Grapevine City Council approved the city’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget of $262 million at its Sept. 1 meeting.

The budget is a 6.8% increase over the fiscal year 2025-26 budget of $245.6 million. The increase is mostly caused by rising compensation, insurance costs and inflation, according to the city.

Zooming in: The largest part of the budget is the general fund at nearly $93.9 million, an increase over the $87.69 million general fund from the previous fiscal year.

Revenue and expenses have both increased as well. Revenue for FY 2026-27 is $93.9 million, up from $87.69 million in the previous year's adopted budget. 

The specifics: The FY 2026-27 budget includes salary raises, with a 3% market increase for general and public safety employees, and a 2% merit-based increase on anniversary dates and step increases for public safety employees.

Looking ahead: The city council will vote to approve a new tax rate during its Sept. 15 meeting.

Hudson House’s Southlake restaurant plans to welcome its first customers in mid-September.

What's on the menu: The menu includes a selection of American fare, a raw bar and sushi. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include Hudson’s Avocado Dip, which is made with whipped avocado, green onion, herbs and ranch chips, and a cheeseburger with thin patties, American cheese, pickles and Hudson’s house sauce.

Oysters are flown in from the East Coast daily, according to a news release. Diners can also order the chain’s “World’s Coldest Martini,” which is made with Grey Goose vodka chilled to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 1131 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake

Toys R Us is open again at Grapevine Mills after moving across the hall to a new location in Suite 431. 

What they offer: The store sells toys and games as well as pop culture merchandise and collectables like Pokemon cards and NeeDohs. 

Some context: This is the second time the store has moved this year, relocating from Suite 500. A lack of specific space requirements and portable shelves makes relocating easy, Duffourc said. 

• 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Ste. 431, Grapevine

Fort Worth-based developer Trademark Property Company and Chicago-based Harrison Street Asset Management have announced a partnership for Shivers Farm.

Both companies will make a joint investment in the 40-acre mixed-use development, which will be anchored by a Whole Foods, according to a news release.

The overview: Construction on Shivers Farm could begin in September, per the news release.

Leases have already been executed for 40,199 square feet of the retail space, and Trademark is negotiating leases for a further 65,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. The company is also finalizing the design for a three-story Class A boutique office building, which is included with the project.

Trademark and Harrison Street previously partnered for the Anthem mixed-use development in Arlington, according to the news release.

Voters will choose between two candidates for the Texas House District 98 seat, which will be on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election.

What you need to know: Democratic candidate Cate Brennan will run against Republican nominee Armin Mizani, who won a primary election in March, according to previous reporting. The winner will replace Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake), who chose not to seek re-election after 13 years.

Texas House District 98 represents parts of eastern Tarrant County, including Keller, Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake, as well as parts of Westlake, Euless, Trophy Club and Flower Mound.

Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

What else? Oct. 5 is the last day for residents to register to vote, according to the Texas Secretary of State website. Early voting will take place from Oct. 19-30.