October 2021
Greetings!

The decisions of Commissioners Court directly affect the lives of almost every resident in Harris County. You entrust us to build and maintain your roads and parks, ensure peaceful and fair elections, protect the environment for the health of all, and provide safety and security.

Unfortunately, recent campaigns against the Harris County constables’ offices threaten our ability to serve the community. As crime rates rise, I want you to know that I remain dedicated to protecting our officers from the chopping block so they may continue to protect you.

The most recent attack came in a May 2021 report by PFM Group Consulting that recommended phasing out or reducing personnel at our constables’ offices to improve efficiency. I disagreed with this report and fought to educate residents about its recommendations. 

I am thankful that public pressure, fueled by dramatically increasing crime rates, stopped the plan from moving forward. Commissioners Court members voted unanimously last month to support our eight Harris County constables’ offices, putting the issue to rest - for now.

I applaud everyone who spoke out against defunding our law-enforcement agencies.

I now look to the future with a mixture of hope and caution. Although our constables’ offices are now safe, that could change in the future. I encourage you to stay updated and informed by tuning into Commissioners Court on our Facebook page or by monitoring Precinct 4 social media. We regularly post updates on important Harris County issues and information on how to make your voice heard.
 
Consulting Group Recommends Major Changes for Harris County's Government
Harris County's government has changed dramatically over the past year, and more changes may be in the pipeline. 
 
The masterminds behind many of these changes and proposals are the people at PFM Group Consulting, Inc., an out-of-state consulting firm critical of elected officials and local law enforcement. The firm has received millions in taxpayer money so far.
 
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and Commissioner Adrian Garcia selected the firm to review and change Harris County's criminal justice system.
 
The group released its report in May, which advocated radically defunding and downsizing the Harris County constables' offices. Although Commissioners Court opposed that recommendation, some of PFM's other suggestions, highlighted in another report, were implemented this summer.
 
Harris County initially hired PFM in 2019 to review the structure of Harris County's government. The group delivered a report in November 2020 recommending the appointment of a county administrator and deputy county administrators to improve efficiency. 

The recommendation was adopted 3-2 along party lines this summer, with commissioners R. Jack Cagle and Tom Ramsey opposing. Commissioner Cagle said he disagreed with the report because hiring an unaccountable county administrator would deprive voters of their voice and add an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy to a system that routinely outperforms PFM's other clients.

Commissioner Cagle also criticized court members for listing the item as an "emergency supplemental item," which allowed them to pass it with short public notice. He said major changes to the agenda with short notice prevent public engagement and fail to provide transparency. 
 
PFM's recommendations aren't the only changes affecting the county. Harris County has faced a spate of high-profile resignations or firings since 2020, including Harris County Engineer John Blount, Flood Control District Executive Director Russ Poppe, Public Health Executive Director Dr. Umair Shah, Toll Road Executive Director Gary Trietsch, Budget Director Bill Jackson, head of Information Technology Bruce High, and Director of Intergovernmental and Global Affairs Ender Reed.
Redistricting is underway in Harris County. As populations grow and shift, thCe U.S. Constitution requires each county to redraw precinct boundary lines every 10 years based on updated census data. The goal is to equalize the populations of the four commissioner precincts.

U.S. Census Bureau data for 2020 shows Harris County’s population has increased nearly 16% in the past decade, with Precincts 3 and 4 adding the most residents. As a result, Precincts 3 and 4 will lose residents in the upcoming redistricting process, while Precincts 1 and 2 will gain them. 

Want to learn more about redistricting? Join Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle at the meetings below for a chance to participate in the redistricting process:
Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. at the Charles Bender Performing Arts Center, 611 Higgins Street in Humble. Members of the public may also attend the meeting virtually by click here. 

Thursday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Met Church, 13000 Jones Road in Houston. Members of the public may also attend the meeting virtually by clicking here.
Before being approved, redistricting maps must comply with the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. These laws prohibit the populations of the precincts from varying more than 10% and protect the voting rights of minorities. 

The public can submit feedback about the redistricting maps here.
Small businesses are struggling now more than ever. Closures, worker shortages, mounting debt, and low demand sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic left a mark on Harris County’s small businesses that will take time to heal. Many small business owners require support as they recover. 

In response, Harris County Commissioners Court created a $30 million Small Business Relief Fund to support micro and small businesses affected by the pandemic. Business owners have until Monday, Oct. 4, at 5:30 p.m. to apply. Applicants can qualify for $5,000 to $25,000 grants.

The grants will allow small businesses owners to pay workers, suppliers, rents, mortgages, and more. All completed applications will be reviewed for eligibility and prioritized based on parameters set by Commissioners Court.

Eligibility criteria and information on applying is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese online.
Answers to Your FAQs
What is the Harris County
Engineering Department?
The Harris County Engineering Department may not garner the attention of more public-facing departments like the Harris County Flood Control District or Harris County Public Health, but that doesn't mean it lacks importance. 
 
With more than 4.7 million residents, Harris County depends on its engineering department to ensure developments and roadways in unincorporated areas do not pose a risk to the public. 
 
As part of their job, these engineers plan, study, design, and build buildings, roads, bridges, traffic signals, drainage improvements, parks, and other architectural and maintenance projects in Harris County according to regulations approved by Commissioners Court.
Although county engineers typically work with other county departments, homeowners also may require their services. If you want to build a swimming pool, driveway, or sidewalk, chances are you'll need a permit from the Harris County Engineering Department. Those interested in learning more can visit www.eng.hctx.net/permits. 
 
Other times, homeowners may see a notice posted in their neighborhoods announcing that a communications company wants to build a cell phone tower nearby. But before the tower can be built, the engineering department must grant the company a permit. Homeowners who oppose cell phone towers in their community may contact the engineering department to voice their concerns.
The public can also dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste by scheduling an appointment with the Household Hazardous Waste Collections facility at 6900 Hahl Road in Houston. Appointments are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. 
When a traffic signal malfunctions, it's up to the engineering department to repair it. Residents can report downed or damaged traffic signals here.
  
Other typical responsibilities include the following:

  • Conducting environmental studies
  • Protecting Harris County's watersheds from pollution 
  • Enforcing floodplain regulations
  • Approving plats for developments, 
  • Acquiring property for public projects
  • Working with the Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with fire codes
New Trails Coming Soon to Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve
Big news for Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve! Construction begins next month on two pedestrian crossings that will extend the Cypress Creek Greenway Trail east into an unopened section of the preserve.
 
The crossings will run under state Highway 249 on the north and south sides of Cypress Creek. Although they will connect the greenway to preserve land, Precinct 4 will need to add trails east and west of the highway before travel between the destinations becomes possible. 

The announcement is welcome news for many KMP visitors and greenway users. The Cypress Creek Greenway trail, which sits just on the other side of the highway, will dramatically increase usable recreational space around the preserve. 
South of Cypress Creek
 
The under crossing south of Cypress Creek will connect to existing trails at the Bradley D. McWilliams YMCA, the 100 Acre Wood Preserve, and Matzke Park. 
 
On the other side of Highway 249, another crossing will connect to KMP South, an unopened section featuring a playground. A concrete boardwalk and asphalt trail leading to the Cypress Creek bridge at KMP will eventually connect KMP South to the existing preserve.
 
North of Cypress Creek
 
On the other side of Cypress Creek, a second crossing will extend the KMP trail west of Highway 249 near SpringHill Suites. Plans include continuing the trail west and over Cypress Creek to loop back around to KMP South.
 
Work on both pedestrian crossings should conclude in the first quarter of 2022. The Precinct 4 Parks Department has not established a timeline for the remaining trail projects. 
Upcoming Events
Butterfly Garden at Dennis Johnston Park
The Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden at Dennis Johnston Park needs your help. This beautiful pollinator habitat provides educational opportunities and food sources for insects and birds. Join us for garden maintenance on Fridays, Oct. 1 and 15, Nov. 12, and Dec. 3 and 17, at 9 a.m. at Dennis Johnston Park, 709 Riley Fuzzel Road in Spring. Tools are provided. Please wear outdoor-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring a refillable water bottle.
 
Pollinator Festival and Plant Sale at Mercer Botanic Gardens
Enjoy a day of shopping, games, educational exhibits, entertainment, and more during Mercer Botanic Gardens’ annual Pollinator Festival and Plant Sale on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To celebrate pollinators, visitors are invited to dress in bee, butterfly, bat, hummingbird, or flower attire. Volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, call 713-274-4160.

Women’s Restorative Hike at Jones Park 
This beginner-friendly, one-hour hike through Jones Park is for those who believe in the restorative power that nature has on the mind, body, and spirit. Meet in front of the Nature Center on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 8 a.m. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle. Registration is required. Open to women 18 and older.