KPRC-2 is reporting that Councilwoman Shelley Sekula-Gibbs is requesting an audit of the SAFEclear program:
Councilwoman Shelley Sekula-Gibbs asked the city controller for a thorough accounting of the controversial program.
“It’s important to know not only things about the efficiencies of the program, but it’s also important to know the price tag of the program,” she said.
Sekula-Gibbs is concerned that taxpayers are not getting their money’s worth for the program.
“What resources are going to be cut? Is it going to be from the health department? Is it going to be from the police department? Where are we going to take the money in order to pay for Safe Clear?” she said.
On Tuesday, the mayor touted the program as a success story. It began on Jan. 1.
“This is one of the most cost-effective programs,” Houston Mayor Bill White said.
The mayor confirmed that the price tag has risen to nearly $900,000, mainly due to the city offering free tows to some motorists.
“I’m very comfortable with $900,000 going to this program because 2 million people or 3 million people are benefiting by less congestion and fewer accidents and lives saved,” Houston City Council member Michael Berry said.
The audit of Safe Clear is expected to take six months.
We would certainly appreciate the unfiltered facts.
I’ve decided the mayor has a SAFEclear motto: “less congestion, fewer accidents and lives saved.” Lather, rinse, repeat.
