Houston Mayor John Whitmire has expanded an efficiency study conducted by Ernst & Young to include Houston Public Works and the city controller’s office.
The City Council also voted on Wednesday to scrutinize the 28 tax districts that have been the subject of multiple scandals resulting in arrests in recent years.
Thus far, the study has found waste of city taxpayer dollars, misuse of city credit cards, and an inefficient city government. The mayor says his administration will eliminate wasteful spending and streamline operations across the city.
According to city records, the expansion brings the cost to taxpayers to conduct the study to $1.35 million. Council members additionally voted to approve almost $4 million to pay consultants to monitor and implement recommendations from the study.
Council Members Tiffany D. Thomas and Edward Pollard voted no.
Houston Public Works was recently the subject of controversy when former manager Patrece Lee was sentenced to 10 years in prison for bribery.
Separately, three city employees with the Midtown Redevelopment Authority were indicted last year for allegedly using $8.5 million of taxpayers’ money to fund “flashy cars, nice houses, super living, trips, and pornography,” according to former DA Kim Ogg.
After the Texas Supreme Court ordered Houston to spend $100 million on water drainage infrastructure, the city faces a $320 million deficit.
Houston Controller Chris Hollins recently told the council the city may run out of money within the next several months and that he might not be able to certify next year’s budget.
“It is so revealing why Houstonians are frustrated and why I will not go to them and ask for additional resources, until, in my judgment, we regain their confidence that we’re using their money wisely,” Whitmire said.
“This efficiency study highlights my commitment to responsible governance and is an important step toward restoring trust and accountability in how our city government works for Houstonians,” he added.
The study’s early findings triggered a hiring freeze and a voluntary retirement program offered to 2,700 eligible employees.
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