Houston has a mayor and a 14-member council. These 15 officials plus the city controller make up the legislative body. The mayor, city councilmen and the Controller are elected every 2 years. Each county has a judge.
In Houston there is no state or city personal income tax. The sales and use tax rate is 8.25%; some food and drug items are exempt.
On Ad Valorem Taxes The City and County exempt 20% of assessed valuation if your home is legally declared a homestead. For Harris County, the time to file for homestead exemption on purchasing a residence is ideally by January 31, of that year. In Brazoria it is by March 31 of that year. In Harris County, a person 65 years of age or older, is entitled to the following additional exemptions: Harris County the first $156,240, City of Houston $34,006, HISD $15,000. For the totally disabled under the age of 65, the City of Houston exempts the first $34,006 and Harris County exempts the first $156,240 of the assessed valuation.