Montgomery council approves increase in new development impact fees
Montgomery City Council approved an approximate 17% increase to the city’s water and wastewater impact fees during its Sept. 9 meeting.
The details: Impact fees are charged to new developments to help cover the cost of growth-related infrastructure, such as water and sewer capacity expansions. City officials said the increase is intended to ensure new growth pays for its share of utility improvements instead of shifting costs onto existing residents.
City Attorney Alan Petrov said during a July 22 meeting that this is the city’s final chance to update impact fees before a new state law, Senate Bill 1883, takes effect Sept. 1, changing the review cycle for impact fees from every two years to three, as previously reported.
Diving in deeper: According to city documents, Montgomery expects to spend over $51 million on growth-related water and wastewater infrastructure in the next decade—over $26.9 million for water and over $24.1 million for sewer.
Portion of FM 1097 in Willis dedicated to Army Specialist Joey Lenz
The portion of FM 1097 between I-45 and Lake Conroe Hills Drive is now known as the Army Specialist Joey Lenz Memorial Highway after a dedication ceremony Sept. 19, according to an Aug. 21 news release.
Some context: Lenz was serving in the Army at Fort Hood, Texas, when he died Feb. 1, 2022, from a heart condition, according to the news release. Unaware of his heart condition, Lenz was prescribed anxiety medications that should not have been prescribed to people with heart conditions.
In response to Lenz’s death, U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell introduced a bill, the Joey Lenz Act of 2025, in Congress to mandate an in-person physical and comprehensive blood panel for all active service military members.
Quote of note: “This highway bears Joey’s name, but his story carries a message for every soldier: you are worth protecting. Protect. Prevent. Honor. Serve,” Margie Taylor, Lenz's mother, said via news release.
Space City Weather celebrates 10 years of serving Houston
Space City Weather, a daily weather news and forecaster, is approaching its 10-year anniversary of providing weather updates to five million annual visitors in the Greater Houston area, according to its website.
Zooming in: Space City Editor and certified meteorologist Eric Berger said he started the site as a hobby in 2015. However, when Hurricane Harvey hit the city, it became much more than that.
Alongside Managing Editor Matt Lanza, Berger has transformed Space City Weather into much more, partnering with Reliant Energy as their sole sponsor in 2017, he said.
What’s next: To commemorate its anniversary, Space City Weather will host a Fall Day celebration at Midtown Park, located at 2811 Travis St., Houston, from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25, featuring giveaways, 10th anniversary merchandise, costume contests and more, Berger said.
What to know about the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot
Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election.
The overview: The propositions, which were adopted by state lawmakers earlier this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute.
“This is an opportunity to make your voice heard about the governing document of our state,” Secretary of State Jan Nelson said in a June 25 statement.
More details: Texans have until Oct. 6 to register to vote in the upcoming election. Early in-person voting runs from Oct. 20-31, and Election Day is Nov. 4.
The secretary of state’s office randomly selected the ballot order for the 17 state propositions. Keep reading to learn about the proposed constitutional amendments and how they would change Texas law.
20 years strong: Community Impact celebrates anniversary through state-wide company gathering
Since 2005, Community Impact has delivered trusted news and local information to communities across Texas. Privately owned by John and Jennifer Garrett of Round Rock, it now reaches 2.5 million mailboxes and 270,000 inboxes in 40 markets.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Community Impact is looking back on two decades built on passion, integrity and innovation—while also focusing forward on deeper reader connections and future growth.
The framework: To recognize 20 years of success, Community Impact held a conference and celebration called The Gathering. The event united employees from across the company for two days of training, collaboration and connection.
“Our belief is that leadership from internal top performers and external experts helps us be the modern local news company we want to be,” Founder and CEO John Garrett said.
