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Roanoke officials approve tax rate increase, $72.5 million budget for FY 2025-26
Roanoke residents will see increased property tax bills following the unanimous adoption of fiscal year 2025-26 property tax rate and budget at the Sept. 9 meeting.
The increased property tax rate will bring in $936,655 more revenue than last fiscal year, which will help fund additional city staff positions and pay down city debt, according to city documents.
The overview: The adopted budget includes a projected $72.6 million in operating revenues and $72.5 million in operating expenses, Director of Finance Kyle Lester said.
The beginning balance for the general fund is $15.8 million, according to city documents. The projected revenue for the general fund is $36 million, while expenses are projected to be $38.8 million, resulting in a projected ending balance of about $13.1 million.
2 speculative industrial buildings at AllianceTexas to be constructed in September
The Dallas-based development company, Hillwood, is constructing two new buildings to be used as industrial space at AllianceTexas.
Construction for the two facilities is expected to start in September.
The details: The two new Class A buildings will be designed for modern logistics and manufacturing users, according to a news release from Hillwood, and will benefit from direct access to major transportation infrastructure.
New scanning technology planned for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2026
Transportation Security Administration officials are looking to modernize security screening processes at United States airports through the implementation of advanced technologies and public-private partnerships. According to a news release, the TSA plans to expand digital identification technologies to look at carry-on bags and traveler identification through the use of cameras.
The details: New computer tomography scanners, or CT scanners, will be coming to airports in Atlanta, Denver, Orlando and Boston this year. Next year, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, as well as Los Angeles, Nashville and Seattle, will be added to the program, according to a news release.
The impact: According to TSA, the CT scanners will generate 3D images of carry-on bags, allowing officers to conduct digital rotational inspections while artificial intelligence identifies potential threats.
More notice required for public meetings under new Texas law
Cities, counties and school district boards across Texas are required to provide more notice for public meetings under a new state law aimed at increasing public participation in government affairs.
The details: Local government agencies must post meeting notices at least three business days in advance of the meeting, meaning weekends and holidays do not count toward the minimum posting period.
House Bill 1522, which became law Sept. 1, increases the notice requirement from 72 hours.
The law change is part of “an effort to promote government transparency and citizen participation,” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said during a May 13 legislative hearing.
The local impact: Some city and county governments across Community Impact’s coverage areas are changing their meeting schedules to comply with the new law, including:
Bastrop City Council
Conroe City Council
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
Montgomery County Commissioners Court
The Woodlands Township
The new law does not dictate when local governments hold meetings, as long as they meet the three-day posting requirement.
