The background: Commissioners and department leaders have spent the last eight-plus months weighing how to offset at least $102 million in cuts and other savings surrounding the projected $2.95 billion FY 2025-26 budget. Factors impacting county department cuts in the budget process, according to the proposed budget document, included jail costs, indigent defense costs, health care costs and law enforcement contracts.
Items worth mentioning: The county clerk and administration offices will request discussion as part of a Texas law that allows for the creation of a salary grievance committee for elected officials. Several officials from elected offices went to Commissioners Court seeking higher pay in August, including judges within the county’s district courts and the county’s eight elected constables.
Empire Flooring & Remodeling renamed to Elm Flooring & Remodeling in Spring
Professional home renovation and flooring service company, Empire Flooring & Remodeling, is now called Elm Flooring & Remodeling.
The specifics: Business owner Rami Mustafa confirmed Sept. 5 that the Spring business in the Windrose Retail Center, which opened in August 2024, changed its name and installed a new sign in August 2025.
What they offer: Elm Flooring & Remodeling offers home renovation services, Mustafa said, such as kitchen and bathroom remodeling, hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring installations, custom cabinetry and countertops, according to the business website.
State Sen. Brandon Creighton officially named sole finalist for Texas Tech University System chancellor
State Sen. Brandon Creighton was officially named the sole finalist for the position of chancellor and CEO for the Texas Tech University System at a Sept. 4 board of regents meeting, according to a Sept. 4 news release.
Quote of note: “The Texas Tech University System has a proud history and limitless potential,” Creighton said via news release. “From research and innovation to nationally prominent academic programs, it represents the very best of Texas. I am honored to be named sole finalist for chancellor and look forward to building on this momentum and leading the TTU System into its next era of success.”
What else: During a Texas Senate session on Sept. 3, Senate Resolution 87, which congratulates Creighton on his appointment, was read. Leadership Montgomery County will also honor Creighton during the nonprofit’s Leadership Summit on Sept. 19 at the new Kevin Brady Library and Community Center.
What to know: Most Texas school districts required to display donated Ten Commandments posters under state law
Most Texas public schools are required to display donated posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms under Senate Bill 10, a state law that took effect Sept. 1.
The details: On Aug. 20, a Texas federal judge temporarily blocked the following 11 school districts from displaying the Ten Commandments:
Alamo Heights ISD
Austin ISD
Cy-Fair ISD
Dripping Springs ISD
Fort Bend ISD
Houston ISD
Lackland ISD
Lake Travis ISD
North East ISD
Northside ISD
Plano ISD
Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the ruling and directed other school districts to begin displaying donated copies of the Ten Commandments.
The debate: Proponents of SB 10, including Paxton and Republican state lawmakers, have argued that seeing the Ten Commandments on a daily basis will help Texas students better understand U.S. history and learn about morality.
Some religious scholars have stressed the importance of teaching students about religion in an “appropriate educational context.” Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns that non-Christian students will feel left out or be bullied by their peers for not following the Ten Commandments.
