HTX-KTY: Impact 9/24/2025

Following approval of a $1.15 billion budget in August, the Katy ISD board of trustees unanimously approved a flat tax rate for the third consecutive year at the Sept. 22 board meeting. 

The tax rate is set to cover staff raises not subsidized by state legislators, an increased student enrollment of about 500 students and the opening of two new elementary schools during the 2025-26 school year, officials previously said. 

“Our goal is to ensure that every dollar spent continues to support student success while maintaining the financial health of our district,” Katy ISD Board President Lance Redmon said in a Sept. 22 news release.

Digging deeper: The total tax rate of $1.1171 per $100 of property valuation remains unchanged since the 2023-24 school year.

Since the 2018-19 school year, KISD’s tax rate has dropped by nearly $0.40 per $100 valuation. In 2023-24, state tax relief lowered it by $0.18, which Chief Financial Officer Chris Smith previously said grew the district’s reliance on state funding.

Katy City Council approved its fiscal year 2025-26 budget with a focus on public safety.

Zooming in: At a Sept. 22 meeting, City Council unanimously approved $74.7 million in expenditures for FY 2025-26, a 5.31% decrease from last year's amended budget.

Diving in deeper The budget includes $55.21 million toward the city’s general fund, with 47.04% allocated to public safety services, including $14.56 million for the police department and $11.41 million for the fire department.

What’s next: The FY 2025-26 budget will begin Oct. 1 and run through Sept. 30, 2026, according to budget documents.

For over 25 years, Lamar Educational Awards Foundation has served as a bridge between the Lamar Consolidated ISD and its surrounding communities, championing public education and empowering teachers and students through innovation and community engagement. 

The bigger picture: Executive Director Kameela Lewis said she hopes the organization's presence will grow into the recent enrollment increase in the Katy-Fulshear area, which has contributed to the district’s “hypergrowth” status that is expected to reach over 2,000 in the next decade. 

Lewis said community members can support LEAF by:

• Volunteering to help with events, join committees or assist with grant application reading 
• Donating directly through LEAF’s website or sponsor specific initiatives, such as named scholarships or classroom grants
• Applying for grants or scholarships by visiting the foundation’s site or contacting LEAF directly

Harris County commissioners will meet Sept. 24 to hold public hearings and discussions prior to adopting the $2.7 billion fiscal year 2025-26 budget for the county, as well as the FY 2025-26 budgets for the Harris County Toll Road Authority and Harris Health System. 

The context: For FY 2024-25, Harris County's budget included about $2.9 billion for the county's general fund budget and $274.1 million for the Harris County Flood Control District, as previously reported in Community Impact.

The background: In the months leading up to the September budget adoption, Harris County commissioners and department leaders have implemented a yearlong hiring freeze to save at least $25 million in costs to address a projected $200 million-plus shortfall in FY 2025-26. Other cost-saving decisions commissioners and more than 80 department leaders identified included finding at least 10% in potential cost saving opportunities within their current level of services to address the shortfall in the FY 2025-26 budget, county officials said.

Adam Bogard will serve as the new Harris Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser starting in January, as Roland Altinger retires after over 30 years in the role.

The details: Altinger, who officially announced his retirement in July, will remain in his position until the end of the year, then become an advisor to the new chief appraiser until the end of February, according to a Sept. 17 news release. 

Board Chairman Jim Robinson said Bogard’s experience as the county’s current deputy chief appraiser was beneficial to the board’s evaluation committee. 

Quote of note: “Adam Bogard has a vast amount of experience at the appraisal district, and his knowledge and background will enable him to continue to provide the leadership necessary to provide Harris County property owners with first-class customer service,” Robinson said.