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🌱 Patch AM: How a surprise state tax could shrink Houston’s new trash fee funds

Happening soon: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Houston Patch calendar

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Good morning Houston! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a surprise state tax could shrink Houston's new trash fee funds
  • Deputy shot near East Freeway—what we know and where search stands
  • What's behind the $127,000 adviser fight at Houston City Hall?

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 13 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: An afternoon t-storm or two, with a high of 91 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid, temps: high: 87, low: 75.
  • Saturday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 82 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'It was a surprise to me': City of Houston's garbage fee subject to state sales tax (abc13.com) — Houston residents face an unexpected twist with the new $5 monthly garbage fee, which is now subject to state sales tax and will raise less money than city leaders projected. Council members say they were surprised the fee is taxable and hope to persuade the state comptroller to exempt it, since the tax will cut millions from Houston's solid waste funding over the next two years.
   

2. Harris County sheriff's deputy shot in East Harris County (cw39.com) — A Harris County sheriff's deputy was shot Wednesday night near Bayou Street and the East Freeway, just east of downtown Houston, and is now in fair condition at the hospital. Authorities have recovered the deputy's patrol car but are still searching for the suspect, and they're urging anyone with information to call 713-221-6000 as the investigation continues.
   

3. Mayor Whitmire, Controller Hollins clash over adviser's salary, work in tense city council meeting (abc13.com) — Houston residents are watching a sharp clash at City Hall as Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins battle over a senior financial adviser's roughly $127,000 salary and workload. Hollins is investigating what taxpayers are getting for the position, while Whitmire defends the adviser's value and accuses the controller of political theater, with findings expected to be released in coming weeks.
   

4. Houston ISD teachers facing sudden mid-semester layoffs amid 'campus leveling' budget cuts (fox26houston.com) — Houston ISD teachers are facing sudden mid-semester layoffs as the district's campus leveling process eliminates some positions instead of reassigning staff, with pay ending October 2. District leaders say the cuts are needed to match enrollment and revenue, while the Houston Federation of Teachers and affected educators describe an abrupt, destabilizing hit to classrooms and livelihoods.
   

5. REMINDER: Copperbrook Homeowners Invited to Copperbrook HOA Board Meeting on October 8 (myneighborhoodnews.com) — Copperbrook homeowners in West Houston are invited to an HOA board meeting on Thursday, October 8 at 6 p.m. at La Madeleine on Northwest Freeway in Houston. It's a chance to hear about neighborhood priorities, budgets, and improvements, meet community leaders, and stay informed about decisions shaping life in Copperbrook.
   

📸 Around Houston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Houston

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Missing Yorkie, black and tan.
    Last seen on mosher and Bisley. Please dm me if found Lost 6 days ago. He is blind (Nextdoor Heather Glen)
  • Another hummingbird.
    I took this image today. Look carefully and you will see the tongue of this ruby-throated sucking on a droplet at the end of the yellow port. A… (Nextdoor Westchester)
  • Hallmark Aviation Services posted a job opening for Airline Centralized Load Controller (CLC)/Operations Agent - Houston International Airport (IAH) in Houston. Apply here.
  • Manpower posted a job opening for Material Handler in Houston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Houston here.

Ok Houston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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