Montgomery County commissioners stopped short of calling a November bond election for a proposed justice center Aug. 6, with members of the court saying too many questions remain about the building’s size, cost and long-term capacity.

The court had been scheduled to consider an order calling a Nov. 3 bond election and to discuss potential funding scenarios. After more than 45 minutes of discussion, a motion tied to the bond was rescinded and commissioners took no action on either item.

Instead, commissioners discussed holding additional workshops on the justice center after the county finishes its upcoming budget process, tentatively planning a workshop after Sept. 1. The deadline for counties to order a measure for the Nov. 3 election is Aug. 17, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

What happened: Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects presented several options for the proposed downtown Conroe justice center, including a 10-floor concept with a basement. One option shown to commissioners totaled about 316,000 square feet and included a 777-space parking garage.

Local children's clothing boutique Little Jules Children's Boutique will have a grand opening party on Aug. 26. 

What they offer: The business is locally owned and operated by Isabella Gorka and offers a selection of baby and children's clothing, gifts, accessories and everyday essentials. Alongside its retail goods, it also offers custom embroidery services as well. 

Gorka said that to her, Little Jules is a family dream. The location is owned and operated by her, her mother Julie, and her daughter Langdon Jules. 

Quote of note: “What began as a dream has grown into something we hope will become a lasting part of the Montgomery community,” Gorka said.

What else: As Montgomery locals themselves, Gorka and her family have said having the opportunity to invest in the community and become an active part of the community’s natural growth is an important factor to the brand. 

• 302 John A. Butler St., Montgomery

Within the next year, Texans will likely see changes to when they can vote early in elections, including expanded weekend voting hours.

The overview: Last year, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2753, which shifts Texas’ early voting window closer to election day, cutting out a three-day gap between the two voting periods and adding more Saturday and Sunday voting.

While the changes did not take effect immediately and were designed to help boost voter turnout, local election administrators said the law will also significantly raise costs for municipalities and delay the release of election results.

Election officials said the current three-day break allows staff to set up polling places for election day and prepare submitted ballots so results from early and mail-in voting can be released quickly after the polls close on election night.

The impact: Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth estimated that the shift would raise the cost of administering a large election by 30% and increase costs for smaller elections by 9%, due to personnel, equipment and voter education needs.