Katy ISD residents will not see changes to the district’s tax rate in fiscal year 2026-27.

The framework: At a Sept. 21 meeting, the Katy ISD board of trustees approved a tax rate of $1.1171 per $100 valuation for FY 2026-27, the same rate the district has adopted since FY 2024-25.

However, the estimated property tax bill will climb to $2,900, a 1.93% increase from the FY 2025-26 tax bill due to an increase in home values.

A closer look: Chief Financial Officer Chris Smith said the tax rate includes $0.7271 per $100 valuation for maintenance and operations, which funds the district’s daily operations, and $0.39 per $100 valuation for interest and sinking fund to pay off the district's debts.

Keep in mind: The approved tax rate takes immediate effect and will appear on tax statements later this fall, officials announced in a Sept. 21 news release.

Fast-casual Japanese restaurant Nikubol has opened its second Greater Houston location in Katy Asian Town, restaurant representatives confirmed.

What’s on the menu: The eatery specializes in customizable Japanese-inspired bowls in which customers can choose a base of rice, salad or udon before picking a protein such as chicken, beef or pork, according to its website. Bowls are finished with fresh toppings and signature sauces.

The Katy location will also feature NIKUBAR where dine-in guests can utilize a self-serve bar of sides, salads and soup. 

• 23015 Colonial Parkway, Ste. A105, Katy

The Harris County Commissioners Court approved several funding measures and resolutions during its Sept. 22 meeting.

Key decisions from the meeting include:

• Approval of eight escrow agreements for the Harris County Flood Control District to fund flood mitigation projects in multiple watersheds

• Allocation of $181,105 from the general fund to six community organizations to provide meals to homebound senior and disabled residents

• Authorization to apply for a grant to refurbish Tom Bass Park, which could receive $30 million in total funding

• Allocation of $2 million from a state grant to improve trails and amenities at Doss Park

• Approval of 15 resolutions, including recognition for Hispanic Heritage Month and Pet Wellness Month

A new agricultural complex is opening along Hwy. 288 with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The Farm will be located about three miles from Reliant Park.

The overview: The Farm, which stands for Furthering our Agriculture and Ranching Mission, will offer 1 million square feet to support Texas youth, agriculture, education and Western heritage, according to a Sept. 17 news release from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The complex will complement the Rodeo's longstanding home at Reliant Park, according to the news release.

Quote of note: "As we move toward our centennial, the groundbreaking of The Farm reflects our commitment to building not only a world-class facility, but a stronger future for Texas youth and agriculture," said Wesley Sinor, chairman of the board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. "The impact of what begins today will be felt for generations."

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality must stop issuing new permits for data centers, Gov. Greg Abbott said Sept. 21.

The overview: His order expands an existing pause on data center development in the state amid consistent public criticism of the booming industry. Abbott, who is running for a fourth term as governor, has recently moved to slow the growth of data centers after calling Texas “the epicenter of AI development" last year.

The context: Hundreds of proposed data centers are currently being audited by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the state power grid.

Some developers may be able to get around the ERCOT pause by building in-house power infrastructure that is not connected to the grid, experts have said.

However, any construction project impacting at least 1 acre of land requires permits from TCEQ.

What they're saying: "As Texas faces increasing pressure on our water supplies and electric grid, we need to ensure that data centers operate efficiently and sustainably," said Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas.