Ben Hall for Mayor of Houston | Issues | Balancing The City Budget

Over the last few administrations, the City’s finances have not been adequately managed, and it is time to face our fiscal challenges head-on. Taxes are too high; our permit and license fees are excessive and threaten our economic growth; and basic city services are being curtailed. This dead-end economic cycle must end.

As Mayor, I will:

Rein in wasteful city spending by focusing on the City’s core services (public safety, infrastructure, and utilities). The City must address those needs without further burdening taxpayers.
Reform our broken pension system. Houston’s control over its fiscal affairs, including pensions, must remain under the control of our locally elected officials—not Austin politicians.
Run the city like a successful business. My administration will explore public/private partnerships to effectively manage city operations and enhance savings for taxpayers.
Consolidate City departments in order to streamline administrative costs and eliminate duplicative expenses. We can reduce our current 23-department bureaucracy to fewer than 14 departments, resulting in savings of at least $11 million to $15 million per year.
Within my first 100 days in office, I will establish a think tank of local business and municipal leaders to provide recommendations for more increased accountability of public funds.
Stabilize city funds to lessen and ultimately eliminate the oppressive “rain tax.”
Never solicit or support a tax increase.

On The Issues: Balancing The City Budget