In a post Friday on the official Houston Controller’s Instagram, the popular Homer Simpson meme where he appears to be holding in the letter “F” is depicted with the words above saying, “how hard I pronounce the F in ‘f*ck no,” when my buddy asks if the Houston Budget is balanced.”
Hollins then invited the public to RSVP for a town hall meeting on Sunday, a “reality check to learn more.”
Naturally, social media had to do its thing, amassing more than 700 likes on Instagram and 9,000 views on X. The reactions were exactly what you’d expect.
“Not on the official page lol,” one person commented on Instagram.
“😂 we shouldn’t be laughing at this. But I am…. 🤷🏾♂️,” another user said.
Another commenter added: “Heard the F all the way in ATL.”
Their disagreements have played out publicly over issues ranging from flood control funding to broader concerns about balancing Houston’s budget.
Of course, not everyone was amused by the meme. Council Member Sallie Alcorn shared her sentiments on X calling it not a respectful way to spark discussion.
“I still believe this is a serious job that demands a respectful discussion,” she said. “This is not it.”
Hollins, however, stood by the meme telling Chron in a written statement the intention remains to keep residents up to date.
“Though critically important, the city’s budget is dense and often difficult to understand, leaving many residents out of the process,” he said. “Our approach is designed to make city finances more accessible, and Houstonians are more engaged in this year’s budget cycle than we’ve ever seen in the past.”
The Simpsons meme wasn’t Hollins’ only jab either.
Earlier this week, the controller’s office also posted a meme comparing Houston’s proposed “administrative fee” tied to trash collection to a traditional garbage fee using a scene from The Office captioned: “They’re the same picture.”
“Can we just call it what it is?” the account wrote.
Whether Houstonians agree with Hollins or not though, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the city’s ongoing budget drama had finally reached peak internet form.
“We’re glad that our posts are bringing more Houstonians into the conversation—town hall attendees come away informed, energized, and ready to be part of the change Houston needs,” Hollins added in his statement.