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Pearland weighs utility rate increase, resident cost burden

Pearland residents could see higher water and wastewater bills next year as city staff recommended a 12% utility rate increase for fiscal year 2026-27 at City Council’s July 27 budget workshop. Following discussion, council members indicated support for a 9.9% increase scenario instead, which would meet the city’s minimum financial requirements and result in a smaller monthly increase for residents, city documents show.

Why now: Staff identified several factors contributing to the proposed increase, including rising purchase-water costs, treatment expenses and inflation impacts on labor, materials and contracted services, documents show.

What residents need to know: Council member Clint Byrom said setting rates too low could create additional financial challenges in the future. A lower rate could reduce the amount of revenue available to support the utility’s debt obligations, which could create additional pressure on the city’s finances, including a potential impact on the city’s credit rating, he said. A potential credit downgrade could make it more expensive for the city to borrow money in the future due to higher interest rates. 

 
Now Open
New mahjong spot opens in Friendswood

Mahjong For a Cause opened in Friendswood in April, an instructor confirmed.

What’s in a name: Mahjong For a Cause was founded to support local nonprofits and first responders, with proceeds from event entry fees donated to charity.

The business offers a space for players of all experience levels to participate in lessons for $25, daytime leagues for $99 and open play for $10.

  • 906 Anna Lane, Friendswood
 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Vintage Media Swap

The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill

July 31, 2-4 p.m.
Fulshear

Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-noon
The Woodlands

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

Under the Sea Art Workshop

Back to School Bash Family Day

Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-noon
Missouri City

Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Spring

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

On The Transportation Beat
H-GAC to host Safety Action Plan public meeting to discuss road safety in Greater Houston area

The Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a public meeting Aug. 5 for its Safety Action Plans—an effort to improve transportation safety and reduce serious roadway injuries and fatalities, according to a July 27 news release from H-GAC.

Why it matters: The Houston-Galveston region accounts for nearly 20% of traffic deaths in Texas, and every day an average of two people are killed and 10 people are seriously injured in traffic crashes across the region, according to H-GAC’s website.

A closer look: H-GAC is working with local governments, transportation agencies and community partners to identify critical issues and help lead future safety improvements, per the release.

 

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Haley Velasco
Editor

Papar Faircloth
General Manager

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