Justin Doud/Houston Public Media

For the second time in as many years, the Houston City Council granted Mayor John Whitmire's request to not raise the city's property tax rate on Wednesday — this time, despite unanswered questions and opposition from a handful of council members.

"There are options still in front of us that will be used instead of raising taxes," Whitmire said, adding that he isn't afraid to raise taxes after doing so several times during his 50 years in the Texas legislature. "(Raising taxes) is the thing to do when you have the confidence of the public. The public is asking us not to raise taxes."

Whitmire pointed to the first tax rate approved during his time in office in October 2024. At the time, four city council members — led by Sallie Alcorn — were pushing for a

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