Houston City Council members learned more about the city’s agreement with The Woodlands and how a proposed amendment could affect both municipalities.

During the Sept. 1 Budget and Fiscal Affairs committee meeting, Finance Director Melissa Dubowski explained to council how the changes could benefit Houston’s budget.

What's changing: The amendment would end the long-term RPF payment structure between Houston and The Woodlands, providing for a total of about $27.4 million in payments from The Woodlands Township to the city over the next three years, as well as releasing restrictions on the $22.6 million currently in the RPF to make those funds available to the city of Houston. 

One more thing: Houston City Council will officially vote on the changes at its Sept. 2 meeting. The Woodlands officials already voted on the agreement and passed it unanimously.

On Sept. 3, Montgomery County commissioners will discuss and potentially take action to address wildfire activity in the area as well as hear the monthly road bond financial report.

What you need to know: According to the agenda documents, as of Aug. 31, county reports $188 million in bond proceeds and $4.23 million in interest income, bringing total revenue for the program to $192.23 million. Of that amount, commissioners have allocated $166.7 million toward road projects, leaving $25.5 million for future allocations. The county also has $67.6 million in cash remaining in its road bond account.

What else: Commissioners will also discuss action on wildfire activity amid discussions this year on disaster response needs after the Pauline Road fire.

MakeArt Studio will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Oct. 6, owner Marlene Arteaga said.

What you need to know: The business offers open studio days, summer camps and parties for children to explore their creativity through art.

• 25903 Elmfield Drive, Ste 200, Spring

Oak Ridge North City Council unanimously approved its fiscal year 2026-27 budget and tax rate on Aug. 24.

Breaking it down: City Manager Heather Neeley said the new tax rate of $0.4615 per $100 valuation represents a decrease in the city's maintenance and operations rate and an increase in the interest and sinking, or debt service, portion of the tax rate. According to agenda information, the approved M&O rate for FY 2026-27 is $0.325 per $100 valuation, and the debt service rate is $0.1365 per $100 valuation.

What you need to know: The public hearing had been set for a 2026-27 tax rate no higher than $0.5327 per $100 valuation, which Neeley said on Aug. 10 could be reduced on the date of the hearing.

Greater Houston-area officials are monitoring conditions as a tropical system could bring heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding to the area through Sept. 2, per the National Weather Service.

What’s happening: The latest update from the National Weather Service states Tropical Storm Edouard is moving inland, and is expected to bring heavy rains and flash flooding to portions of the area on Sept. 2.

Gov. Greg Abbott at an Aug. 31 press conference said the forecast could include a storm surge of 2-4 feet in Chambers and Jefferson counties, as well as local rainfall getting as high as 10-15 inches, including in some areas getting 3-4 inches per hour.

While the rainfall is expected to affect the area’s rivers, it’s too early to tell if it will pose any imminent danger, Abbott said.