Fort Bend County’s FY 2025-26 budget funds new courts, public safety
Fort Bend County’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget brings a focus on public safety and new district courts approved by the 89th Texas Legislature.
What residents need to know: The nearly $760.31 million budget marks a 3.92% increase from FY 2024-25.
Zooming in: The budget includes a 6.2% increase in public safety funding, including $123.97 million for the sheriff’s office and $7.35 million for the fire marshal.
Another detail: The budget also lays out a nearly $63.72 million in capital improvement projects over five years, including $38.4 million for FY 2025-26.
What else: Additionally, commissioners approved a pay hike between 3% to 36.84% for Fort Bend County elected officials, with the highest raises going to county court and district court judges, according to agenda documents.
What they’re saying: Both County Judge KP George and Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers raised concerns with the size of the budget, saying it nearly doubled from $362.8 million in 2019.
What’s next: The FY 2025-26 budget will begin on Oct. 1, according to budget documents.
Freebirds World Burrito opens in Fort Bend Town Center
Freebirds World Burrito, a statewide Tex-Mex chain, has opened in Missouri City’s Fort Bend Town Center development.
Whey they offer: The Austin-based brand is known for its burritos, bowls, salads, tacos and nachos. Customers can build their own meal with more than 30 combinations of sauces, proteins and toppings, according to the website.
“Every new Freebirds opening is about more than burritos—it’s about creating a place where the community can gather and enjoy fresh, flavorful food in a welcoming environment,” Vice President of Operations Thomas Lane said in an email.
Zooming out: The franchise has more than 60 locations statewide including one in Sugar Land at 15285 Southwest Freeway, according to its website.
‘Renters are in a strong position’: Houston rental listings reach record high in August
The Houston rental market had a record number of available listings in August, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ August 2025 Rental Market Update released Sept. 17.
A closer look: According to the release, there was a 3.1% increase in the number of single-family homes leased this August compared to the same time last year. At the same time, active listings surpassed 10,000 units in August.
Rental properties are taking a little longer to lease, however, with an average of 35 days on the market compared to 32 days a year ago.
What they’re saying: “Houston renters are in a strong position right now with more choices and stable lease prices,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar said. “As mortgage rates continue to ease, we expect to see more renters exploring their dream of homeownership in the coming months.”
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 2027
The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.
The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.
Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA.
The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.
