The City Controller acts as a treasurer for the city. The current Controller of Houston is a Mexican American female. She is responsible for documenting all transactions and approving all expenditures. Other responsibilities include producing a yearly report and issuing bonds. The City Council is the main legislative body of Houston.
Members are responsible for attending meetings and voting on certain issues.
They are only allowed to act by ordinance, resolution or motion. The Council has a set agenda and method of procedure. The council is composed of fourteen members, nine members who are elected from districts and five members who are elected at-large. Department heads are appointed by the mayor. They are responsible for overseeing their particular department.