Brazos County commissioners approved an updated tax agreement Aug. 18 for a planned $700 million data and research center at Texas A&M University’s RELLIS Campus.

At a glance: The agreement replaces the original developer with ThisWay Global Inc.

The project is planned on 25 acres at RELLIS and is expected to include a 230,000 square-foot data and research center.

The specifics: Brazos County will receive taxes on 50% of the property’s taxable value for the first 10 years. After that, the county will receive taxes on the full taxable value for the remaining 30 years of the lease.

The agreement requires ThisWay Global to follow current and future state laws, as well as certain county requirements for data centers.

What commissioners are saying: Precinct 3 Commissioner Fred Brown said the data center project is going to happen regardless of the county's involvement.

"We would be foolish to not be a part of it and to not take advantage of the potential taxes that they will pay.”
 

Bryan and College Station voters will have several local races to consider this November, following the closure of candidate filings Aug. 17.

On the Bryan ballot:

• Mayor

  • Rafael D. Pena III

  • Bobby Gutierrez (incumbent)

• District 1

  • Chris Scotti

  • Paul Torres (incumbent)

• District 2

  • Chrissy Ransome

  • Jeannette Stewart Moseley

  • Ray Arrington (incumbent)

Bryan voters will also see a city charter amendment on their ballots.

On the College Station ballot:

• Mayor

  • Bob Yancy

  • Elizabeth Cunha

• Place 1

  • Mark Smith (incumbent)

  • Howard Mayne

  • Roy May

• Place 2

  • Chandler Arden

  • Michael Kidd

• Special election - Place 5

  • Valen Cepak

  • Padon Holt

  • Tre Watson

Candidate filings for College Station's special election will close Aug. 20

Bryan ISD is considering changes to its employee health plans as the district works to address a current $5 million shortfall in its employee benefits fund.

The school board reviewed potential health plan options during its Aug. 17 meeting. No action was taken.

The gist: CFO Norma Friddle said the district has been operating on a deficit with employee health benefits for years. The deficit increased by nearly $700,000 from 2025 to 2026. Friddle said the district could add another $1.4 million to its negative position by the end of the year if current trends continue.

“Medical costs continue to rise faster than our premiums and employee contributions, so we need to start making some meaningful adjustments on both sides on how the plan is funded and how the plan is used,” Friddle said.

What’s next: The board is expected to review final recommendations for approval Sept. 14.

The Owl Pub & Grill in downtown Bryan is expanding to next door with a new stage, bar and more seating just in time for its second anniversary.

What The Owl offers: The pub serves a variety of alcoholic beverages, foods and has several in-house activities.

On the menu, The Owl is known for its rotating selection of beers on tap and specials, which includes in part:

• Trivia Night

• Live music

• Half-priced draft beer

• All-day happy hour

About the expansion: Event Manager Chloe Wright told Community Impact, “We’re adding a lot of new seating, a whole new bar and a stage for musical acts that we have every week," she said.

Wright said the expansion is in response to increased customer traffic and support.

Stay tuned: The expected completion of the expansion is to coincide with the bar’s “Owltoberfest” celebration in October and the pub's second anniversary.

• Construction to end Oct. 23

• 315 S. Main St., Bryan