East Aldine plans vote on new taxing district

NORTHEAST HOUSTON– The East Aldine District’s board voted at their last meeting to call a special election on Nov. 8th, asking voters in a small area east of US59 to adopt an additional 1¢ sales tax that has not been levied in the area previously. This area had been paying a 7.25% sales tax, while the rest of the District and the city pay 8.25%. If adopted, the extra one cent income will be used to pay for water, sewer and other public improvements as called for in the District’s Service Plan.
A special election will be required by law, and Nov. 8th would be the election day if approved by the board at their next meeting in August, and also if approved by the US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. A two week early voting period would precede the day of the voting. The polling location would be the District offices, 5333 Aldine Mail Route, according to the board’s attorney, Tim Austin.

Because sales taxes are paid by store customers more often than area residents, this tax would have little effect on actual area homeowners, who would actually benefit since the money is scheduled to be spent on area improvements including water and sewer in the designated area.
In other District business, the board is preparing to interview possible candidates for open board positions, since there are several openings due to resignations and job changes. Anyone who is interested in serving on the board, and meets the requiremets of the bylaws, is urged to contact Richard Cantu at the District office, 713-595-1220.
The board also heard a report that there will be a mural project to decorate columns and discourage graffiti in Keith-Wiess park. Also, a dog sweep is planned in the near future to deal with the problem of stray and unlicensed dogs. A CERT class is planned in September or October, and a 10th Anniversary observance is also planned for the whole month of October.