The Fine Print: Houston
What they put in the agenda
Every agenda the site reads, from Commissioners Court and City Council to the port, the transit authority, the college districts and the school boards, is checked item by item. Anything that adds a rule, a fee, debt, surveillance or land control, or that happens behind closed doors, is logged here with the agenda's own words. Anything that cuts or repeals one is logged too, as a rollback.
Showing City of Webster only. Every government →
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Adopt ordinance regulating camping on public and private property
Establishes new article in Webster Code of Ordinances to regulate camping on public and private property to protect public health, safety, welfare, sanitation, accessibility, and intended use of public spaces.
Oct 20, 2026 agenda, item 7: the agenda's words
CONSIDERATION/ACTION to adopt an ordinance of which the caption reads:
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Executive session on City Manager appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal
Closed meeting pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to deliberate on City Manager personnel matters including appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal.
Oct 20, 2026 agenda, item 16: the agenda's words
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The City Council will hold a closed meeting pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, in accordance with the authority contained in:
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Accept FEMA SAFER grant for staffing fire and emergency response
Accepts federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant from FEMA in the amount of $2,353,000 for the City of Webster.
Oct 20, 2026 agenda, item 12: the agenda's words
CONSIDERATION/ACTION to accept a grant for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) through FEMA awarded to the City of Webster in the amount of $2,353,000.
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Ratify increase in total property tax revenue for fiscal year 2026-2027
Required separate vote to ratify property tax revenue increase reflected in the fiscal year 2026-2027 annual budget, as mandated by Texas Local Government Code Section 102.007.
Oct 20, 2026 agenda, item 10: the agenda's words
CONSIDERATION/ACTION to ratify the increase in total property tax revenue as reported in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Budget for the City of Webster, Texas.
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Adopt ordinance setting tax rate at $0.38663 per $100 of taxable value
Establishes ad valorem tax rate of $0.38663 per $100 taxable value for fiscal year 2026-2027, exceeding the no-new-revenue rate but not the voter-approval rate. Increases taxes on average homestead by $22.82 or 2.45% from previous year.
Oct 20, 2026 agenda, item 9: the agenda's words
CONSIDERATION/ACTION to adopt an Ordinance of which the caption reads:
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Executive session held; topic not specified in agenda
City Council held closed executive session pursuant to Chapter 551, Government Code, but the specific topics discussed were not itemized in the agenda.
Oct 6, 2026 agenda, item A.15: the agenda's words
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The City Council will now hold a closed executive meeting pursuant to the provision of Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, in accordance with the authority contained in:
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Join Harris County interlocal agreement for mental health services
Resolution authorizes mayor to execute joinder agreement allowing Webster to join interlocal agreement between Harris County and Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. City becomes subject to agreement terms and conditions.
Oct 6, 2026 agenda, item A: the agenda's words
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A JOINDER AGREEMENT TO ALLOW THE CITY OF WEBSTER TO JOIN AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN HARRIS COUNTY AND THE HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilmember Davis made a motion to adopt the resolution as read. Councilmember Lapeyre seconded the motion. Resolution 26-17.
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Establish camping regulations on public and private property
Ordinance adds Article III to Chapter 62 establishing regulations for camping on public and private property in Webster. First reading.
Oct 6, 2026 agenda, item 7: the agenda's words
PRESENTATION by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP, regarding collection of delinquent and valorem tax and delinquent court fees and fines. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 54, ENTITLED "MUNICIPAL COURT," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER; PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE PRESIDING JUDGE AND ASSOCIATE JUDGES OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT OF RECORD; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND A REPEALER CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. This is the FIRST of TWO readings. Councilmember Davis made a motion to adopt the ordinance as read. Councilmember Lapeyre seconded the motion. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER, TEXAS, ADOPTING A NEW ARTICLE III, TO BE ENTITLED "CAMPING," IN CHAPTER 62, ENTITLED "PARKS AND RECREATION," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS REGARDING CAMPING ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, PENALTY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. This is the FIRST of TWO readings. Councilmember Gaines made a motion to adopt the ordinance as read. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
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Executive session on City Manager personnel matters
Closed executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 regarding deliberation on appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of the City Manager.
Oct 6, 2026 agenda, item 15: the agenda's words
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The City Council will now hold a closed executive meeting pursuant to the provision of Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon’s Texas Codes Annotated, in accordance with the authority contained in:
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One-time fee for notification of owner of towed vehicle
Establishes a new $50 fee for notification of vehicle owner when a vehicle is towed. Vehicle owners will pay this fee.
Oct 6, 2026 agenda, item 6: the agenda's words
One - time fee for notification of owner of towed vehicle: $50.00
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Establish ordinance regulating camping on public and private property
New article in Webster Code of Ordinances to regulate camping on public and private property to protect public health, safety, welfare, sanitation, accessibility, and intended use of public spaces. Violation subject to punishment as provided in the ordinance.
Oct 6, 2026 agenda, item T: the agenda's words
his purpose o f this ordinance is to establish a new article in the Webster Code of Ordinances to regulate camping on public and private property. Th e United States Supreme Court has recognized that governmental entities may adopt and enforce generally applicable regulations governing camping and the use of public property in order to protect public health, safety, welfare, sanitation, accessibility, and the intended use of public spaces, provided such regulations govern conduct rather than status . Addit ionally, the Texas Legislature has adopted Section 48.05 of the Texas Penal Code, which prohibits camping in a public place without the effective consent of the governmental entity having authority over the property, subject only to limited exceptions auth orized by state law , and the Texas Legislature has further authorized and empowered local governments, including the City, to adopt additional regulations governing camping, habitation, sheltering, lodging, and the use of public and private property, so lo ng as such regulations are not inconsistent with state law .
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Executive session on attorney consultation regarding Open Meetings Act conflict
City entered executive session at 6:30 PM under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 to consult with attorney on matter where attorney's duty conflicts with Texas Open Meetings Act. Session concluded at 6:42 PM.
Sep 22, 2026 agenda, item A: the agenda's words
Section 551. 071 — Consultation with Attorney 1) Consultation with Attorney on a matter in which the duty of the Attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Councilmember Gaines made a motion to enter into Executive Session at 6: 30 PM. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. Resolution 26- 15.
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Ordinance 38663 adopts FY 2026-2027 tax rate
Ordinance adopting the city's tax rate for fiscal year 2026-2027 (2026 tax year). The specific rate is not stated in the agenda item text.
Sep 22, 2026 agenda, item 5: the agenda's words
CONSIDERATION/ ACTION to adopt an Ordinance of which the caption reads:
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Public hearing on Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed annual budget
Public hearing held on the city's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Budget adoption would establish spending and potential tax rates for the fiscal year.
Sep 22, 2026 agenda, item 4: the agenda's words
PUBLIC HEARING on the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 Proposed Annual Budget for the City of Webster, Texas.
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Adopt FY 2026-2027 annual budget and appropriations
City Council adopts the FY 2026-2027 annual budget with appropriations for stated purposes. Budget reflects tax rate of $0.38663 per $100 of taxable value.
Sep 22, 2026 agenda, item 20: the agenda's words
2 6 , that notice of said Public Hearing was provided in accordance with all applicable law, that all parties desiring to participate and be heard at said Public Hearing were heard until no more evidence was offered, and such hearing having been concluded, the City C ouncil of the City of Webster made no changes to the budget as presented ; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER, TEXAS: Section 1. The facts and matters set forth in the preamble of this ordinance are found to be true and correct. Section 2. The City of Webster Fiscal Year 202 6 - 2 02 7 Annual Budget attached hereto is hereby a pproved and adopted and the same shall be and is hereby filed with the City Secretary. Section 3. The amounts specified for the purposes state d in said budget are appropriated for such purposes. Section 4. The City Secretary is directed to file copies of th is Ordinance and of the adopted budget with the County Clerk of Harris County, Texas , and to cause such budget to be posted on the City’s In ternet website along with the record of the City Council’s vote to approve . Section 5 . This ordinance shall become effective after its approval and adoption upon first and final reading and its publication pursuant to law. PASS ED , APPROVED, AND ADOPTED on first and final reading this ________ day of Se ptember 20 2 6 .
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Executive session for consultation with attorney
City Council will hold a closed meeting pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 551, Section 551.071 for consultation with the city attorney.
Sep 22, 2026 agenda, item 11: the agenda's words
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The City Council will hold a closed meet ing pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, in accordance with the authority contained in:
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Propose maximum ad valorem tax rate for FY 2026-2027
City proposes maximum ad valorem tax rate of $0.38663 per $100 of taxable value for fiscal year 2026-2027, which exceeds the no-new-revenue rate of $0.35556.
Sep 22, 2026 agenda, item 6: the agenda's words
CONSIDERATION/ACTION to propose a maximum ad valorem tax rate for Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 (2026 tax year).
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Public hearing on FY 2026-2027 proposed annual budget
Public hearing on the City of Webster's proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Budget amounts and tax rate will be considered.
Sep 22, 2026 agenda, item 4: the agenda's words
PUBLIC HEARING on the Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 Proposed A nnual Budget for the City of Webster, Texas.
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Executive session on attorney consultation and city manager personnel matters
City Council held closed executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (attorney consultation) and Section 551.074 (personnel matters regarding city manager appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal). Session lasted from 6:03 PM to 6:48 PM.
Sep 1, 2026 agenda, item 16: the agenda's words
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The City Council will now hold a closed executive meeting pursuant to the provision of Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon' s Texas Codes Annotated, in accordance with the authority contained in:
Deed restrictions
Houston has no zoning; deed restrictions are what keep a business out of a neighborhood, and the city's Legal Department enforces them for neighborhoods. Complaints don't go through 311: they go to drcomplaints@houstontx.gov or the city's complaint form.
- Deed restriction cases reviewed and enforced by the city: 530 in 2024-25, an estimated 550 in 2025-26, and a target of 550 for 2026-27. Nuisance lawsuits handled: 15 in 2024-25, an estimated 10 in 2025-26. [City of Houston FY2027 budget, Legal Department]
- The city's list of reported deed restriction violations has not been updated since Oct. 20, 2015. [data.houstontx.gov]
Code enforcement
- 40% of the City of Houston's Neighborhoods code citations and 36% of Public Works citations were dismissed; the top reasons were "Nolle Prosequi" (the city dropped it), "Officer Not Present" and "Insufficient Evidence." Inspectors made 95,688 residential inspections from Jan. 1, 2024. [KPRC, Nov. 21, 2025]
- Code enforcement inspectors from Neighborhoods and Public Works have been merged into one Community Code Enforcement division in Houston Public Works. Targets for 2026-27: 13,500 weeded-lot cuts, 87% voluntary compliance, 325 demolitions. [City of Houston FY2027 budget, Neighborhoods]
- The Municipal Courts do not publish code citations and how each ended (fined, dismissed, deferred), and the city's code violation dataset was last updated in 2023.
Code and nuisance complaints to Houston 311, by type, and the average days each took to close, from the city's 311 extract.
| Case type | Cases | Closed | Average days to close |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking Violation | 1,175 | 643 | 6.3 |
| Traffic Signal Maintenance | 1,162 | 882 | 1.2 |
| Container Replacement | 984 | 945 | 1.4 |
| Weeds/Trash/Stagnant Water on Property | 950 | 88 | 5 |
| Trash Dumping or Illegal Dumpsite | 562 | 179 | 4.8 |
| Traffic Signs | 509 | 367 | 4 |
| New Resident Container | 494 | 471 | 1.3 |
| Building Code Violation | 403 | 337 | 2 |
| Container Repair | 340 | 311 | 1.3 |
| Heavy Trash Code Violation | 335 | 119 | 5.4 |
| Health Code | 261 | 25 | 5.7 |
| Junk Motor Vehicle - Private Property | 163 | 34 | 5.1 |
| Bandit Sign - Right of Way | 157 | 148 | 1.8 |
| Traffic Signals | 104 | 54 | 4.9 |
| Dangerous Buildings | 54 | 12 | 3.9 |
| MultiFamily Habitability Violation | 49 | 28 | 1.8 |
| Fire Code Complaint | 49 | 40 | 2.6 |
| Occupancy Violation | 38 | 36 | 2.4 |
| Container Placement | 25 | 3 | 4 |
| Graffiti on Private/Commercial Property | 12 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Drainage System Violation | 11 | 5 | 4.6 |
| Donation Box Violation | 8 | 6 | 2.1 |
| Sign Code Violation | 7 | 5 | 4.5 |
| Malfunctioning Railroad Signal | 4 | 0 | |
| Graffiti - ATT Telephone Equipment | 4 | 0 |
By council district: A 707 (2.5 days) · B 978 (2 days) · C 1,066 (3.1 days) · D 1,118 (2.6 days) · E 370 (2.2 days) · F 337 (3 days) · G 512 (2 days) · H 1,037 (2.7 days) · I 822 (2.7 days) · J 328 (3.1 days) · K 557 (4.1 days) ·
Ghosts in the machine
These cities pass ordinances, set tax rates and sign contracts, and none of it appears here: their agendas could not be read by machine in the last 90 days (scanned images, script-only pages, or no posted agendas). Unseen is not clean.
- 9,613 residents · Jacinto City (0 agendas read, 0 new items; newest agenda posted is for May 28, 2026)
- 4,385 residents · City of Hunters Creek Village Its website does not answer this site's public-records reader, and has since Oct 23, 2026. Its meeting agendas are public records the city must post under the Texas Open Meetings Act; nothing it approves can be shown here until it lets them be read.
- 3,704 residents · City of Taylor Lake Village Its website answers "forbidden" to this site's public-records reader, and has since Oct 23, 2026. Its meeting agendas are public records the city must post under the Texas Open Meetings Act; nothing it approves can be shown here until it lets them be read.
- 3,128 residents · City of Piney Point Village (0 agendas read, 0 new items)
- 816 residents · City of Hilshire Village (0 agendas read, 0 new items)
Scorecard, last 12 months
Points: New rules 3 · Money 4 · Surveillance 4 · Land control 3 · Strings attached 2 · Secrecy 2 · Rollback −3 · the same weights The Fine Print uses everywhere. The Fuckery Meter adds tax rates, consent agendas, closed sessions, missing notice and withheld records.