The Harris County Emergency Services District No. 11 Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a property tax rate increase for the coming year during its Oct. 27 meeting. The board approved a property tax rate of $0.039072 per $100 in home valuation, which marks a 2.61% increase from the previous tax rate.

The takeaway: Key details from the decision and the district's annual comprehensive review report include:

• The estimated property tax bill for a median-valued homestead of $317,484 is $124.05.

• The district experienced a $2.745 billion increase in taxable value from 2024 to 2025.

• Next year, the district is projected to bring in $30.18 million in revenue, with taxable value estimated to increase by $2.058 billion to reach a total projected value of $81.33 billion.

• The district can increase its tax rate up to $0.06 per $100 in taxable value before an election is required.

Honor Society Coffee Co. has opened a brick-and-mortar location in Spring-Klein under local owners John and Joni Shaw.

The details: The coffee shop held its grand opening on Oct. 24, expanding its offerings beyond its catering coffee cart services.

The new location at 6820 FM 2920, Ste. 100 features:

• In-store and drive-thru service

• A menu offering coffee, espresso, specialty drinks, frappes, teas and pastries

• Merchandise for sale

Founder Billy Schiel started the coffee company, which also has locations in Tomball, in 2020. Customers can still schedule the business's coffee cart for private events.

Harris County Public Health launched a new localized dashboard Oct. 28 to identify health inequities and disparities.

How it works: The tool compiles national, state and local data into zip code-specific information for Harris County. The dashboard maps a variety of data, including air pollution, walkability, life expectancy and colorectal cancer screenings.

The dashboard features more than 60 health indicators across five domains:

• Chronic and behavioral health

• Housing and economic conditions

• Neighborhood environment and conditions

• Population health and prevention

• Social and community conditions

The local impact: The data reaffirmed a known pattern of less healthy neighborhoods known as the Houston arrow, which consists of connected zip codes around downtown Houston stretching into north and south Harris County. Harris County Public Health plans to incorporate these findings into future strategic plans and initiatives. Additionally, the department is recruiting members to policy work groups to help develop actionable policy recommendations based on the data.

Local record store Sound Revolution is celebrating its 50th anniversary in October. Sunne Walton, who owns the shop with her husband, Scott Waldrum, operates the family-owned business that opened in 1976.

The details: The store has offered a variety of vinyl, tapes and CDs in the Spring-Klein area. Walton credits the store's longevity in part to younger customers and their increased interest in owning physical media. Sound Revolution operates across two locations:

• 21153 Tomball Parkway, Houston

• 8312 Louetta Road, Ste. B, Spring

In addition to music, the shop offers T-shirts, skateboards, posters and other gifts. Sound Revolution also periodically hosts in-store listening parties and performances.