[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6520744,"mediaKeyId","5122383-97a82a488633b00b4a2b4ceffe8d3682","parentId",5122383,"title","Votes at a glance: Stafford City Council actions and referrals, July meeting","audioSeconds",182,"startMs",1758000,"endMs",1940000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5122383-97a82a488633b00b4a2b4ceffe8d3682&start=1758&end=1940","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5122383-97a82a488633b00b4a2b4ceffe8d3682/thumbnail_1758000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6520744/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Stafford-City-Council-actions-and-referrals-July-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520744-00b5ce96bb86714981ce71159d981f01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143901&Signature=DFDXBSKn0ugKSHg4SeZcxts2jDuH9TeReQ9gpXsqmsJ7qa7leJe67WweRCGPKq9M8Myt~0qPk6NeV5BAu7FpG6J3AA6KC86le7sOo1A32HLHi6L8l3nbYhFus~hmNub3EuiyFFf-ugNfgW7TtUpbJ085mvIVgQJ0GFdnmedLA9Ass5Ka91BFaHreeRo3n-DeG0YoWG9j1pmt7~WnZZ7GH-Mto-iU939oDcPEecV2BmcnuQKbVzNeaFEExSP3Ou9fS--X9kn30Xn1RMvFVK9b9QDWF1l7QukqU2sToeF6evtlCRKk4UtsHoAF6E-BXFCrCHDVgg2U37tt2gKj0Dng6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stafford","date","2025-07-02T00:00:00Z","article","The council recorded several formal motions, referrals or approvals during the meeting. Where the transcript recorded a roll-call or tally, it is shown; where the audio shows direction without a roll-call, the outcome is described as recorded in the meeting.

Summary of recorded actions

- Management-district research for commercial/warehouse funding mechanisms — Motion: direct city attorney to research creation of a management district and related funding models and return at the August meeting. Outcome: Approved (vote recorded in transcript as 6–0 in favor). (Provenance: discussion starting ~00:29:18 through motion and vote at ~00:49:31.)

- Performance and efficiency audit (personnel/operations) — Motion: direct Director Garcia and HR director to research firms and return with options and scopes (examples discussed: Piper Sandler, Ernst & Young, Deloitte). Outcome: Motion made and council directed staff to research and report back; transcript records the referral but does not include a roll-call tally. (Provenance: agenda item discussion ~00:41:12 and motion at ~01:07:45.)

- Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) program for community cats — Motion: fund a pilot TNR program at $17,000 in the upcoming budget and update the draft ordinance per staff recommendation. Outcome: Approved by voice vote; no council opposition recorded. (Provenance: agenda item ~00:57:38 and motion ~01:03:03.)

- Charter Review Commission appointments — Motion: each councilmember to nominate one appointee to the Home Rule Charter Review Commission; return names at the first regular August meeting. Outcome: Approved by voice vote. (Provenance: agenda item discussion ~01:02:29; motion and approval ~01:07:01.)

- Residential sidewalk rehabilitation pilot — Motion: include $25,000 seed funding for a pilot residential sidewalk rehabilitation program in the upcoming budget and prioritize shovel-ready trip-hazard repairs. Outcome: Approved by voice vote. (Provenance: item ~01:08:00; motion and approval ~01:09:35.)

- Mobile food vendor law (House Bill 2844) — Motion: authorize the city attorney to begin drafting or revising the city ordinance to address changes under the new state law and to report back. Outcome: Approved by voice vote; council directed legal staff to begin work. (Provenance: agenda item ~01:15:00; motion ~01:17:55.)

- Hispanic Heritage Alliance item — Motion: table the item and direct city attorney to research and provide written guidance on ethics and reporting obligations and to return with a memo at the next regular meeting. Outcome: Approved; item tabled pending legal review. (Provenance: item presentation ~01:02:50; motion to table recorded ~01:44:07.)

- Consent agenda and minutes approvals — Motions to approve consent items and revised minutes were made and approved by voice vote. (Provenance: consent and minutes sections later in the meeting.)

Notes on tallies and evidence: The meeting transcript provided voice votes and some explicit tallies (the management-district motion recorded as 6–0). For several motions the transcript records the motion and the council’s direction to staff but does not include a formal roll-call or written tally in the excerpt provided; those items are recorded above as \"approved\" or \"referred\" consistent with the meeting record and the mayor’s announcements.

What council asked for next: staff reports with firm lists and scopes for the audit question; finance and legal materials related to HOT funding and alliance invoices; and return items to future meetings after staff prepares required documentation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stafford - City Council - Jul 02, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of motions, referrals and recorded outcomes from the Stafford City Council meeting; items tabled or referred to staff or counsel for follow-up.","taxTitle","Stafford, Fort Bend County, Texas","taxId",69474,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520748,"Council tables review of Hispanic Heritage Alliance’s use of hotel-occupancy funds after members raise oversight questions",2515,3770000,6285000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5122383-97a82a488633b00b4a2b4ceffe8d3682&start=3770&end=6285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5122383-97a82a488633b00b4a2b4ceffe8d3682/thumbnail_3770000.jpg","/articles/6520748/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Council-tables-review-of-Hispanic-Heritage-Alliances-use-of-hotel-occupancy-funds-after-members-raise-oversight-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520748-b6b8cac1ba757ed7f3849f8e615dfe6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143901&Signature=WVSgQbj4ofUt-d6CkPCdBHsELyj-XWi874HISVH0u9I7nJtw~2bEzycjzoDgpGFQrGCM~OQCU7wocYjDiwAV~Y8aXxbKIt2oYJQajjvqeGG98C~ebryvTKxmVMhyhQQqw9YXOYpOV1GT4zICTTgZFNPw2nCQvuz~-avuJPX2mvpu4v3l90uVTSFvocbgt37qgxkK6dibaYHKENI-EoSIInmRGAF1~UiGVSwpwpqC4G0efm3JURTCeDZVwOv0RUHplMduFm3BOBUUOfxTn8ZoNJOhMsXgkiQMFJlR3XTJBzmWSOzZffb2xbKdFNkVqb-jFLmhPTH5FlFM~gd5bKuWOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The newly formed Hispanic Heritage Alliance, which the group said obtained 501(c)(3) status in April 2025, presented plans for a Fiesta at the Plaza in September and a scholarship dinner in November and said early events last year generated vendor interest and scholarship funds.

Manuel Hinojosa, identified in the meeting as the alliance’s president, described the September festival and said the group had worked with the school district and other local partners. \"Our first event this year will be on September 2025,\" Hinojosa said, and outlined performances, vendors and logistics.

Council discussion then shifted to whether the alliance should be an independent nonprofit or a city committee, how hotel-occupancy-tax (HOT) funds were used, and whether city oversight of the nonprofit’s expenditures was adequate. Council members and the city attorney discussed record-keeping: the alliance’s presenters said invoices and reports had been provided to the city’s finance office and that prior events followed city purchasing rules.

Council concerns included: (1) the timeline — council earlier budgeted $45,000 in HOT funds to sponsor last year’s events; (2) whether two sitting council members who also serve on the alliance would create an appearance-of-conflict; and (3) whether the alliance’s accounting and hotel-room documentation adequately supported HOT-fund eligibility. One council member requested copies of invoices and a full accounting; the alliance leaders said they had provided invoices and that some organizers had personally advanced expenses.

After extended discussion, a councilmember moved to table the item and asked legal counsel to research ethics and reporting obligations and return to the next meeting with a written opinion. The motion passed.

Why it matters: The council funds events through hotel-occupancy-tax revenues subject to limits designed to promote tourism, culture, and hotel stays. Council members said they want assurance the funding matches council policy and that any appearance-of-impropriety is addressed before future payments or commitments.

What’s next: The city attorney will research the legal and ethics issues, including whether the presence of council members on the alliance requires recusal or extra disclosure and what reporting the finance office should require for HOT-funded events. Council will revisit the item at the next regular meeting.","The Hispanic Heritage Alliance (a newly formed 501(c)(3)) updated council on planned community events and scholarships. Council then voted to table further discussion and asked legal counsel to review ethics and oversight concerns after members raised questions about funding, reporting, and council members’ roles.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520755,"Stafford council debates performance/efficiency audit as members cite budget shortfalls",1611,2472000,4083000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5122383-97a82a488633b00b4a2b4ceffe8d3682&start=2472&end=4083","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5122383-97a82a488633b00b4a2b4ceffe8d3682/thumbnail_2472000.jpg","/articles/6520755/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Stafford-council-debates-performanceefficiency-audit-as-members-cite-budget-shortfalls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520755-5c0d0b6dd6d29e78a2bc4378ea4825b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143901&Signature=bAZhE1lmC5DVmY6Hx4l0Z1c5Xy9Sf59oSzUgtXLUhSi9hJ~qE24D6DFEeU6nLJeTYNXkmy3QpqqShrJJQU~TwyPy2PcHoCKyDJQc4VGuYfk9yriPxTXWFRe-e2CEWvR0RCPbdOq25a9hgUOeNzN8sjMIVzOwAhwoHxzZFhOvKkDnnGda7u-aeG~JE8imK33aZPAF3xVSBSq1FCVtDsvXhmL1Jw7xX42UGC~u-8BTROmUJIxusNwNTVeQAE3fzGioL38NMBUp-pRlROIDe38obCjLe7WNSQVGsKZoRj4j8RPnV7PCmMf2JmO64w2vR45UWm2DrzohjP39NJJAV5m4cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A group of council members and residents pushed for a city performance and efficiency review, in some cases calling for a forensic audit, while others questioned spending on outside consultants when staffing and obvious operational gaps already suggest areas for improvement.

Councilmember Bostic moved to have staff — starting with the human resources director and Director Garcia — research firms (for example, Piper Sandler, Ernst & Young, Deloitte) that could perform a performance and efficiency review and report alternatives back to council. The motion was seconded and the council directed staff to gather options for a future report.

Public commenters and some council members framed the debate around the city’s current fiscal position. One speaker said, \"as of Friday, we now have a $2,900,000 deficit,\" and another council member said the city’s shortfall figures equated to roughly $2,590,000 negative plus one-time capital requests, producing a combined $5,000,000 gap as presented in public remarks. The city’s CFO, Alka, and other council members urged separating legitimate calls for financial forensics from the narrower performance-and-efficiency question.

Those who argued for a deeper audit said a forensic review would reveal where every dollar has gone and provide a clearer basis for next year’s budget. Opponents said an operational review will likely find the same problem — understaffing — and that outside consultants might end up confirming what staff and council already suspect.

Why it matters: Council faces competing priorities — limited staff capacity, questions about budget transparency, and public pressure for stronger oversight. Council directed staff to identify audit firms and return with a recommended scope and cost estimates so council can decide whether to commission a performance review or pursue a broader forensic audit.

What’s next: Director Garcia and the HR director were asked to collect information about potential firms and scopes and report back to council; councilmembers asked that staff return competitive options and contract models for possible procurement.","Councilmembers and residents debated commissioning a performance and efficiency audit; some urged a forensic audit to trace expenditures after members said the city faces a multi-million-dollar shortfall. A motion was made to have staff identify firms and return with options.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520759,"Stafford says audit recovered about $1.39 million in misallocated local sales tax",442,439000,881000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5122383-97a82a488633b00b4a2b4ceffe8d3682&start=439&end=881","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5122383-97a82a488633b00b4a2b4ceffe8d3682/thumbnail_439000.jpg","/articles/6520759/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Stafford-says-audit-recovered-about-139-million-in-misallocated-local-sales-tax","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520759-35cdc3551a58fd1eca154072de358d16/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143901&Signature=EjhGatawUWe~eCahw5~LOAkxLxrXjJOzwlMGEPHcyzeH3MKzkXwXoILxtHlW84rcmmNV39zl3ikKw0LM5MHFBJFkYAyGmEevr7TGZGDysrwtq42wGQnoXwEfiyAh2yc5Bzk40axWOUgYq~UIcJhfmRiMCmQONvMOun0kmFOHOp8EnPlfFj6MRlZ-uSMk2MpWOKd8HmUd5D0C0xL6mT7abFl77AAkkurPwIq~zAU3-gqvY4jR1TLTKGRxzOTBBVX5Sq6N~RiwVXWKFnUandvqmtRIO7CdTWyYS~JZm9nUfWkdhU9N6Mp2afEhe2vzqzS5MRrIaKLJHZOTA0CaIBdG-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A city council member reported that a private audit recovered $1,392,361 in local sales tax that had been misallocated to other jurisdictions, and that the contracted auditor will be paid 28% of the recovered amount.

The council member reading the audit summary told the council and public that Avenue Insight identified the misallocations for eight Stafford businesses and recovered back pay dating as far back as 2021. \"In accordance with the terms of the contract, Avenue Insight will receive 28% of the recovered amount, which totals $389,461. The net gain to the city after this reimbursement is $1,002,900,\" the council member said.

The council member also said state rules limit recovery to a three-year lookback: \"Up to 3 years is what's permitted by the state comptroller,\" the official said.

The presentation prompted several council and public comments thanking Stafford Economic Development Corporation volunteers and staff for initiating and supporting the audit. One member of the public suggested the city examine whether the contractor's fee could be shifted to the party that originally misreported the tax; the city attorney replied the contract and facts would determine whether that is possible and that staff would review the question.

Council members asked staff for more time to analyze the audit details. The mayor indicated he would return this item to a future agenda so staff and council can review the underlying data, broader scope items listed on the agenda, and whether to expand the audit to additional revenue categories (telecommunications and energy sales) after further analysis.

Why it matters: The recovery increases the city’s general-revenue balance by roughly $1.0 million after the auditor’s fee, and council discussion signaled interest in whether audit scope should expand to other revenue categories now that exemptions have changed at the state level. Council directed staff to return with more detailed analysis before taking additional steps.

What’s next: Staff will analyze the audit data and return with a fuller report at a future council meeting; the council asked city finance and legal staff to examine options for recouping auditor fees from responsible parties where contractually or legally possible.

","City leaders presented results of a sales-tax allocation audit that identified $1,392,361 in recoveries from eight businesses; the audit contractor’s fee is 28% of recoveries under the contract.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Stafford City Council actions and referrals, July meeting

Council tables review of Hispanic Heritage Alliance’s use of hotel-occupancy funds after members raise oversight questions

Stafford council debates performance/efficiency audit as members cite budget shortfalls

Stafford says audit recovered about $1.39 million in misallocated local sales tax