After The Woodlands Township’s series of budget meetings, the board revisited its discussion of its agreement with the township’s mounted patrol, Alpha & Omega.

What happened: Though the township’s agreement with Alpha and Omega runs through Dec. 31, board members are evaluating if there is a better way to enhance the mounted patrol program.

Also on the agenda: During the board’s public hearing, board members voted to adopt the 2026 debt service tax rate, maintenance and operations tax rate and approved the order to levy taxes. In total, the property tax rates include the debt service tax rate and the maintenance and operations tax rate which had to be voted on separately by the board.

According to the township: Vice President Craig Eissler said that though he was initially hesitant about the newly proposed tax rate, but now he’s comfortable moving forward noting the board will have to monitor how legislature plays out in Austin.

A new 307-unit apartment complex is under construction on Metropark Drive in Shenandoah by the Sam Moon Group development company, according to a news release.

The details: The housing development is set to open for leasing in the summer of 2027 with move-ins beginning in late 2027. The development will feature a pool, outdoor courtyards, a fitness center and 6,000 square feet of ground floor retail. The community will also be within walking distance of the businesses at Metropark Square, including AMC Metropark Square 10 and Dave & Buster's.

Zooming in: The complex will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units and monthly rent will start at $1,600. The building will be managed by Greystar.

• Opening in late 2027
• 8888 Metropark Drive, Shenandoah

Montgomery County Commissioners discussed wildfire prevention after recent rains quelled the need for a burn ban during its Sept. 3 meeting.

The gist: While commissioners did not take action due to recent rains tampering drought concerns, Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams emphasized the importance of educating residents about burn bans. Williams said announcements that burn bans have been lifted can lead some residents to believe they are allowed to burn refuse, despite restrictions that remain in place year-round.

This concern over burning follows a dry season that put much of the region at risk of wildfires. In March 2025 a wildfire on Pauline Road affected 2,360 acres.

Need to catch up with Community Impact’s coverage this week? Check out these trending stories from across the northern portion of the Greater Houston area from Aug. 28-Sept. 4.
1. Houston agrees to $50M deal with The Woodlands to prevent future annexation
2. Harris County ESD 9 proposes FY 2026-27 property tax rate and budget, celebrates Fire Chief
3. Houston Food Bank breaks ground at new Northwest Houston building
4. Magnolia ISD officially approves tax rate at Aug. 24 public tax hearing
5. 333 Bar & Grill brings new life to historic Montgomery building
6. Houston Premium Outlets expands retail lineup with designer store, bar
7. Q&A: Get to know the candidates running for Congressional District 2
8. Roman Forest council member proposes changes to city election rules

For the first time in over a decade, there is no incumbent in the Texas attorney general's race as Republican Ken Paxton runs for U.S. Senate.

Democrat Nathan Johnson, a state senator from Dallas; Republican Mayes Middleton, a state senator from Galveston; and Libertarian Tom Oxford, an attorney from Nederland, are running to replace him this November. Community Impact asked the candidates for their perspectives on Texas' open records laws, state litigation and other topics.

How we got here: Johnson and Middleton each won their primary runoff elections in May, Community Impact reported, while Oxford was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

Looking ahead: Early voting in eight statewide races and dozens of local elections runs from Oct. 19-30. Election Day is Nov. 3.