Humble ISD trustees approve flat tax rate for FY 2025-26
Property owners within Humble ISD's boundaries can expect a flat tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26.
Two-minute impact: HISD trustees unanimously voted to approve a tax rate of $1.1052 per $100 valuation for FY 2025-26 during the Sept. 9 board meeting. The approved tax rate is the same rate that was approved for FY 2024-25, and includes:
$0.7552 for the local maintenance and operations fund, or M&O
$0.3500 for debt service, bonded indebtedness and interest and sinking fund, or I&S
Quote of note:"That's the same tax rate as last year," board Secretary Robert Scarfo said during the meeting. "So we ... didn't go and ask for a change to that, so I think that's a good thing."
While HISD's tax rate will remain flat, some property owners may see increased tax bills due to rising property values, which are determined by the Harris Central Appraisal District.
Tacos El Sabor Callejero now serving Mexican cuisine in Kingwood
Tacos El Sabor Callejero officials said the restaurant opened its third location in Kingwood on Aug. 26.
On the menu: Tacos El Sabor Callejero serves a variety of Mexican dishes including burritos, quesadillas, tortas and quesabirrias made with a variety of meats, according to the restaurant's website. Meats offered include chicken, birria, chorizo, beef fajita, pork, braised shredded beef tongue and braised shredded beef cheek. The eatery also offers Mexican Coke and aguas frescas.
‘Please put justice first’: Harris County district judges warn of ‘Harvey’-level court backlog amid budget cuts
An increasing jail population, slower case processing and increasing court backlog delays are among the potential consequences Harris County judges and other judicial officials warned commissioners about Sept. 9 if several initiatives go unfunded.
The context: Harris County commissioners and department leaders are weighing how to offset at least $102 million in cuts before adopting the fiscal year 2025-26 budget on Sept. 18.
More details: Harris County Criminal Court Judge Stacy Barrow serves on the 487th district court and asked Commissioners Court to fund $2.2 million toward the associate judge program, which covers 12 staff positions and serves several court functions, judges said, including assisting with case processing, handling bond cases and covering court dockets during weekends and holiday shifts.
“Our request today is [for] Commissioners Court is to partner with us in progress to fund the felony associate judge program for an additional year in response to the shift in [the] criminal justice landscape," Barrow said.
Gov. Abbott issues executive order prohibiting THC sales to Texans under 21
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a Sept. 10 executive order aimed at prohibiting hemp-derived THC products from being sold to minors, which he called “safety for kids, freedom for adults.” The order comes one week after a special legislative session ended without Abbott and state lawmakers agreeing on legislation to ban or restrict THC sales.
The details: Abbott’s order directs the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to “immediately begin the rulemaking process” on new THC regulations, including:
Limiting THC sales to people 21 years and older
Requiring THC retailers to check all customers’ IDs
Expanding testing and labeling requirements for THC products
Raising manufacturer and retailer licensing fees to cover costs of enforcing the new rules
Enhancing monitoring by state and local law enforcement
What they're saying:“Governor Abbott has shown that Texas can protect children without turning back to prohibition,” Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, said in a statement. “While we have some concerns, this is a win for safety, freedom and free markets.”
