Harris County public meetings in 2021
32 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is reviewing several items including a $20 million allocation from the Flood Resilience Trust for flood control projects. The court will also consider funding to address a 9-1-1 audio request backlog and various contract renewals. Additionally, the agenda includes updates to COVID-19 employee policies.
- $20 million allocation from the Flood Resilience Trust for engineering studies on high-priority flood control projects
- $234,000 for the Sheriff’s Office to hire seven temporary positions to process 9-1-1 audio request backlogs
- $15,000,000 contract renewal for broadband services with multiple providers including T-Mobile and Verizon
- $248,100 contract with Grace Solutions International for isolation and recovery shelter services
- $13,210,000 in additional funding for the Peden Building Repair and Renovation project
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is reviewing several requests related to COVID-19 response and budget management. These proposals include fund transfers, contract amendments for rental assistance, and funding for jail operations. The court is also considering various infrastructure and engineering project updates.
- $28.7 million in total funding for jail and jail health expenditures
- $2.2 million contract amendment for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
- Transfer of $16,632,324 in COVID-19 expenses to the COVID Response & Recovery Fund
- $4 million amendment to UTMB contract for inmate COVID-19 testing
- Discussion regarding a $2.6 million allocation for violent crime initiatives
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court will discuss the county's COVID-19 pandemic response and new equity guidelines. The agenda also includes several infrastructure contracts, including road improvements and flood prevention buyouts.
- $3,849,674.00 award to ISI Contracting, Inc. for pavement and bridge repairs in Precinct 3
- $189,785 contract with Midtown Engineers LLC for Hiram Clarke Road improvements
- Acquisition of 18 tracts for the CDBG-DR Voluntary Buyout flood prevention project
- $149,460 agreement with Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. for Barker Reservoir sediment removal
- $2,247,930 investment for the PeopleSoft Fiscal Year Change Support project
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is reviewing several requests for funding and service agreements. Proposed items include an $8.9 million agreement for mental health services and a discussion on adding 50 police officers to the neighborhood infrastructure plan.
- $8,931,880 interlocal agreement with The Harris Center for mental health services
- $500,000 amendment to EPIC Transportation Group contract for traffic engineering
- $375,000 agreement with Michael Baker International for San Jacinto River evaluation
- $180,000 grant for the Special Victims Prosecution and Protective Order Project
- $123,261 award for mosquito control insecticide chemicals
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court will meet to consider approving the official results of the November 2, 2021, Special Election for Constitutional Amendments. The court will also consult on litigation involving the Texas Department of Transportation and discuss events at the Astroworld Festival 2021.
- Approval of official results for the November 2, 2021 Special Election for Constitutional Amendments
- Consultation regarding Harris County vs. Texas Department of Transportation litigation
- Discussion and possible action regarding the Astroworld Festival 2021
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is meeting to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic response and county equity guidelines. The court will also consider various infrastructure contracts, bond issuances, and large-scale budget transfers.
- Transfer of $66,829,454 from Harris County Toll Road Authority to road debt service funds
- Additional $1,905,000 in funding for the Networking - Repair Replace project
- Agreement with Gunda Corporation, LLC for $659,905.60 for Westgreen Boulevard improvements
- Issuance of Harris County Permanent Improvement Refunding Bonds, Series 2021A
- Approval of three Early Childhood initiative positions costing $92,800
Commissioners Court
The court will receive public input regarding Harris County redistricting plans. Members may also consider and possibly adopt an order approving a new district and precinct plan.
- Public input on Harris County redistricting plans
- Possible adoption of an order approving a new district/precinct plan
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is reviewing several requests related to the COVID-19 pandemic response, including funding for behavioral health and crime prevention. The agenda also includes various engineering contracts for drainage and traffic improvements across the county. Additionally, the court will consider several resolutions honoring individuals and community milestones.
- $8,931,880 agreement with The Harris Center for mental health and IDD services
- $1 million transfer to the COVID Response and Recovery fund for crime-related overtime
- $600,000 engineering contract for renovations at 1111 Fannin Street
- $420,013.50 for drainage improvements in Oak Glen Place Subdivision
- $227,500 request to extend funding for District Attorney intake positions
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court will hold a discussion and consideration of redistricting plan proposals. The court will also receive public comment regarding these plans.
- Discussion and consideration of redistricting plan proposals
- Receipt of public comment regarding redistricting plans
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is reviewing several requests related to COVID-19 funding and criminal case backlog reduction. The agenda also includes various engineering contracts for drainage improvements and resolutions honoring community members.
- $19,347,909.00 budget increase for the Immunization COVID-19 Grant
- $500,000 contract with BakerRipley for Child Tax Credit outreach
- $657,465 in ARPA funding request for 31 temporary positions to address criminal case backlog
- $600,000 agreement with Guidehouse Inc for disaster recovery management services
- Resolution to update personnel policies to prohibit natural hair discrimination
Commissioners Court
The court is considering orders to adopt proposed 2021 tax rates for several districts. This includes the Harris County rate, Flood Control District, Hospital District, and Port of Houston Authority. Public hearings for certain district rates were held in September.
- Proposed Harris County tax rate of $0.37693
- Proposed Flood Control District tax rate of $0.03349
- Proposed Hospital District tax rate of $0.16221
- Proposed Port of Houston Authority tax rate of $0.00872
- Total overall tax rate of $0.58135
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court will review mid-year finances and consider several COVID-19 response measures. Proposed actions include expanding food distribution through the Houston Food Bank and funding inmate medical services. The court will also discuss various engineering contracts for drainage and intersection improvements.
- $3,894,400 contract amendment with Houston Food Bank to expand food distribution
- $10,220,000 agreement with Advanced Houston Specialty Hospital for inmate medical services
- $2,999,755 federal grant acceptance for Community Health Workers program
- $1,773,571 in hazard pay for jail staff
- Issuance of Harris County Permanent Improvement and Flood Control District bonds
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is considering tax rates for Harris County, the Flood Control District, the Hospital District, and the Port of Houston. The court will also consider requests to hold public hearings regarding specific proposed tax rate options.
- Public hearing request for Harris County Proposal A (0.37693)
- Public hearing request for Harris County Proposal B (0.37473)
- Public hearing request for Flood Control District rate (0.03349)
- Public hearing request for Hospital District rate (0.16671)
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing contract amendments for COVID-19 rental assistance and recovery programs. The agenda also includes discussions on tax rates, criminal case backlogs, and various infrastructure engineering contracts.
- $21.4 million contract amendment for BakerRipley rental assistance
- $21 million contract amendment for Catholic Charities rental assistance
- Acceptance of $42,855,248.40 from the U.S. Treasury for ERA2
- $8.2 million funding increase for the Radio Replacement Program
- Discussion on proposed tax rates for Harris County and its districts
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing several COVID-19 related funding and staffing requests, including a new division for Public Health Services. The agenda also includes discussions on reducing the criminal case backlog and authorizing property acquisitions for flood prevention.
- $42,855,248.40 transmittal for the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) Program
- $17,797,937 request for Public Health Services operational funding and 69 new positions
- $1.5 million request to extend NRG Jury operations through December 20, 2021
- $4,000,000 additional funding for the Universal Services Infrastructure Enhancements project
- Authorization to acquire four tracts for the CDBG-DR Voluntary Buyout flood prevention project
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing several funding requests related to the criminal case backlog, including money for court dockets and staff. The agenda also includes discussions on COVID-19 leave policies and grant acceptance for juvenile probation.
- Request for $890,205 in funding for additional County Courts Emergency Response dockets
- Acceptance of $2,183,340 in grant funds for Juvenile Probation programs
- Agreement with Huitt-Zollars, Inc. for IH-45 connectivity planning up to $500,000
- Request for 80 hours of paid leave for employees who test positive for COVID-19
- Request for $200,000 in funding for Sheriff and Constable staff for body camera processing
Commissioners Court - Special Meeting
The Harris County Commissioners Court will discuss 2020 United States Census Bureau data for the county. The meeting includes an explanation of procedures for public input on redistricting plans and the receipt of initial public comments regarding those plans.
- Discussion of 2020 United States Census Bureau data
- Explanation of procedures for public input on redistricting plans
- Receipt of initial public comment regarding redistricting plans
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is reviewing several COVID-19 related funding requests, including rental assistance and public health operations. The agenda also includes discussions regarding the criminal case backlog and various infrastructure projects.
- $42,855,248.40 for the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) Program
- $17,797,937 for Public Health Services operational funding and 69 new positions
- $1,000,000 agreement with Lone Star Legal Aid for COVID-19 housing and legal services
- $2,310,008 for COVID-19 vaccine incentive program gift cards
- $1.5 million request to extend NRG Jury operations through December 20, 2021
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing several COVID-19 response measures, including small business assistance and vaccine outreach contracts. The court is also discussing the county administration transition plan and funding to address the criminal case backlog.
- $32,060,000 contract with LiftFund for a Small Business Assistance Program
- Potential $30 million grant funding expansion for the Harris County Recovery Assistance Program
- $10,973,000 agreement with Elevate Strategies, LLC for community vaccine outreach
- Request for $890,205 in funding for additional County Courts Emergency Response dockets
- $385,000 purchase of a tract for the Hurricane Harvey Buyout Project
Commissioners Court
The court will discuss whether to begin considering proposed property tax rates using July estimates or wait for certified values in late August. The Tax Assessor-Collector will also submit the No-New-Revenue and Voter Approval tax rates for several county districts.
- Discussion on whether to use July HCAD estimates or wait for late August certified appraisal rolls for property tax rate consideration
- Submission of 2021 No-New-Revenue and Voter Approval tax rates for Harris County, Flood Control District, Port of Houston Authority, and Hospital District
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing several requests related to COVID-19 response, including budget extensions and new service agreements. The agenda also includes various infrastructure projects involving road reconstruction and drainage improvements.
- $3.2 million allocation for broadband access programs and public Wi-Fi
- $6,415,226 agreement with The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. for project management
- $6,605,002 budget request for Sheriff’s Office COVID-related expenses
- $190,000 land purchase for Arbor Oaks Detention Basin
- $410,427 purchase order for road reconstruction services with Atser, LP
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is reviewing several items related to COVID-19 response and infrastructure. Proposed actions include a large-scale financial assistance program and funding for public health services. The court is also considering various land acquisitions and drainage improvement projects.
- $32,700,000 contract with Catholic Charities for a Flexible Financial Assistance Program
- $10.3 million request for COVID-19 response operational funding
- Amendment to joint funding for drainage improvements at Anderson Road
- Purchase of land for W. Gulf Bank Road project for $39,594
- $82,000 purchase of a tract for Mueschke East Stormwater Detention Basin Improvements
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is considering several requests related to COVID-19 response, including personnel policy updates and rental assistance contracts. The agenda also includes recommendations for various engineering studies and contract changes for road and drainage projects.
- Acceptance of $457,754,064 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for COVID-19 recovery funds
- A $6,415,226 contract with The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. for project management support
- Contracts with BakerRipley and Catholic Charities for rental assistance processing
- Engineering study reports for Aldine Mail Route Rd and West Cedar Bayou Lynchburg Road
- A $393,910.75 reduction in the contract for Champions Drive reconstruction
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing several requests related to COVID-19 funding and pandemic response. These items include applications for large federal grants, rental assistance programs, and changes to employee benefits. The court is also considering various infrastructure projects and contract amendments.
- Application for $914,120,000 in federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
- Acceptance of $28,570,165.60 in Emergency Rental Assistance funds
- $26,500,670 grant from Texas Department of State Health Services for COVID-19 immunizations
- Amendment to Acadian Ambulance Service contract adding $275,000 for testing services
- Purchase of a tract for Holderrieth Road Drainage Improvements for $60,658.40
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing several items related to the COVID-19 pandemic response, including budget extensions and new service agreements. The agenda also includes recommendations for road maintenance, utility installations, and lease amendments for county offices.
- $200,000 agreement with Guidehouse LLP for COVID-19 budgeting support
- $41,587 amendment to UT Health Science Center contract for analytics services
- Monthly lease of warehouse space at 302-350 West 38th Street for $16,902.88
- Expansion of District Attorney's Office lease at 500 Jefferson Street to a new monthly rate of $270,070
- $436,824.96 contract change for the Houston Bike Initiative project
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing several requests related to the COVID-19 pandemic response, including funding and data sharing agreements. The court will also consider various infrastructure projects, road maintenance, and utility service authorizations.
- $26,500,670 grant application for the Immunization COVID-19 Grant Program
- $18.7 million in operational funding for COVID-19 response from May 1 to June 30
- $712,250 interlocal agreement for County Connections Youth Summer Program
- $296,582 contract for asphalt overlay testing and inspection in Precinct 3
- Authorization for traffic signal installations at TC Jester Blvd. and Jones Rd.
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is reviewing requests related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccination services and risk level metrics. The agenda also includes recommendations for road studies, drainage improvements, and various development project sureties.
- Grants of $500,000 and $297,773 for child and adult services
- New bank account for U.S. Treasury COVID-19 relief funds
- RFP for COVID-19 vaccination administration services
- $7,900,000 for professional staff augmentation in Precinct 2
- Traffic signal installations at West Little York Road and Aldine Westfield Rd
Commissioners Court
The Harris County Commissioners Court is reviewing several items related to COVID-19 response, including employee benefits and vaccination leave. The court is also considering a $3 million funding request for Sheriff's Office overtime and updates to juror compensation. Various infrastructure and land acquisition projects are also on the agenda.
- $3 million request for Harris County Sheriff’s Office overtime targeting violent crimes
- Increase in juror pay to $50 for the first day and $80 for subsequent days
- $294,000 contract with Guidehouse LLP for rental assistance program support
- $550,000 additional funding for the Medical Isolation and Recovery Center
- Allocation of $31,916,105 Metro Transfer funds
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing several items related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including funding requests and contract extensions. The agenda also includes recommendations for road maintenance, property sales, and infrastructure improvements.
- $18.3 million operational funding request for COVID-19 response
- $7.5 million contract amendment with Dascena, Inc. for laboratory testing services
- $512,000 contract amendment with Guidehouse LLP for COVID-19 support
- Sale of a sewer easement to the City of Houston for $561,176
- $1,641,600 purchase of land for detention basins and channel conveyance improvements
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing several items related to the COVID-19 pandemic response, including service contracts and grant extensions. The agenda also includes recommendations for land acquisitions for flood control and various infrastructure engineering agreements.
- $893,441 contract with UHPhealth for SmartPod Services for COVID-19 patients
- $1,200,000 purchase of a tract for the Harris County Flood Control District
- Extension of juror meal rate and delivery fee through October 31, 2021
- Support for an Eviction Moratorium Drive-Through Legal Clinic in Precinct 1
- Resolution to honor the life of Detective Pedro ‘Pete’ Mejia, Jr.
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is meeting to discuss the impact of Winter Storm Uri on residents and the county's emergency response. The agenda includes requests for employee compensation adjustments and an extension of the disaster declaration through February 26, 2021.
- Extension of the Declaration of Disaster until February 26, 2021
- Compensation adjustments for county employees related to Winter Storm Uri response
- Discussion regarding debris removal
- Discussion of winter storm impacts and emergency response
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is reviewing recommendations for professional engineering services and contract amendments. These items include infrastructure improvements for CE King Parkway and drainage projects in several subdivisions.
- $2,039,025.10 agreement with Brooks & Sparks, Inc. for CE King Parkway improvements
- $1,377,457 agreement with GC Engineering, Inc. for drainage in Riata Ranch and Barker Lake
- Acceptance of a 134-acre land donation for Cypress Creek floodway preservation
- Contract change for Beamer Road at FM 2351 intersection adding $66,108.46
- Lease agreement for Homeland Security & Emergency Management office in Houston