Fort Bend ISD approves 7-cent tax increase to fund salary raises
In a 5-1 vote, the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees approved a temporary 7-cent tax increase for the 2025-26 school year, making the once-projected $26.2 million shortfall for the 2025-26 school year into a $7.5 million surplus.
What it means: Out of the $41.3 million revenue from the increase for the 2025-26 school year, Chief Financial Officer Brian Guinn said about $30.7 million will go toward salaries and benefits, $5 million will help maintain the district's 90-day operating reserve, an emergency fund required by board policy, while the rest would be directed toward the state as recapture.
The impact: Despite the tax rate increase, the average homeowner’s tax bill is projected to decrease by $34 due to an anticipated higher homestead exemption.
Looking ahead: The increase is a temporary measure, and the tax rate is expected to drop by seven cents for the 2026-27 school year, reverting to $0.99 per $100 valuation.
Missouri City FY 2025-26 budget funds street improvements, 7 new firefighters
Missouri City City Council approved its fiscal year 2025-26 budget with a focus on community priorities, including mobility and public safety.
The big picture: At a Sept. 15 meeting, City Council unanimously approved $255.63 million in expenses for the FY 2025-26 budget, a 5.2% increase from FY 2024-25.
Additionally, council maintained its $0.570825 per $100 property valuation tax rate for the third consecutive year.
The details: The FY 2025-26 budget includes a $101.28 million general fund and $42.05 million in capital projects, per budget documents.
Key projects include:
$25.9 million for roadway improvements
$11.2 million for streets, sidewalks and infrastructure improvements
$10.1 million for water and wastewater improvements
$5.2 million for parks, including Sta-Mo Park
$4 million for system upgrades to reduce area flooding risks
$2.9 million in public safety, including seven new firefighting positions
Looking ahead: The FY 2025-26 budget will begin Oct. 1 and run through Sept. 30, 2026, Interim Chief Financial Officer Bertha Alexander said.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo won't seek third term ahead of 2026 election
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo formally announced she will not seek reelection for a third term as judge of Texas’ largest county. Hidalgo said in a Sept. 15 news release that she is keeping her promise not to serve more than two terms.
Quote of note: “I ran for office as a change maker to challenge the establishment and bring a fresh perspective to a Harris County government," Hidalgo said. “I’m so proud of our community and all of the progress that we’ve achieved together, from expanding early childhood education to making our community safer.”
Also of note: The announcement comes just weeks after addressing a crowd of Houston business leaders and constituents Sept. 5 about her reelection status during the 2025 State of the County keynote address. Hidalgo hinted she would announce “soon” whether or not she would run in 2026.
Hidalgo has served as county judge since 2019 and was reelected after winning the county seat during the November 2022 general election. Her current four-year term ends Dec. 31, 2026.
