• Annually accruing updated service credits
• Annually accruing cost-of-living adjustments for retirees and beneficiaries
• Remove statutory maximum contribution limit

Tex-Mex restaurant Cocina Morales opened in Pearland on Oct. 8, according to a social media post from the owner.

The details: The restaurant serves traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex fare, including tacos, enchiladas, tortas, migas and huevos rancheros.

• 2251A Country Place Parkway, Pearland

Harris County officials announced the launch of a new online platform designed to make it easier for business and property owners to process tax payments ahead of tax bills arriving in the mail throughout November.

Quote of note: Tax Assessor Annette Ramirez announced the new online system launch of “My Harris County Tax Account” on Nov. 19 in Downtown Houston.

“Anything that we can do to make it easier to help our homeowners stay current on their taxes and not go delinquent, that is my goal,” Ramirez said.

What to expect: Key features on the new platform will include:

• Prepayment plans for 2026 taxes starting in February or March
• Automatic monthly payment withdrawals to avoid penalties and interest

The takeaway: Users can now create a profile on the new tax site, Ramirez said, and starting in February, homeowners and business owners can start a prepaid tax payment plan and choose how many months in advance to spread payments automatically.   

Giving Machines are returning to Houston this holiday season, allowing residents to donate to area nonprofits by purchasing items through the specialty vending machines, according to a news release.

Quote of note: “This Christmas season, the Giving Machines help the entire Houston community to share the light of Christ by following His example and giving to those in need,” Elder Robert Ellis, Area Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said via news release. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is honored to partner with these life-changing charities across Houston, our country, and the world."

More details: Residents can purchase items such as meals, medical care and clothing for area nonprofits, which, according to the news release, will include:

• Target Hunger
• East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry
• BEAR, or Be A Resource
• TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries
• Interfaith of The Woodlands
• Church World Service
• Splash International

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Nov. 17-21.

League City residents raise concerns about Marina del Sol
Several residents raised public safety concerns about the waterfront Marina del Sol development at the Nov. 18 League City City Council meeting, prompting city officials to commit to seeking solutions at a future December meeting.
Uncover the full story by Reporter Rachel Leland.

Conroe City Council approves contract for traffic signal reconstruction at I-45, South Loop 336
Conroe City Council voted Nov. 13 to award a contract for the reconstruction of a damaged traffic signal at the intersection of I-45’s southbound frontage road and South Loop 336, according to city documents.
Expand your knowledge with Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.

Sugar Land’s Walmart Neighborhood Market to remain open during renovations
The Walmart Neighborhood Market stor is set to undergo after-hours renovations to streamline the shopping experience while remaining fully open to customers, store officials said.
See more from Reporter Valeria Escobar.