Starting in August, Houston residents will see a new $5 administration fee added to their water bills that city officials say will help address the city's financial challenges.

The fee was one of the biggest changes discussed for the city's fiscal year 2026-27 budget, which began July 1.

Breaking it down: Houston officials passed a $7.5 billion budget in June for fiscal year 2026-27, which notably included approval of a new $5 administrative fee that officials say will help close the city’s budget gap and address issues with the Solid Waste Department.

The goal is to address solid waste challenges, including outdated vehicles and inoperable facilities due to deferred maintenance.

Public input: Public opinion on the fee has been split. In a city survey, 62% of respondents supported the city increasing taxes or adding fees to improve garbage services, but most said they would support only a $2 fee, with 48% saying they’d support the $5 fee.

The new fee will start to appear on bills in July or August.

Merit Coffee has opened its first Houston-area cafe in West University Place.

"For years, we've dreamed about bringing Merit to Houston," CEO Bill Ellis said. "Houston has one of the most exciting food and beverage cultures anywhere in the country, and we've been intentional about finding the right neighborhoods, partners and opportunities to establish roots here. Opening our first café in West University is just the beginning."

What's special about it: The new cafe brings the company's signature hospitality and blend of coffee to the Houston area. Merit Coffee uses coffee beans sourced in Central and South America. It uses its own roastery in San Antonio, where a local team tests, cups and refines each coffee, according to the company's website.

On the menu: Coffee sold at Merit's cafe includes options such as cold brew, espresso, lattes and slow pours. Matcha, iced tea and refreshers are also available for purchase. Merit is also partnering with local bakery Cake & Bacon to curate a menu with sweet and savory items. 

• 5115 Buffalo Speedway, Houston

Houston landlords would be required to provide and keep operable air conditioning for tenants under a newly proposed ordinance.

The big picture: The city of Houston’s building standards code currently has a loophole that exempts landlords from providing air conditioning if they use window screens as a substitute for cooling.

The ordinance would eliminate the window screen exemption and would approve compliance through:

• Central air
• Window units
• Portable ACs
• Other refrigerated air equipment

The YMCA of Greater Houston is launching the 22nd year of Operation Backpack, an initiative aimed at providing school-aged children with necessary school supplies.

The big picture: Serving roughly 30,000 community members across the Houston area, the annual backpack collecting and distribution event is kicking off ahead of the 2026-27 school year, YMCA officials announced in a July 10 news release. In order to participate, individuals can drop off new, unused backpacks at any of the 14 locations in the Greater Houston area through August 1.

In their words: "Every child deserves to walk into the classroom feeling prepared and excited to learn," Stephen Ives, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Houston, said. "With YMCA Operation Backpack, our goal is to remove barriers that stand in the way of a child's success, so every student has the opportunity to connect and thrive. We’re grateful for the volunteers, donors and community partners whose generosity makes this effort possible.”

United Airlines will offer year-round nonstop service between George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Cartagena, Colombia, beginning Dec. 17, Houston Airport System officials announced via a June 30 news release.

The big picture: With service already available to Bogota and Medellin, Cartagena marks the third destination in Colombia from Houston. Per the release, the new service further strengthens Houston's role as a leading gateway to Latin America.

Quote of note: "Colombia has been an important part of United's Latin America network for more than 30 years, and our new service to Cartagena reflects our continued investment in the country and commitment to offering customers new and distinct travel experiences," said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of Network Planning and Global Alliances for United Airlines, in a statement.

Check it out: Beginning Dec. 17, United will offer four weekly flights during the winter season between IAH and Cartagena, and tickets are now available.