East Aldine budgets $20M for new projects

EAMD Chairman Clyde Bailey presents the results of the District’s Budget Workshop to the luncheon guests. He outlined details of the $20

By Gilbert Hoffman
NORTHEAST HOUSTON– The monthly North Houston networking luncheon was held last week at MacArthur High School instead of the usual Sheriff’s storefront location.
The reason was to familiarize the public with the school’s facilities, but also to draw attention to the upcoming FFA livestock show and sale this Thursday and Friday at Campbell Center.
But the main feature of the meeting was the report from East Aldine Management District chairman Clyde Bailey that the budget workshop recently held by the district, resulted in a commitment to $20,000,000 of CIP Capital Improvement projects and programs that will be undertaken in the year 2008, with some carrying over to following years for completion.
These projects include new sewer and water projects, increased security and safety measures, economic development, street, landscaping and signage improvements, expanded grant monies for leadership development for local organizations, bus stop enhancements, neighborhood clean-up, grafitti abatement, nuisance abatement, and mosquito control.
This greatly expanded budget is the result of revenues that have steadily increased, since the inception of the improvement district in 2001. The first full year of income in 2002 was $860,000, and in the latest fiscal year 2007 the income from sales taxes came to $3, 400,000.
According to David Hawes, executive director of the management district, the Capital Improvement Plan budget is actually based on a combination of funding sources: bonds to be sold, federal and state planning grants, and state grants for fresh water and flood control work. However, he emphasized that the budget is a working plan, subject to modifications as funding sources are pursued for various projects. He said that some funds would be shifted as monies are received and designated for projects.
Hawes indicated that the budget workshop was very successful, because it emphasized a consistent and continuing budget of services for the Aldine population of 50,000, the equivalent of a small city.