Houston approves $7.5 billion budget, trash fee sparks protests

Houston residents will start paying a new $5 monthly trash fee after City Council approved Mayor John Whitmire’s $7.5 billion budget in a 15-1 vote. The meeting turned chaotic inside City Hall, where protesters blew whistles, chanted in the chambers and were removed after the vote.

The budget takes effect July 1, but city leaders said households will first see the trash charge on August water bills. Whitmire said the fee could rise by $5 a year until it reaches $25 a month by 2032. Along with a right-of-way charge on Houston Water and Wastewater operations, the changes are meant to produce about $200 million in general-fund relief and shift roughly $100 million from the water utility to the city’s $3 billion general fund, which pays for police, fire and parks. Officials said the package is aimed at closing a projected $209 million deficit for fiscal 2026-27 and bringing Houston in line with Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, where trash-related fees already exist.

Edward Pollard cast the lone no vote and called the plan “fiscally irresponsible.” Houston Controller Chris Hollins criticized the budget for lacking transparency and relying on “gimmicks,” though he certified that the funds were legal and available. Amy Peck backed the budget but said Houston should seriously consider getting out of the trash business, while Alejandra Salinas pushed for assistance for low-income households, people with disabilities and seniors. Mario Castillo also suggested increasing aid funding, and council is expected to weigh help from a fund in about two weeks.

The new fee applies to anyone using the service, putting an immediate cost on households across Houston and, by extension, many Harris County residents who depend on city trash pickup, street maintenance and utility service. Whitmire has argued that solid waste and public works have already improved response times and reduced complaints, a defense of the budget’s direction and a sign that City Hall intends to keep tying service changes to user charges rather than broad tax increases. The vote follows last year’s $7 billion budget, which included $122 million in strategic cuts, $184 million for streets and drainage, and a $12 million boost to the Budget Stabilization Fund.