HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. R2025-15 RESOLUTION NO. R2025-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 2722 AND HOUSE BILL
5177,AND URGING THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE TO REJECT THESE MEASURES
IN THEIR CURRENT FORM;AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE.
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WHEREAS, Senate Bill 2722 ("S.B. 2722") and its companion House Bill 5177 ("H.B. 5177")
propose significant changes to the allocation and use of toll road revenue generated by the Harris County
Toll Road Authority("HCTRA");and
WHEREAS,these bills would require Harris County to transfer thirty percent(30%)of its surplus
toll road revenue,estimated at approximately$58 million annually,to the City of Houston,thereby reducing
available funding for countywide road infrastructure projects and potentially increasing county road debt;
and
WHEREAS, while the bills mandate that the City of Houston use these funds exclusively for law
enforcement and emergency services related to toll road incidents and disasters,they do not require the City
to document actual costs incurred, conduct audits, or return excess funds, creating a lack of financial
accountability;and
WHEREAS, the proposed legislation requires that all remaining toll revenue, after operational
costs, be fully disbursed, thereby eliminating HCTRA's ability to maintain a reserve fund for future
infrastructure needs or economic downturns; and
WHEREAS, the bills alter the formula for distributing funds to Harris County Commissioner
Precincts based on an ambiguous definition of"roads owned and maintained by the County," leading to
uncertainty and potential inequities in funding allocation among precincts;and
WHEREAS,restricting the use of surplus toll revenue to only county-owned and maintained roads
would jeopardize joint projects with TxDOT and other local jurisdictions, including the City of
Friendswood(the "City");and
WHEREAS,Harris County Precinct 2 has some of the worst road conditions in the County,and the
financial constraints imposed by S.B. 2722 and H.B. 5177 would severely limit the ability to make
necessary investments in road repairs and infrastructure improvements, disproportionately impacting the
residents of the City;and
WHEREAS, the City relies on the strength of Harris County's transportation infrastructure and
funding for regional mobility projects, and these bills would significantly hinder the County's ability to
maintain and improve roads that benefit residents and businesses in Friendswood; and
WHEREAS, while the City supports transparency and fiscal responsibility in toll revenue
management, S.B.2722 and H.B. 5177,as currently drafted,present serious financial and operational risks
to Harris County and municipalities located in Harris County, warranting strong opposition. NOW
THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, STATE OF
TEXAS:
Section 1. That the facts and recitations set forth in the preamble of this resolution are hereby
found to be true and correct.
Section 2. That the City Council of the City of Friendswood opposes S.B. 2722 and H.B.
5177 and urges the Texas Legislature to reject these measures.
Section 3. That the City Secretary is hereby directed to disseminate copies of this resolution
to Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker of the House Dade Phelan,members
of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives,the Harris County Commissioners Court,and any other
relevant stakeholders.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately from and after its passage by the City
Council of the City of Friendswood.
INTRODUCED,READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of the City Council of the City of
Friendswood on this the 7th day of April,2025.
MIKE F• ayor
ATTE T:
MENDS
LE ICIA BRYSCH,City Secr# k° O
o
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
0040K co
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KAREN L. HORNER, City Attorney
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