Missouri City officials shared an early look at its fiscal year 2026-27 budget ahead of City Manager Angel Jones upcoming July departure.

The big picture: The preliminary budget—which was presented at a June 29 special City Council meeting—showed $253.2 million in proposed expenditures and $239.7 million in proposed revenue, Assistant City Manager Bertha Alexander.

Additionally, Alexander said the preliminary budget shows a need to increase the debt service tax rate by $0.024204, bringing the total tax rate to $0.595029 as the city makes its final bond issuance of the $85.85 million bond approved by voters in November 2021.

Also of note: City officials are also proposing a $65.7 million capital improvement program for FY 2026-27 with $27.7 million in utilities projects and $18.9 million in transportation projects.

What's next: City staff will hold a detailed level budget workshop in August once certified tax rolls are received, although a date for the workshop is still being determined, Alexander said.

Fort Bend County officials gathered June 29 to rename the Fort Bend County Jail to the Sheriff Milton T. Wright Jr. Detention Center in honor of the county's longest serving sheriff.

The renaming, which was approved by Fort Bend County commissioners at a June 25 meeting, was spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Richmond, following Wright's death earlier this year.

Zooming in: Wright was first elected Fort Bend County sheriff in 1996 and served four terms through 2012, where he modernized the office with advanced technology, specialized divisions and inmate support programs.

Before serving Fort Bend County, Wright worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety and served in the presidential motorcade during the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. He also served as a highway patrolman and was appointed to the Texas Rangers.

What they're saying: "Today, we are not simply dedicating a building, we are honoring a life," interim Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong said. "While buildings may stand for decades, a life of honorable service can inspire generations."

Studio Pilates International will open its first Greater Houston location in Missouri City this July, officials announced in a June 16 news release.

What they offer: The studio will offer the brand's signature 40-minute reformer Pilates workouts, which were designed by physical therapists, per the release. The workouts are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Meet the owner: The Missouri City location is owned by Elizabeth Perez-Montes, who has more than 15 years of sales and leadership experience, per the release.

Perez-Montes said Pilates played a significant role in her recovery after undergoing two back surgeries and spinal fusions, which inspired her to bring a wellness-focused business to Missouri City.

"Pilates transformed my life by helping me rebuild strength, improve mobility and regain confidence in my body," Perez-Montes said. "What started as part of my recovery became a passion that changed the way I viewed health and wellness."

• 3334 FM 1092, Ste. 405, Missouri City

Houston City College has reached its highest enrollment since 2019 as it surpasses 100,000 students, college officials announced in a June 25 news release.

The achievement comes after Houston City College Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher set a goal at last year’s fall convocation to restore enrollment following COVID-19 and build on student success.

Zooming in: The increased enrollment is part of a larger plan to improve the quality and quantity of opportunities offered by HCC, per the release.

Since 2022, the college’s student award attainment rate has increased by 30% and is on track to graduate a record number of students.

In their own words: “Every campus, every office and every employee embraced the mission of expanding access to opportunity, upward mobility and meaningful careers,” Ford Fisher said. “We are investing in people, building stronger communities and preparing a highly skilled workforce to shape what’s next for Houston."

Several events are happening around Greater Houston for the Fourth of July weekend, including Freedom Over Texas and the South County 4th of July parade. This list is not comprehensive, and these events are subject to change.

Freedom Over Texas
The 39th annual Freedom Over Texas festival will feature headliner country music artist Keith Urban with supporting acts Collective Soul and Los Lonely Boys.

• July 4, 4:45 p.m.-9:53 p.m.
• $15 (admission)
• 18-3600 Allen Parkway, Houston

• July 3, gates open at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands

• July 4, 8-11 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston