Pasadena residents demand water meter checks and early voting site access

The Pasadena City Council meeting held on April 15, 2025, addressed several community concerns, focusing on water billing issues and upcoming election logistics.

The meeting began with a public comment from Mary Sampson, a lifelong Pasadena resident, who expressed frustration over her water bill. Sampson reported receiving bills of $150 over the past three months, despite not using that much water, as she does not have a washing machine. She requested that the water department send someone to check her meter, emphasizing her status as a senior citizen and her commitment to paying taxes. Sampson highlighted the need for the city to address her concerns and ensure accurate billing.

Following Sampson's remarks, Paola, another resident, spoke about the importance of the upcoming election, which she described as potentially the biggest in Pasadena's history. She urged citizens to vote early, noting that only two polling locations would be available for early voting in the city. Paola expressed concern that the closure of the Baker Ripley location would disproportionately affect elderly voters, who would have to travel significantly farther to cast their ballots. She shared her efforts to communicate with Harris County officials about reopening Baker Ripley and called for the city to conduct a study on voting locations to better serve the community in future elections.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for residents to stay informed about voting options through the Harris County election website. Overall, the discussions highlighted critical issues regarding water service and voter accessibility, reflecting the council's ongoing engagement with community needs.