND THE STATE OF TEXAS AND SEE THAT PLAN COME BACK BY NOVEMBER. FIRST MEETING IN NOVEMBER.

>> I THINK WE ASKED FOR JANUARY, SIR.

>> JANUARY, OKAY. >> COMMISSION WERE YOU ABLE TO SEND THAT AROUND? I APOLOGIZE.

>> YOU DID. >> THANK YOU.

>> IT WAS MOTION BUT I'M DOING IT AS DIRECTION.

>> IS A MOTION? >> IF YA'LL ARE GOOD WITH THE

MOTION. >> I'LL SECOND IT.

>> WHAT ITEM IS IT FOR? ON THE BUDGET? FREE FALL WHAT IS ON THE BUDGET THERE.

WOULD YOU MIND REPEATING FOR CLARITY.

>> THE MOTION IS TO DIRECT HRT TO DEVELOP A PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2028 TO CHANGE HEALTHCARE PLANS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES TO ALIGN PREMIUMS WITH HARRIS COUNTY ENTITIES INCLUDING THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND TEXAS FOR A COURT CONSIDERATION ON A COURT DATE IN

JANUARY OF 2027. >> SECOND.

>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? ITEM PASSES. THE OTHER WAS ON AUDIT?

>> MOVE TO AUDIT. ALL TAX ABATEMENTS THAT ARE, CURRENTLY ARE NOT BEING DONE. OR HAVEN'T BEEN DONE.

>> SECOND. >> IS THAT A QUESTION?

>> YEAH. I DON'T KNOW.

MAYBE JUST REVIEW COMPLIANCE BECAUSE THE AUDITOR MAY THINK

THAT'S A DIRECTIVE. >> IS MR. POST ONLINE SO WE MIGHT COME BACK TO THAT ONE. SO J.T., ITEM WE CAN GO TO?

>> ITEM SIX. >> ITEM SIX?

>> THIS IS REQUEST FOR COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO ADOPT

2027 CONSTABLE SERVICE FEE? >> YES. SO LAST MONTH I PROPOSED THE EVICTION SERVICE FEE FROM $85 TO $1 MILLION 20.

THE GOAL IS PRETTY STRAIGHT FORWARD.

THESE FEES SHOULD BETTER REFLECT THE COUNTY'S OVERALL COST TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE SO TAXPAYERS ARE NOT SUBSIDIZING CIVIL ENFORCEMENT. THIS IS ABOUT BALANCE.

WE NEED TO HAVE HOUSING INSTABILITY AND BE SURE THAT THE COUNTY RECOUPS THE COST OF THE WORK IT PERFORMS, EVICTION FILINGS HAVE INCREASED 26 PERCENT SINCE 2018 SO WE MUST BE THOUGHTFUL HOW THE POLICIES AFFECT FAMILIES ON OUR BROADER PUBLIC SYSTEMS. I RECENTLY MET WITH THE HOUSTON

[03:50:03]

DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION AND I APPRECIATE THEIR QUESTION AND WORKING WITH ME. LAST WEEK TO HEAR THEIR CONCERNS AND CONSIDER PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVES.

FOLLOWING THAT CONVERSATION I'LL BE MAKING A SEPARATE MOTION TO CREATE A DASHBOARD TRACK EVICTION SERVICE ACTIVITY.

WE NEED CLEAR ON-GOING INFORMATION ABOUT VOLUME.

COST, OUTCOMES. SO WE CAN MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS AND ADDITIONALLY PROPERTY OWNERS NEED CLEAR INFORMATION ON THE STATUS OF THEIR FILINGS.

WE CAN MOVE FORWARD IN A WAY THAT IS FAIR TO RESIDENT AND REASONABLE HOUSING PROVIDER AND TAXPAYERS.

THIS WILL HELP US ENSURE OR FEES ARE TIED TO THE ACTUAL COST OF SERVICE AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AS NEEDED.

SO MY FIRST MOTION IS TO DIRECT THE UNIVERSAL SERVICES TO WORK WITH ALL EIGHT HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLE OFFICES.

ALL 16 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND THE OFFICE OF COURT MANAGEMENT.

THE COUNTY CLERK WHERE APPLICABLE AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKE HOLDERS TO THE ASSESS THE CURRENT PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS FOR TRACKING RIGHTS OF POSSESSION FROM ISSUING THROUGH

SERVICE AND COMPLETION. >> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE.

IS THERE A SECOND? >> SECOND.

>> SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

I THINK ALL THOSE IN FAVOR VOTE AYE.

NOS? ITEM PASSES.

>> CAN YOU MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AS PRESENTED?

>> YES. >> MOVE AS PRESENTED.

>> SECOND. >> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR VOTE AYE.

NO? ITEM PASSES.

>> MY SECOND MOTION PASSES THAT UNIVERSAL SERVICES RETURN TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT ON OCTOBER 15 WATT PRELIMINARY ROAD MAP AND RECOMMENDATION FOR CENTRALIZED STATUS TRACKING OF RIGHTS OF POSSESSION. THE ROAD MAP SHOULD INCLUDE RECOMMENDED TECHNOLOGY AND INTEGRATION NEEDS AND OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATION AND A PROPOSED PILOT APPROACH.

AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED RESOURCES AN ESTIMATED COST.

>> ALL IN FAVOR VOTE AYE? NOS? ITEM PASSES. I'LL GO BACK TO THREE.

>> I THINK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD ONE.

>> MAKE SURE WE GET THEM ALL. >> YES, SIR.

>> NO. ITEM THREE.

LET'S SEE. CONGRESSIONAL PAYMENT OF 3,000

OF THE MANAGEMENT ACTION CENTER. >> 3,000 MANAGEMENT ACTION

CENTER LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. >> I'LL MOVE THE VOTE.

>> SECOND. >> CONTINUED BY BRIONES BRCHLT AYES? AND THREE AYES AND ONE NO.

THE NEXT ONE IS ITEM FOUR? >> COMMISSIONER WHO WILL PULL

THAT ONE? >> I DID.

JUST VOTE. >> OKAY.

ON THE JUDGE ALSO HAD A MOTION ON ITEM FOUR.

>> REMIND ME. WE'LL HOLD IT.

>> WHAT'S THE NEXT ONE, JAY? >> 22.

>> THIS IS REIMBURSEMENT CITY OF HOUSTON.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY THIS IS YOU. HARRIS TOLL ROADS.

>> YEAH. LET ME GET TO MY MOTION.

>> GO TO 23 AND COME BACK? >> I GOT IT.

AGAIN THIS IS ON ITEM 22. MOVE TO REQUEST COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO WORK WITH IGA TO DRAFT AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON FOR EMERGENCY AND PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES PROVIDED ON THE TOLL ROAD SYSTEM.

FROM APRIL FIRST 2025 TO DECEMBER 31ST OF 2026.

UTILIZE A COST RECOVERY REIMBURSEMENT FRAMEWORK TOTALLING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION AND 568

THOUSAND 500.35. >> SECOND.

>> FURTHER TO AUTHORIZE THE PHASED DISPERSEMENT OF FUNDS ACROSS THE THREE SCHEDULED TRONS THROUGH JUNE 30TH OF 2025 COST.

TWO. JULY FIRST 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026. THREE PRIOR TO THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION BASED ON A VERIFIED COUNTY CALCULATED FORMULA, ITEMIZED INVOICES AND DIRECT THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, AUDITOR AND TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH ON-GOING OPERATIONAL AND AUDIT PROCEDURES FOR CONTINUED PERIODIC IMBURST

MINUTES GOING FORWARD? >> ITEM 22.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY MADE A MOTION.

>> IN THE SPIRIT OF THAT MOTION IS SIMPLY TO BE SURE THAT WE REIMBURSE THE CITY OF HOUSTON FOR ANY EXPENSES THEY MAY HAVE INCURRED WHILE RUNNING EMERGENCYS ON THE TOLL ROAD SYSTEM THAT SEEMS TO BE QUITE THE TOPIC OF CONVERSATION AND THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION TWO YEARS AGO.

[03:55:01]

>> YES. >> THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS

AND I'M VERY SUPPORTIVE. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND THEN

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> I THINK THOSE -

>> THAT'S FOR THE BUDGET. >>

>> I DO HAVE ONE. IF COMMISSIONER BRIONES?

>> LET ME GO BACK TO THE BUDGET. BUT I JUST VERY BRIEFLY THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS AND I APPRECIATE I WANT TO SAY VICE WORKING WITH ALL THEE SD THE 15 WE NOW HAVE IN AGREEMENT.

THANK YOU FOR MEETING WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON TO REIMBURSE WHAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DOES ON OUR ROAD, SO THANK YOU COMMISSIONER AND THANK YOU TO ALL THE OFFICES THAT WILL HELP TO CREATE A CLEAR FRAMEWORK ON A GO FORWARD.

>> ALRIGHT. SO I HAVE COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS. AND COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

>> I'M SORRY I'M GOING BACK TO THE BUDGET, AS WELL.

>> OKAY. SO I'M READING THE SCREEN WHERE WE WRITE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK.

>> ON 22 BEFORE WE VOTE I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> OKAY. SO I'M JUST -

>> THEN WE HAVE A VOTE. >> ALRIGHT.

COMMISSIONER SO COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADE HIS COMMENTS AND MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS THERE A SECOND? COMMISSIONER GARCIA? ALL IN FAVOR? ANY APPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. >> ALRIGHT. SO WE HAVE TO GO BACK TO ITEM, IT'S NOT FIVE. WHICH ITEM DIRECTOR.

>> I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANTED TO CAST YOUR VOTE.

ONE WAS ITEM THREE RELATED TO THE MANAGEMENT ACTION.

IT PASSED 3-1. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANT TO ASSOCIATE THAT WITH THAT AND THE CONSTABLE ITEM SIX?

>> I'LL RECORD MY VOTE AS IN FAVOR ON ITEM 3.

AND THEN THE DID WE, DO I NEED TO MAKE A MOTION?

>> YOU DON'T NEED A MOTION ON THAT.

>> AND THEN WHAT WAS THE VOTE ON ITEM SIX?

>> IT WAS 4-0. >> WE GOT TO MAKE A MOTION ON

FOUR? >> YES, I'M SORRY.

I WAS CATCHING HER UP. >> I HAVE A MOTION ON THAT ONE.

>> ON FOUR? >> YES.

>> I WAS CATCHING HER UP THOUGH. >> I'LL VOTE IN ITEM SIX.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WE'RE GOING TO ITEM FOUR.

SO GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF THE TWO GENERAL FUND EARLY CHILDHOOD POSITIONS INCLUDING ASSOCIATED BUDGET EQUIPMENT TOO CA WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE POSITION SHALL REMAIN DEDICATED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES AND RELATED ACTIVITIES AND WITH THE DIRECTIVE THAT OCA TO PROVIDE COMMISSIONERS' COURT WITH AN, ANNUAL UPDATE FOLLOWING THE TRANSFER DESCRIBING THE PROGRESS

MADEED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR? ANY APPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

ALRIGHT. >> ARE WE BACK ON THE BUDGET?

>> DOES FIVE INCLUDE THE SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS?

IS THAT A DIFFERENT ITEM? >> YOU WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH

THE CITY ON THE SERVICE. >> THE LIST IS ABOUT TO COME OUT OF THE SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS SO IF WE CAN DO MOTIONS FOR GENERAL, FUND CONTROL DISTRICT TO SET.

>> I THOUGHT WE DID THOSE. >> NOT FOR THE BUDGET.

WE DID IT FOR THE TAX RATE. >> OH RIGHT.

OKAY I GOT YOU. OKAY.

SO A MOTION FOR THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT OR FLIGHT CONTROL DISTRICT. MOTION TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 17TH AT TO CONSIDER FOR FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT THE 2027-28 BUDGET AND DIRECT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND ALL RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO PUBLIC ALL DIRECTED NOTICE AND FILE THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND 2027 BUDGET AS A MENDED WITH THE COUNTY CLERK AND AUDITOR.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? FLOOD CONTROL, CORRECT.

ANY APPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THEN DO I NEED TO MAKE THE BUDGET ONE FOR HARRIS HEALTH SO FOR HARRIS HEALTH, I HAVE THE, NO, NO.

YEAH BECAUSE IT'S THEIR BUDGET SO THAT'S IT.

>> JUDGE? IF I MIGHT I CAN GO OVER THE

SERVICE ENHANCEMENT. >> SURE.

[04:00:01]

THAT'S PART OF ITEM FIVE AND WHAT I WAS ASKING.

THE FORMULA ON MY AGENDA IS DIFFERENT THIS TIME

>> I'LL RUN THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT AND THE ITEM AND THE DOLLAR AMOUNT. FIRST ONE, POLLUTION CONTROL OVER STOREING THE CUT IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET.

POLLUTION CONTROL THE 235437. THE CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER FOR POLLUTION CONTROL 252000. PUBLIC HEALTH EXPANDING THE HEART PROGRAM 1 P.52. PUBLIC HEALTH THE RISE PROGRAM 439103. PUBLIC HEALTH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION INTERVENTION SUPPORTS 1 MILLION.

PUBLIC HEALTH, WASTEWATER TRADING AND 500,000.

PUBLIC LIBRARY RESTORING FUNDING FOR THE T SL AC ACCREDITATION.

1.4 MILLION. HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EVICTION DEFENSE AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE, 2.6 MILLION AND 68 DOLLARS. THE HARRIS CENTER.

LIVING WAGE 1.4 MILLION TO DO $20.00 ON HOUR WITH 900 THOUSAND BEING REOCCURRING. ELECTIONS, ELECTION TRAINERS AND TWO ELECTION FOR THE COUNTY CLERK OF 190 THOUSAND.

PRE-TRIAL SERVICES THERE WERE TWO THE NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL AND THE 24-HOUR COVERAGE FOR A COMBINED 2,000,000495922.

FOR PURCHASING SURRENDER MANAGEMENT $350,000.

HEARING OFFICER COMPENSATION ONE MILLION FOR CONVERSIONS AND VACANCIES. ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

COMMUNITY SAFETY 593880 FOR CENTRALIZED FUNCTIONS TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS SUCH AS TRAINING AND MULTILINGUAL COMMUNICATION AND DATA ANALYSIS AND SUPPLY AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS.

COURT 2-2 IN EVICTION DIVERSION COORDINATOR.

JP 72, $102087. JP 72, EVICTION COORDINATOR.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE THE INTAKE MODERNIZATION FOR 1.6 MILLION AND THIS ONE WILL BE BUDGET NEUTRAL WITH THE INDIGENT FEES. CHILDREN ASSESSMENT CENTER BACKLOG AND SAFETY $164,000 AND RESOURCES OF CHILDREN TEACHING POSITION FOR GOOSE CREEK ISD FOR $92,000 FOR TOTAL OF $14.4 MILLION AND THEN TO FINISH THIS WOULD BE MOTION TO AMEND THE

BUDGET >> MOVE ON BEHALF OF COMMISSIONER BRIONES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> SECOND.

>> LOOKING FOR YOU COMMISSIONER. IN ADDITION MOTION TO INCLUDE IN THE FISCAL YEAR CLS 1.7 MILLION FOR HEART AND 900 THOUSAND FOR RISE AND 440,000 FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY FUNCTION.

>> OKAY SO THERE IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> WOULD YOU CONFIRM THE HOUSING TRUST? I DIDN'T HEAR THAT.

MAYBE I MISSED IT. >> NO IT WAS, I THINK I MISSED IT. $2.6 MILLION.

>> FOR THE TOTAL THAT YOU MENTIONED?

>> YEAH. THAT'S INCLUDED.

THE TOTAL FOR THAT IS $14 POINT 4,000,000

>> GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> THIS IS COMPLETELY, YOU'VE ADDED SOME, TAKEN SOME OFF. IS D E O ADDING 2.4 MILLION?

>> NO >> THAT ONE WAS TAKEN OFF? I GUESS THERE WILL BE SOME I'M GOING TO SUPPORT AND SOME I'LL

NOT SUPPORT. >> YOU WANT TO DO THEM SEPARATE?

>> CALL OUT THE ONES YOU DON'T WANT TO SUPPORT?

>> IF I CAN FIGURE THAT OUT BECAUSE HE'S SLIPPED SOME IN

HERE. >> AT THE LAST MINUTE.

>> TAKING DIRECTION FROM A COURT COMMISSIONER.

>> YOU WANT TO GO TO ANOTHER ITEM?

>> THE SAME ONE BUT I'M KIND OF WONDERING IF THE SUICIDE MORTALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE FOR VETERANS IS STILL HERE.

IF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FUNDING FOR CHILDREN VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC

[04:05:06]

VIOLENCE IS STILL THERE? IF THE SPAY NEUTER VACCINATIONS IS STILL THERE. I KNOW PEOPLE CARE A LOT ABOUT THESE PET AND ALSO, THEY ARE DANGEROUS IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS AND 40351 STUDENTS SUMMER PROGRAMS. IS THE CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER HERE FOR POLLUTION CONTROL?

>> YES JUDGE. >> I THINK I HEARD PURCHASEING SO I DON'T ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT I COULDN'T CATCH WHAT WAS ADDED?

>> SURE. SO THE ONES THAT WERE ADDED WERE POLLUTION CONTROL. RESTORATION.

IN ADDITION, THE PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCREDITATION.

ADDITIONAL 500,000 FOR HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

1.5 MILLION FOR THE PRE-TRIAL SERVICES FOR THE ENERGY HANSED SUPER SUPERVISION.

>> RIGHT. >> AND THEN THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER FOR THE BACKLOG AND THE RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS FOR 92,000 WERE THE ONES THAT WERE ADDED.

>> OKAY FOR CHILDREN, ADULTS, I HALF HAVE $164,000 SO WE'RE CUTTING THAT DOWN TO SUPPORT AT RISK YOUTH AND THEN WE'RE SEEING THE YEAH NOT SEEING THE VETERANS OR THE KID'S THAT SURVIVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR THE ANIMAL SHELTER

>> JUDGE? >> GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER.

>> MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO GO ONE-BY-ONE AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IF THERE'S SOME YOU KNOW YOU DON'T WANT TO SUPPORT IT

WOULD BE QUICKER. >> I CAN CALL OUT THE ONES I WANT TO VOTE NO ON. WOULD THAT BE EASIER?

>> YES, SIR. >> LET ME GIVE YOU THE LIST.

SO POLLUTION CONTROL, THAT'S ADMINISTRATIVE POSITION.

WE'VE GOT ROUGHLY $75 MILLION. WE HAVE A LOT.

THERE IS A LARGE NUMBER OF ADMINISTRATORS AND I'M NOT SUPPORTING THAT. POLLUTION CONTROL CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER A BIT OF ADMINISTRATOR. HOST THE TWO NO.

THE FIRST TWO NO. HEART I'M NOT SUPPORTING BECAUSE OF CORE AND THEIR SUCCESS. RISE I'M NOT SUPPORTING FOR THE SAME REASON. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, I AM.

I SUPPORT THAT ONE. WASTE WATER TESTING, HAVING DESIGNED 50 PLANTS I THINK THAT SA GREAT IDEA.

SHOULD DO MORE OF THAT. PUBLIC LIBRARY, I THINK HAS BEEN VERY CLEAR THEY ARE NOT GOING TO LOSE THEIR ACCREDITATION AND WE CAN PAUSE IT THIS YEAR AND STILL MAINTAIN IT NEXT YEAR BUT SO I'LL VOTE NO ON THAT ONE. NO ON HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. YES ON LIVING WAGE FOR THE HARRIS CENTER. ELECTION TRAINERS, YES. NIGHT SHIFT, WE NEED THAT, YES. VENDOR MANAGEMENT YES WITH THE QUALIFIER TO PURCHASING THAT IF WE'RE GOING TO SPEND $350,000 TO GET A BETTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM I WOULD EXPECT US TO SAVE A LOT OF MONEY IN THE PROCESS. OUR EXPECTATIONS SOME TIMES ARE NOT ALONG THOSE LINES. COUNTY COURTS, YES. HAVING A HEARINGS OFFICER. COMMUNITY SAFETY, CENTRALIZED FUNCTIONS, NO. EVICTION, DIVERSION, YES, EVICTION AND DIVERSION, YES. REDUCE THE BACKLOG CAC.

YES. TEACHING POSITION FOR GOOD CREEK?

WHAT'S THAT? >> UM... THAT'S A PRECINCT TWO ITEM. I BELIEVE THESE ARE THE PARTNERSHIP WHERE THE I.S. D PAYS FOR HALF AND ADULTS PAY FOR

HALF. >> IS IT A GENERAL FUND THING?

>> YES, SIR. >> IT IS A SOCIAL WORKER

POSITION COMMISSIONER. >> I BELIEVE THEY HAVE THEM, MOST SCHOOL DISTRICT HAVE AT LEAST ONE PARTNERSHIP.

>> I THINK WE HAVE THEM. THEY ARE IN A LOT OF DIFFERENT

SCHOOLS. >> BUT A LOT OF THE SCHOOLS ARE LOSING POSITIONS BECAUSE OF THE ST

[04:10:05]

STATE. >> AND IS THE, YOU ASKED THIS COMMISSIONER, THE TRUST FUND IS THAT IN HERE?

>> HOUSING TRUST? >> HOW MUCH WAS THAT?

>> BECAUSE I DON'T, IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS THE NEW LIST AND I DON'T EITHER.

WHERE DO WE GET, BECAUSE WE'RE BOTH COMPARING IT TO THE OLD

LIST? >> SO IT'S HARD TO HAVE THE

CONVERSATION WITHOUT IT? >> OLD SCHOOL PAPER.

THAT'S WHY I PLANT SO MANY TREES.

>> YEAH. >> WE'RE PRINTING IT NOW.

>> WHERE IS THE HOUSING TRUST? >> I SEE IT IN THE OLD LIST.

>> IT'S 2.66. >> BUT IS IT ON THIS LIST?

>> YES, SIR. >> I JUST RAN THE NEW ONE.

>> BELOW THE PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCREDITATION ABOVE THE HARRIS CEN CENTER.

>> OKAY. SO ONLY QUESTION THERE IS, I THINK TALKING IGA WE HAVE GOT TO GET SOMETHING DONE IN AUSTIN BEFORE WE ESTABLISH THIS. I DON'T WANT TO PRE ASSUME.

>> I THINK WE CAN ESTABLISH IT THAT MAYBE SOME CHANGES IN STATE LAW. THE STATE MAY PUT MONEY IN IT.

WE CAN'T ESTABLISH IT? >> MY UNDERSTANDING IS WE CAN DO THE PROGRAMMING WITHOUT THE TRUST FUND.

AND THAT WE WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE STATE TO SET UP THE TRUST FUND TO COLLECT THE FEE AND APPLY FOR GRANTS I BELIEVE.

>> THIS DOESN'T SET UP THE TRUST FUND BUT SETS UP A PROGRAM THAT

WOULD FUNCTION LIKE IT? >> YOU WANT TO COME UP?

>> YES, GO AHEAD. >> THIS ALLOWS US TO INITIATE THE PROGRAMMING AND WHICH WE WANT THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO HELP HAVE LOCAL CONTROL OVER THESE FLEXIBLE RESOURCES AND

EVICTION IS A PRIORITY. >> IT IS FAIR TO SAY THIS BEEN ONE YEAR AGO SO I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN BEATING ME ACROSS THE HEAD

ON FOR IT A YEAR. >> SECOND YEAR.

YES. >> YOU DID.

>> I THINK IT WOULD MAKE SENSE FOR US TO HAVE THE DOCUMENT

BEFORE WE FINISH VOTING ON THIS. >> SURE.

WE WANT TO GO TO ANOTHER ITEM? >> IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE LEFT?

>> YES JUDGE THERE IS ACTUALLY. WE HAVE GOT ITEM 23 AND I TELL

26. >> SO 23.

>> HOST AREA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, RELIANT PARK?

>> WE HEARD PREVIOUSLY FROM I THINK THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

THEY ARE THE ONES THAT REACHED OUT TO ME ORIGINALLY.

I HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH THE SUPPORTS AND CONVENTION AUTHORITY AND TRIED TO GET AN UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE WERE SAYING. I WOULD MAKE THIS ANALOGOUS.

A COUPLE OF POINTS. ONE, HAVING 7 GRANDCHILDREN AND I FULLY INTEND TO GO TO ALL SEVEN OF THEIR GRADUATIONS AND RECOGNIZING GRANDPARENTS SOMETIMES GETS CUT OUT IF THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TICKETS BECAUSE THAT'S REALLY THE CASE WITH HUMBLE. IF THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TICKETS THEN THE MOTHER AND THE FATHER FIRST COUSIN CAN GO, I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE DOING THAT? ONE WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE IT UP TO THIS POINT AND I KNOW THAT'S NOT A GOOD REASON TO CONTINUE TO DO IT.

IT'S LIKE MY COMMUNITY CENTER. COULD I MAKE MORE MONEY AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER BY HAVING WEDDING RECEPTIONS OR DOING WHAT WE DO NOW? I CAN MAKE MORE ON WEDDING RECEPTIONS AND I THINK IT'S MORE OF A COMMUNITY BUILDING.

I DON'T THINK IT'S OVERWHELMING WHAT THEY ARE DOING AT NRG IN TERMS OF THE STADIUM. SOME OF THE HIGH SCHOOLS CAN USE THE ARENA AND MARTY HAS WORKED THROUGH THEM WITH THAT BUT SOME HIGH SCHOOLS ARE SO BIG AS WE HEARD FROM SUMMER CREEK AND OTHERS THAT YOU KNOW, THEY PLAN AHEAD AND THEY CAN DO THAT SO I THINK AT LEAST WE SHOULD CONTINUE IT.

THERE SHOULD BE MORE CONVERSATION WITH THIS COURT IF WE'RE GOING TO STOP DOING THINGS LIKE THAT.

BUT I FOR ONE WOULD LIKE FOR US TO SEE IF WE COULDN'T ACCOMMODATE SOME OF THE BIGGER HIGH SCHOOLS WHO REALLY DON'T HAVE A VENUE THAT THEY CAN GO TO FOR THIS SO THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION RELATED TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS.

THEY SHOULD BE A PART OF PROPERLY SCHEDULED WORK, WORKED

[04:15:03]

THROUGH AND ANTICIPATED BUT THEY SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED, WE DON'T DO RELIANT STADIUM GRADUATIONS ANYMORE.

I WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT. >> ALRIGHT.

WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN

COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> I'M GOING TO SUPPORT THAT ITEM COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. I'VE HEARD IT FROM MY SCHOOL AND MY SUPERINTENDENTS IN MY PRECINCT AND LOOK, AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE PANDEMIC IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE PAIN WHEN SOMETHING DOESN'T HAPPEN IN A CHILD'S LIFE THAT THEY HAVE ANTICIPATED FOR A LONG TIME, AS WELL AS FOR PARENT WHO HAVE BEEN EXCITED FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE AN INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN.

THERE IS OTHER WAYS TO MAKE MONEY.

I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD DO IT ON THE BACKS OF OUR CHILDREN

>> JUDGE? >> I'D LIKE TO SAY THAT WHATEVER WE DO FOR ONE WE HAVE TO DO FOR ALL OF THEM AND WE CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. WHEN MY SON CAME OUT OF LAW SCHOOL THEY HAD, THIS IS IN NEW YORK.

THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE BIG SPENDERS BUT THEY HAVE TO HAVE SOME RESTRICTIONS. EVERYONE WANTS TO PARTICIPATE BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AND I WOULD SAY YOU DO IT FOR ONE YOU HAVE TO DO FOR ALL OF THEM? THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY MAKE ON THE CONCERT. WE HAVE A FACILITY OUT THERE THAT'S FALLING APART THAT CENTER NEEDS TO BE REDONE BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. WE'RE GOING THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS RIGHT NOW TRYING TO FIGURE WHAT WE DO GOING FORWARD.

IT WOULD MAKE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAPPY AND IT HAS TO BE PAID.

THEY DID CALL ME AND ONE OF MY SUPERINTENDENTS ASKED FOR A MEETING SO I CALLED OVER AND SAID WELL TALK TO THEM AND JUST KIND OF WALK THROUGH. SOUNDS REASONABLE TO ME.

WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT? ONE OF THE SUPERINTENDENTS CALLED ME BACK AND SAID, THEY WENT OUT TO THE ONE IN FORT PIERCE BEND COUNTY BUT IF YOU CHANGE IT FOR A FEW THAT ARE VERY LARGE YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO CHANGE FOR IT ALL OF THEM SO I WANT TO SAY IF YOU WANT TO BE GOOD FISCAL STEWARDS JUST BE PREPARED TO DO IT FOR ALL THE OTHER AND NOT AS THOUGH THE FOLKS AT NRG. WE CHALLENGE THEM TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO BE PROFITABLE SO IT'S JUST FOR YOU CHANGE IT, I PREFER YOU WAIT AND LET THEM COME AND TALK ABOUT IT BEFORE WE DO IT PRECIPITOUSLY. TRUST ME.

WE WERE ABOUT TO MAKE A WHOLE BUNCH OF PEOPLE UNHAPPY IF WE

WERE CUTTING THAT. >> MAYBE THE RESPONSE BACK WOULD BE, I DON'T THINK THEY HAD THAT MANY GRADUATIONS, THE NUMBER.

THAT HAD MARTY COME BACK AND REPORT TO US ON WHAT IS AN APPROPRIATE NUMBER THAT WE COULD DO? I DON'T THINK EVERYONE IS LINED UP TO DO THEIR GRADUATION AT RELIANT. I'D RATHER DO IT CLOSER TO HOME BUT AND CHIEF SAID A LOT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS COULD ACTUALLY DO IT IN THE ARENA AND THEY HAD IT SET UP TO DO THAT.

SO SHE'S ACCOMMODATED MOST OF THEM BUT MAN WHEN YOU HAVE AS

BIG AS SUMMER CREEK. >> SHE MET WITH A BIG GROUP OF THEM AND I DON'T CALL HIS NAME BECAUSE YOU KNOW HE'LL FIGURE IF OTHERS COMPLAIN THEY GOT CHANGED.

HE CALLED ME BACK AND SAID I GET.

WE MOVED IT ON OUT TO THE ONE IN SUGARLAND.

FORT PIERCE BEND COUNTY. >> OH, THE CONCERT.

>> PARK FINANCIAL CENTER. >> THEY MOVED IT TO SMART FINANCIAL CENTER BECAUSE IT'S SO HOT.

THE OTHER PLACES YOU CAN GO BUT THEY WANT TO BE INDOORS BUT YOU HEARD WHAT THE SUPERINTENDANT SAID, THEY CAN TAKE IT TO THE BASKETBALL ARENA AND THE BASEBALL ARENA BUT YOU HAVE TO

PAY FOR IT. >> THE SCHOOLS WERE PAYING.

THEY COULDN'T PAY WHAT A CONCERT PAID BUT THEY WERE PAYING.

>> I PREFER YOU LET MARTY. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING BUT I WOULD BE PREPARED TO VOTE NO TODAY.

>> WELL I WOULD HAVE APPRECIATED BEING BRIEFED.

AND IT BLIND-SIDED ME WHEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS WHO HAD THEIR GRADUATION OUT THERE WERE SIMPLY TOLD, WE DON'T DO THAT ANYMORE.

YOU KNOW IT WOULD BE NICE TO GET A CONVERSATION WITH US BEFORE YOU START PASSING POLICY LIKE THAT.

>> THEY DID TELL ME. SHE TOLD ME SHE SHOULD HAVE TOLD

YOU BUT I CALLED HER. >> SHE SHOULD HAVE TOLD A COURT.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES? >> SO TO THE BOTH ENDS I DO AGREE THAT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS FROM A FAMILY STANDPOINT FROM AN EDUCATIONAL STANDPOINT WHERE WE CAN ACCOMMODATE THAT THE ARENA AND THE RARE INSTANCES WE NEED THE

[04:20:01]

STADIUM BUT I'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM MARTY WHAT EXACTLY THE FINANCIAL TRADE-OFFS ARE AND WHAT WILL BE THE CLEAR CONSISTENT CRITERIA. IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE OTHER LARGE SCHOOL DISTRICTS JUST SO WE'RE FAIR AND CONSISTENT WITH ALL AND THEN WE CAN CLEARLY COMMUNICATE THAT TOGETHER TO THE COMMUNITY TO ALL OF OUR ISDS BUT I'M CONFIDENT WE CAN FIND A BOTH AND IN TERMS OF THE REVENUE GENERATION AND AN ACCOMMODATE TOGETHER THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE, SO.

>> I CAN CHANGE MY MOTION SIMPLY.

>> JUST HAVE IT ON THE NEXT AGENDA.

>> WE CAN TALK ABOUT THAT. >> I'M HAPPY TO VOTE ON IT TOO IF YOU WANT. WHATEVER.

>> I THINK THE'S REASONABLE TO HAVE MARTY COME HERE AND GIVE US

THE FULL PICTURE. >> OKAY.

COOL. SO WE'RE GOING TO JUST NOT TAKE ACTION ON 23 AND THEN THERE WAS 26 I BELIEVE.

COMMISSIONER BRIONES? >> YES. 26 BRIEFLYLY BE MOVING AS PRESENTED BUT I'M THANKFUL TO RICE UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR CIVIC LEADERSHIP. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A PARTNERSHIP WITH RICE WITH PRECINCT FOUR'S PLANNING DEPARTMENT SO WE ARE BUILDING VARIOUS PARTNERSHIP WITH DIFFERENT UNIVERSITIES. YOU HAVE A GRADUATE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK. UNIVERSITY, PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND FELLOWSHIP AND BEYOND. THE FORMER TEACHER IN ME AND I WANT TO RECOGNIZE MY PARENT WHO HAVE BEEN HERE ALL DAY.

THEY ARE FORMER EDUCATORS AND I'M REALLY THANKFUL TO THE UNIVERSITIES WANTING TO PARTNER WITH HARRIS COUNTY SPECIFICALLY PRECINCT FOUR AND THANKFUL TO OVER THE 200 STUDENT INTERNS WE'VE HAD SINCE I TOOK OFFICE IN 2023 SO WITH THAT I'D LIKE TO

MOVE ITEM 26 AS PRESENTED. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES ON ITEM 26.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR? ANY APPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

WELCOME PARENTS AND THANK YOU FOR THAT WORK COMMISSIONER.

OKAY SO WE GO BACK TO FIVE. >> JUDGE WE HAVE ONE MORE.

31. >> ALRIGHT.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> GO AHEAD.

>> WE JUST NEED TO VOTE. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

IS THERE A SECOND? ON LITIGATION EXPENSES?

>> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> AYE. >> APPOSED?

>> NO. >> MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

ALSO LET'S GO BACK TO FIVE AND I THINK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WANTED TO VOTE ON EACH ITEM INDIVIDUALLY.

>> THEN JUDGE IF I CAN, I WAS ASKED TO READ SOME LANGUAGE INTO THE RECORD FOR THE HOUSING IF I MIGHT.

>> FOR THE HOUSING. GO ON.

HOUSING ENHANCEMENT. >> SURE.

>> HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO BE AUTHORIZED 2.6 IN THE FISCAL YEAR 27 GENERAL FUND RESOURCES AS ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE FIRST PROGRAM YEAR ALLOCATION SHALL EXPAND LEGAL AID AND SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS AT RISK OF EVICTION AND THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURT AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS THROUGH THE DEVEL DEVELOPMENTS AND THESE FUNDS SHALL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR

THESE PURPOSES. >> OKAY.

SO THAT'S PART OF THE SERVICE ENHANCEMENT?

>> THAT IS THE DESCRIPTION FOR THE SERVICE ENHANCEMENT.

I WAS JUST ASKED READ IT INTO THE RECORD.

>> OKAY. SO NOW I'M THINKING THE EASIEST WAY TO GO THROUGH THEM IS TO GO FROM THE TOP OF THE PRINT OUT

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> I MOVE THE FIRST ONE

>> THAT'S POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

I HAVE A QUESTION. THIS USED TO BE 312 THOUSAND AND NOW IT'S 235 THOUSAND. AM I MISSING SOMETHING HERE?

>> NO THIS IS CORRECT. WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY.

>> OKAY. SO IT'S ALWAYS BEEN 235?

>> MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR.

ANY APPOSED? OKAY.

PASSES 4-1. THEN WE HAVE POLLUTION CONTROL CHIEF SCIENCE MOTION. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

>> PUBLIC HEALTH. >> MOVE IT.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR? ANY APPOSED? MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

>> PUBLIC HEALTH RISE MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

[04:25:04]

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. I NOTICE THAT THIS IS THE SAME AMOUNT WE HAD BEFORE UNDER THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ITEMS, SO OKAY SO ANYWAY ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THERE IS A $720,000 THAT DID NOT MAKE IT ON THIS LIST THAT IS FOR CHILDREN THAT HAVE SURVIVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. I KNOW THAT IS SEPARATE AND A PART FROM THIS MILLION SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GUYS ARE OKAY TO END THE PROGRAM FOR THE KIDS IN A HAVEN'T SURVIVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? I'D MAKE A MOTION TO PUT THE $720,000 FOR THOSE KIDS THAT WE HAVE HERE AND IT IS AN EVALUATED PROGRAM. YOU KNOW THERE WAS BAR WAR BY AND THEM WOULD TALK ABOUT IT AND NAUSEAM AND IT WOULD END WITHOUT THIS $720. SO MOTION FOR THE KIDS THAT HAVE SURVIVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? NO SECOND.

JUST WANTED TO PUT THAT ON THE RECORD.

ALRIGHT. SO THEN PUBLIC HEALTH WASTE WATER TESTING? MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> YES.>> ANY APPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC LIBRARY. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR? ANY APPOSED? MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

EVICTION? MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED?

AND THEN - >> 4-1

>> MOVED. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES ALL IN FAVOR AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED?

>> THIS IS THE LIVING WAGE? >> FOR HARRIS CENTER, YES.

>> MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. ELECTIONS? MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. I THINK I HEARD A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

PRE-TRIAL SERVICES. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. SOMETHING THAT I DON'T SEE IS $107 THOUSAND FOR THE A VETERAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SUICIDE REVIEW COMMITTEE TO MAKE SURE WE PREVENT SUICIDE AMONG VETERANS AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT FOLKS AGAIN DON'T WANT TO VOTE FOR THAT. I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO INVEST IN OUR VETERANS THERE. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? ALRIGHT.

NOBODY IS LOOKING. OKAY.

GOT IT. THANK YOU SO MOTION FAILS TO SUPPORT THE SUICIDE MORTALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE.

>> THAT FAILS. >> THERE IS MOTION. UNLESS QUIET MET VOTING FOR IT.

>> THERE WAS A MOTION AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SECONDED.

>> I THOUGHT EVERYONE LOOKED DOWN.

>> I PUT IT ON THE RECORD. >> THEY VOTED NO ON THE VETERAN SERVICES. AND THEN WE HAVE PRETRIAL PURCHASING. VENDOR MANAGEMENT.

>> SO MOVED. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> SECOND. >> SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR.

>> AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED? OKAY. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

HEARING OFFICERS. >> SO MOVED.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

>> AM I MISSING ONE? DID YOU SAY MANAGEMENT OR

SKIPPED THAT ONE. >> JUST DID THAT ONE.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED COMMISSIONER

BRIONES. >> AYE.

>> MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> OTHER ONE WE HAVE HERE IS LOW COST SPAY NEUTER AND VACCINATION AND MICRO CHIPPING $1.03 MILLION. AGAIN, TO CONFIRM WE HAD A SLATE FOR A MILLION DOLLARS FOR SPAY NEUTER.

AND SO WE'RE NOT GOING TO INVEST IN THAT HERE.

JUST WANT TO MOTION FOR THE $1.03 MILLION FOR LOW COST SPAY NEUTER AND VACCINATION AND MICRO CHIPPING AND LICENCING.

>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR OF SPAY NEUTER THAT PUBLIC HEALTH HAS REQUESTED? EVERYBODY LOOKS DOWN. ANY OPPOSED?

>> I'M OPPOSED. >> NO.

>> ALL RIGHT. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, ARE YOU IN

[04:30:02]

FAVOR OF THE SPAY NEUTER? >> NO.

>> GREAT. WANTED TO GET IT ON THE RECORD.

>> JUST SO WE DON'T GET LOST. >> FILE IT AND IF YOU WANT TO

ADD SO WE DON'T GET CONFUSED. >> I'M OKAY.

>> WE HAVE COUNTY COURTS AND COMMUNITY SAFETY.

CENTRALIZED FUNCTION. >> SO MOVED.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. AND THEN THE LAST ONE WAS $2.4 MILLION FOR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

>> SKIPPING? >> I'M JUST POINTING OUT THAT ANYTHING HAS TO DO WITH KIDS IS LIKE A SPORT HERE TO NOT FUND IT. ANY WAY, A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS THAT SERVED 30,451 STUDENTS AFTER SCHOOL. THAT IS FOR LACK OF A SECOND.

OKAY. >> CAN WE FINISH VOTING ON WHAT

WE -- >> AND THEN --

>> YEAH. >> FINISH VOTING ON THE --

>> RIGHT. THEN WE HAVE -- DID WE VOTE ON

COMMUNITY SAFETY? >> WE DID.

>> I GOT THIS. >> OKAY.

>> MOVE ON THE NEXT TWO ITEMS. >> I WILL SECOND THEM.

>> COMMUNITY SAFETY I VOTED NO. DO YOU HAVE THAT DOWN?

DO YOU HAVE ME DOWN AS NO? >> 4-1 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY VOTES NO. JP COURTS 22 PCN ON EVICTION

DIVERSION. >> I'M SORRY, JUDGE --

>> MOVED ON BOTH OF THOSE. >> COMMUNITY SAFETY, WHAT WAS

THE VOTE ON THAT ONE? >> 4-1 AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AGAINST. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA ON JP COURTS 22. IS THERE A SECOND.

>> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR?

AYE. >> MOTION CARRIES.

>> JP COURTS 72 BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER BRIONES SECOND. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

>> I HAVE DFO AND BLANK. >> IT IS BUDGET NEUTRAL AND DA

MODERNIZATION. >> I WILL MOVE IT.

>> MOTION FOR INTAKE DA MODERNIZATION.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED?

>> NO. >> MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

CHILDREN ASSESSMENT CENTER REDUCE BACKLOG AND SAFETY.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA MAKES THE MOTION AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> YES. >> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. RCA TEACHING POSITION FOR GOOSE CREEK. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> ONE YOU MET AND MAKE A MOTION. IN ADDITION MAKE A MOTION TO INCLUDE IN THE FISCAL '27 CLS ADDITIONAL 1.7 MILLION FOR HEART AND 8,000 FOR RISE AND 444,000 FOR CENTRALIZED.

>> JUDGE,. >> GREAT.

>> SECOND. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

THIS IS BASICALLY ADDING TO THE BASE BUDGET FOR 2028.

WE'RE LIKE ALREADY COMMITTING TO INCREASE FOR 2028.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

>> I'M IN FAVOR AND WE'RE GOING TO NEED THIS EVEN MORE WITH THE O'DONNELL ISSUE. MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

>> ANY OPPOSED? >> NO.

>> ONE LAST MOTION WHICH WILL BE MOTION TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2026 AT 9:00 A.M. TO CONSIDER THE HARRIS COUNTY PROPOSED FISCAL FEAR 2027 BUDGET AS AMENDED AND DIRECT BUDGET OCA AND ALL RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO EXECUTE AND PUBLISH ALL NOTICES AND FILE THE HARRIS COUNTY PROPOSED 2027 BUDGET AS AMENDED WITH THE COUNTY CLERK AND COUNTY AUDITOR.

>> SO MOVED. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> ACCEPTING THE BUDGET, DANIEL? >> THAT'S ACTUALLY JUST TELLING

US TO NOTICE IT. >> THAT'S JUST THE NOTICE.

>> CORRECT. >> OKAY.

THIS LAST ONE YOU GUYS, 28 CLS AND WONDERING IF THERE'S THINGS TO DO FOR THE SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS TO MAKE THEM PART OF THE BUDGET AS OPPOSED TO, YOU KNOW, THINGS THAT WE CAN CUT SINCE WE CAN'T CUT LAW ENFORCEMENT.

>> SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY ROLLED INTO THE NEXT BUDGET UNLESS COURT TAKES ACTION OTHERWISE.

>> OKAY. >> THEY ARE PART OF THE NEW

BASE. >> RIGHT.

>> BUT YOU CAN'T -- >> WE CAN'T PROHIBIT CUTS JUST LIKE NOT ALLOWED TO CUT LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT ALLOWED TO CUT -- JUST CHECKING. ANYTHING ELSE COLLEAGUES?

>> PLEASE GO FIRST COMMISSIONER. YOU GO FIRST.

>> THANK YOU. >> THEN I WILL GO.

>> THANK YOU. JUST RECALL THAT I DO WANT TO

[04:35:05]

SUPPORT THE VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR 107,000.

SO I WILL MOVE ON THAT ITEM. >> ALL RIGHT.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> SECOND.

>> SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES.