Comal ISD board of trustees approved a tax rate of $1.07 for fiscal year 2026-27 at a board meeting on Sept. 17.

Breaking it down: The maintenance and operations tax rate was approved at $0.724, and the interest and sinking rate remained at $0.35. In total, this results in an approved tax rate of $1.0748 for FY 2026-27, according to the agenda documents.

The maintenance and operations portion of the tax pays for day-to-day operations, staff salaries and operational expenses.

The interest and sinking fund rate goes toward paying off voter-approved bonds and debt, according to the TEA website.

For Goodness Sake Natural Food is celebrating 50 years of business in New Braunfels.

The store was recognized at a New Braunfels Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 16 to commemorate the milestone.

Meet the owners: The natural foods grocer at 1306 E. Common St., Ste. 101 is owned and operated by sisters Shannon Hanz and Lauren Krock. Their mother, Beverly, started the business in 1976 and the sisters took over to carry on the family legacy, Krock told Community Impact.

Krock said she has enjoyed seeing the business evolve over the years and how "it's not just a fad to be healthy" now.

"It's nice to see how the town has grown and continues to support us," Krock said. "We appreciate people supporting small family-owned businesses."

What they offer: For Goodness Sake Natural Food sells health and wellness goods such as organic produce, baked goods, foods for dietary restrictions and other natural foods and products.

• 1306 E. Common St., Ste. 101, New Braunfels

New businesses have just opened or are set to open soon in San Marcos, from music spots reopening under new management to new stores at the outlet malls.

Check out the five new business updates in the city.

Coming soon

Waterford, Wedgwood, Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen: A new store at the San Marcos Premium Outlets will unite the four lifestyle brands under one roof.

What’s next: Filings made with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Sally Beauty Supply: The Tanger Outlets in San Marcos will soon add a new beauty supply store, giving customers a new place to buy hair and skincare products.

San Marcos Premium Outlets: Renovations on the San Marcos Premium Outlets’ 3,000-square-foot canopy play court began on Labor Day, refreshing the amenity.

In the news

Duett’s Texas Club: The popular dining and live music spot officially closed its doors on March 28. After almost six months, the business reopened.

Worth the trip

Pressed Coffee Co.: A new coffee shop has opened off FM 1102 in New Braunfels.

Circuit of the Americas is gearing up to go beyond racing with the opening of COTALAND Theme Park later this month.

A closer look: Officials said the park will offer everything from extreme-thrill coasters to children’s rides and family-friendly attractions.

Learn more: The roughly 30-acre park will feature 33 attractions, with a compact layout designed in part to help keep guests and employees cooler during hot Central Texas summers.

Bobby Epstein, chairman and founder of COTA, discussed the approach with Community Impact before construction began.

“Most parks would spread this many rides out over a wider space, but what we’ve tried to do with this park is actually condense it a little bit so that we have more shade,” Epstein said.

What's next? Beyond COTALAND, officials said they are planning a water park and, longer term, an on-site resort to expand the venue's year-round entertainment offerings.

Community Impact will provide more details as plans develop.

• Opening Sept. 26

• 9111 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle