PASSEDHouston City Council · 2026-01-27

The City Council approved extending paid injury leave for Senior Police Officer Nick D. Baines Jr. for the full year 2026, costing approximately $47,519. This continues his salary while he recovers from a duty-related injury.

What it means for you

Officer Baines continues to receive his salary through December 31, 2026 while on injury leave; the cost comes from the city's General Fund, which is supported by Houston taxpayers.

Outcome

Adopted — all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Davis absent. Motion 2026-0054, official minutes of January 27, 2026.

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Official sources

Meeting minutes — full record with the vote (PDF) ↗

These are the official minutes — the narrative record of what happened at the meeting, including the vote on each item.

Official council district boundaries · City of Houston GIS. Tap a district to see who represents it.

How to weigh in

Where: City Hall, 901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002
When: Council meets Tuesdays 1:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. Public Session — when you can speak — is Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month).
Speak: Register by 3:00 p.m. the Monday before: call 832.393.1100, email speakers@houstontx.gov, or go in person to the City Secretary (City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, Room P101). Each speaker gets 1–3 minutes.
Watch: Live on HTV ↗

From the City Council meetings information page. Confirm the exact date on the official agenda before you go.

Quick answersfrom the official record

How much?$47,519minutes ↗

Who benefits?Senior Police Officer Nick D. Baines Jrminutes ↗

Who pays?General Fundminutes ↗

Who decides?Houston City Council — its 16 members (11 district + 5 at-large) vote; the Mayor presides and also votes. Police Chief brought it forward. Taken up at the January 27, 2026 meeting — Adopted, all voting aye.minutes ↗

Cite this: https://plaindocket.com/item/real-cs20260127-11 — data from official records via PlainDocket.