City Council
Administrative Office of City Council
Administrative Office of City Council
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, Second Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.0791
Fax: 832.393.0783
Pictured from Left to Right are Vernita Jones, Merrick Hamilton, Karina Velazquez, Laura Newell and Kanitria Love
The Administrative Office of City Council (AOCC) serves all administrative duties for Houston City Council. Although the office serves City Council, it is a division of the Finance Department.
Vernita Jones
Has managed the Administrative Office of City Council for more than 19 years. Mrs. Jones acts as the front-line representative who provides information to City departments and the public with any questions concerning City Council. She monitors the office budgets for each Council Member and handles the Council District Service Funds (~450 projects annually) for the 11 district offices. Mrs. Jones preserves confidentiality of sensitive material routinely encountered as part of work assignments; develops and recommends office procedures and systems; ensure smooth office operations.
Merrick Hamilton
Serves as an Administrative Assistant. His primary duty is receptionist for City Council. He screens calls and visitors, and refers inquires as appropriate; responds to complaints and requests for information regarding the City Council floor. He is the liaison for IT related issues, and a liaison between constituents and Council. Maintains the calendar for City Council presentations.
Karina Velazquez
Karina serves as IT, CityNet, HTV, and General Services Liaison for City Council. She maintains the calendar for council presentations. Karina assists with onboarding new hires and interns (parking and badging). She manages the surplus items and electronic records management for filing purposes. Karina is the lead for the Combined Municipal Campaign.
Laura Newell
Laura processes mileage reimbursements, travel expenses and authorizations. Laura processes purchase requisitions and invoice payments. Laura handles all Open Records Request via the Texas Public Information Act, including processing deposits for any Open Records Request. She issues P-card overrides and handles the reconciliation of P-card purchases. Laura assists in maintaining and updating policies and procedures.
Kanitria Love
Serves as City Council’s Receptionist
Contact City Hall / City Council
City Hall901 Bagby, Second Floor
Houston, TX 77002
