The Houston City Council has given mayor John Whitmire the green light to expand the already costly 'efficiency study', to now include Houston Public Works and the City Controller's Office.
That would be the same City Controller's Office led by Chris Hollins, whom Whitmire accused of 'pay for play' when he sold sponsorships to a private dinner.
"I'm sure that this is a little bit of, if you're going to sit here and look at my spending, we're going to take a look at your spending and see what's gone on over there" said Charles Blain, president of Urban Reform, "There is definitely some of that inter-office battling there that we're seeing. Regardless of the reason, I'm hoping there's a good outcome."
Especially since the city is now paying Houston based accounting firm Ernest & Young more than $1.35 million to conduct the study. And oh by the way, the city is facing a $330 million dollar budget deficit.
"I do think that we're going to see, or at least what I hope we see out of this is in the best interest of taxpayers, we find efficiencies and we can stop saying that we need more money for this, or for that" noted Blain.
Ironically, both mayor Whitmire and Chris Hollins agree that they want to spend $1 million on upgrades for HTV.