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John Whitmire: “We did [implement a right away fee to our utilities].”

Featuring: John Whitmire, Nonpartisan | Mayor of Houston | Texas

Mayor Whitmire on FIFA, Budget Vote, And Plant Fire | 901 Bagby: Inside the Mayor's Office | Ep. 12

Published June 26, 2026 | Video Starts at 01:46

The previous administration was blessed with federal Covid ARPA money that they used for ongoing expenses. We have no such fund and would not do that. … We did [implement a right away fee to our utilities]. … solid. To pass a budget in any setting 15 to 1 is really something to be proud of. Houstonians recognized it. (01:46–02:04)

CLAIM

Asserts that a right-of-way fee was implemented for utilities in Houston.

This is an excerpt from a raw transcript. The assertions have not been audited or verified. Tap the video to view the source footage and understand the context.

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John Whitmire

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“We've got more police officers after graduating 800 since I was sworn in. Largest police department ever.”
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“July 4th, we start out with our neighborhood parades. Noon on July 4th, there will be a FIFA game at NRG.”
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“The previous administration was blessed with federal Covid ARPA money that they used for ongoing expenses.”
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“We have a pay as you go [budget].”
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“Yes, we have a $5 administration fee for solid waste.”
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“Studies have shown the real cost of the administration of solid waste is like six and a half dollars.”
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“We had over 30 letters from interest groups as diverse as Acres, Home Chamber, Commerce and the west side Business association, the Houston…”
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“We gave like 90 briefings across Houston.”
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“No one in recent history, no one can recall that [a budget passed 15 to 1] in recent history.”
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“Metro improved the train schedule from every six minutes to every three minutes [at NRG].”
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“We didn't reduce our fan fest like other major cities did to save money.”
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“Juneteenth is now a nationally recognized holiday.”
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“The Bethune Empowerment Center was an old elementary school in the Aldine school district.”
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“Freedmanstown was established by freed slaves.”
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“The original bricks [in Freedmanstown] have been protected.”
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“Row houses [in Freedmanstown] are going to be refurbished.”
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“I created a sports authority and a revenue stream wouldn't cost Houstonians any property tax or any local taxes.”
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“Centerpoints agreed to relocate [the old power plant]... So that's going to be a green space that'll enhance the entertainment district.”
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“This morning the rodeo announced that they're going to go just south on 288, spend 300 million for a new arena, new exhibit hall.”
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“This last budget, we refuse to raise property taxes.”
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“The health department said it did not reach the level that the federal EPA calls a dangerous zone.”
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“The owner did not have the proper insurance and wasn't properly prepared for a loss.”
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