HTX-KTY: Impact 10/9/2025

Following discussions about Fulshear Police Department salaries falling behind those of neighboring cities, City Council created a committee Oct. 7 to discuss police salaries and the budget.

Zooming in: The nine-person committee will meet up to five times to discuss police department salaries, pay compared to competitors and anticipated staffing needs, as well as to evaluate the future budget impact to present a report to council in January, City Manager Zach Goodlander said.

The committee is charged with creating a five-year police pay plan similar to Houston and Harris County—which both approved raises earlier this year—so Fulshear can remain competitive, Goodlander said.

“We want to let the police department know we are being very proactive,”  Mayor Don McCoy said.

What’s next: Once chosen, the committee will have an initial meeting in October to set its framework, followed by several meetings leading up to the council presentation in January.

Uptown Cheapskate, a resale clothing store, opened its doors Oct. 7 to begin buying merchandise to stock its Katy store ahead of an official opening.

What you need to know: The store buys and sells on-trend styles for up to 70% off retail prices, including activewear, dresses, graphic T-shirts, jeans, jackets, purses, shoes, shorts, skirts and tops, according to its website.

Brands accepted include Aerie, Athleta, Coach, Free People, H&M, Lululemon, Madewell, Nike, Old Navy, Urban Outfitters and more.

• 401 W. Grand Parkway S., Ste. 104, Katy

The University of Houston is launching UH Next, a new transfer program designed to help community college students more easily and affordably complete their bachelor’s degrees, starting in spring 2026.

The details: Housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the pilot will streamline transfers after students complete associate degrees at one of five Houston-area community colleges, reducing the cost of a four-year degree.

UH Next is part of UH’s broader effort to improve affordability, alongside programs like Cougar Promise and various scholarships and financial aid options.

How it works: Enrolled students will follow four-year degree maps, co-created by advisors at both UH and the partner college to ensure they take the right courses in the right order, minimizing credit loss and keeping them on track for graduation, although the program is only available for select majors within each partner community college. 

Next steps: While there is no timeline for expansion to other colleges, officials said several are assessing opportunities to create a UH Next pathway.