Who Runs the City of Houston Lake?

/ City Reporter

The City of Houston Lake is an independent municipality incorporated as a 4th class city in 1960. The city’s governing body consists of the Mayor and a four-member Board of Aldermen elected at large.

Three elected officials serve on the City Council at present. One of the council members is also serving as interim mayor. The city’s staff includes a part-time city clerk, a part-time bookkeeper, a part-time city collector, and two part-time groundskeepers. There are open positions for Mayor, two aldermen, and a codes inspector at this time.

As a municipality in the state of Missouri, all 4th class cities are required to adhere to laws regulating operations, regardless of size or budget.

The City of Houston Lake is responsible for managing public property and infrastructure within the city, including streets, sewers, waste and recycling services, fire protection, and public safety. The Venetian Gardens Homes Association (VGHA) owns the community lake and private parklands within the city and is responsible for their management. VGHA Board Members are volunteers.

Salaries of city elected officials and staff, are public information (see Section 115.060. Salaries of Officers and Employees in the Houston Lake City Code). Elected positions are compensated with an honorarium for what is essentially volunteer work, regardless of the number of hours required. Staff members are paid salaries significantly below prevailing wages, again, regardless of the hours it takes to fulfill their duties. Everyone involved has a long list of responsibilities, and it is clear that the city does not have enough manpower to manage the workload effectively.

Running a city demands significant time for research and problem-solving. Here’s your opportunity to help: The city is forming specialized committees and invites you to get involved in areas that match your skills and interests. Stay tuned for announcements on the following new committees:

  • Finance
  • Public Works
  • Public Safety
  • Communications
  • Administration

The answer to the question “Who runs the City of Houston Lake?” is “You do”. This community depends on the support of citizens who step up to serve.

Please reach out to the Houston Lake City Council or the VGHA to express your interest in contributing your time and talents by serving as a member of the Houston Lake City Council or the VGHA Board of Directors.

2020 Census Data
Houston Lake, Missouri

total population: 229
Source: 2020 Decennial Census

median household income: $84,000
Source: 2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate

bachelor’s degree
or higher: 20.0 %
Source: 2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

employment rate: 59.3 %
Source: 2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

total housing units: 121
Source: 2020 Decennial Census

without health care coverage: 17.4 %
Source: 2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

total households: 144
Source: 2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

hispanic or latino (of any race): 16
Source: 2020 Decennial Census
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