Monthly Archives: November 2018
Preparing for City Budget Planning in Texas
Texas cities have already passed their operating budgets, but it is never too early to start taking the necessary steps for adopting the next annual budget. The tax-rate setting process takes place at the same time municipalities are performing all steps towards budget approval, passage and adoption. The fiscal year for Texas cities generally… Read More »
Fire Regulation in Texas on the State and Local Levels
With several deadly wildfires currently raging in California, I thought it would be pertinent to discuss some Texas fire laws at this time. First, did you know that cigarettes sold in Texas must undergo testing and certification for ignition propensity? Essentially, this testing is intended to determine whether a discarded cigarette is likely to… Read More »
City Confidential: What Exemptions to Texas’s Public Information Act Allow a City to Protect a Private Company’s Confidential Information?
Cities in Texas and elsewhere conduct business with private entities, such as real estate developers, and in some circumstances, may be asked to keep certain details out of the public’s eye. Here, we examine to what extent that is allowed in the Lone Star State. The Texas Public Information Act (“TPIA”) allows a city… Read More »
City Ordinances Facing Societal, Technological Changes: Robot Brothels and SOBs
The City of Houston was recently in the news for a rather unusual reason. A robot brothel was set to open its doors in the heart of the city. A Canadian company which already operates an “adult love dolls rent before you buy service” in Toronto attempted to open a Houston location. Even a… Read More »