A Stiff Upper Lip on Taxes: Houston Council’s Decision Ah, the city of Houston, where the council has decided, wisely or unwisely, to maintain the property tax rate as it stands. This comes on the back of Mayor John Whitmire’s recommendation to keep the tax rate unchanged, much to the delight of many residents. TheHouston Council Cancels Tax Increase Following Abbott’s $50 Million Contribution for Beryl Cleanup