Manvel City Council unanimously approved to adopt a $70.4 million budget and a $0.560000 tax rate per $100 valuation of a home for fiscal year 2026-27 at its Sept. 21 meeting.

Budget explained : The adopted FY 2026-27 budget includes around $70.4 million overall in both expenses and revenue, according to city documents. Personnel costs account for 24% of overall expenditures, excluding transfers, representing about a 19% increase from the previous fiscal year, city documents show.

What residents need to know : The city approved a property tax rate of $0.560000 per $100 valuation of a home, which is unchanged from last year’s rate. Based on that rate, a homeowner with a taxable home value of $300,000 would pay about $1,680 annually, according to city documents.

Three candidates are running to lead Brazoria County government for the general election Nov. 3.

The overview: Rob Giesecke, the Republican candidate, will face Democratic candidate Eugene Howard and Independent candidate Lucinda Henry for Brazoria County judge.

Brazoria County judge—which oversees Brazoria County Commissioners Court and governs the county—is currently served by Matt Sebesta, who is not seeking re-election.

One more thing: 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.

Fondren Orthopedic Group held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event on Sept. 17.

What you need to know: Led by General Orthopedic Specialist Robert Burke, the clinic features 12 exam rooms, while the adjoining surgery center includes two operating rooms and two treatment rooms, according to a news release from the clinic.

📍11713 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland

Candidates Abbie Kamin and Jacqueline Lucci Smith are set to face off in November’s election for a chance to lead Harris County’s chief civil law office.

What you need to know: The Harris County Attorney’s Office works on the county’s behalf in civil litigation, also providing legal counsel to county elected officials, employees and departments, according to its website.

Early voting begins Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election day is Nov. 3 and polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Registered voters can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and election day.

To strengthen consumer protections, the Texas Department of Insurance is asking state lawmakers to consider adjusting when new home and auto insurance rates are implemented.

What's happening: Texas currently operates under a "file-and-use" system, allowing insurance companies to begin using new rates immediately after they are filed, regardless of whether the TDI has reviewed them.

In a Sept. 14 letter detailing actions the department is taking to address Texas' high home insurance costs, Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford suggested that the legislature look into "adding a delay between a rate filing and its use in the market." Under the current system, if the TDI finds an issue with a new insurance rate, there is "limited" redress for affected policyholders if that rate is already in effect.

The background: Crawford's letter comes after Gov. Greg Abbott directed the TDI to take affordability-focused actions in an Aug. 24 letter.

Texans paid the nation's fourth-highest home insurance premiums at the end of 2025, according to previous Community Impact reporting.