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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1 SEPT. 8 OCT. 4, 2022
ONLINE AT
Funding explained tracking tax rate elections Bond Deferral Fort Bend ISD has opted to delay calling a $1.18 billion bond for the Nov. 8 general election to focus on getting a voter-approval tax rate election passed by voters. The tax rate election is designed to help bridge a $47 million budget de cit and provide funding for additional compensation adjustments and programs.
Voter-approval tax rate elections and bonds can be used to fund school district needs, though funds from VATREs are more exible.
Fort Bend ISD is not the only school district in the Houston area that has called for a tax rate election. Katy ISD will also ask its voters to approve a tax rate increase in November, and Pearland ISD passed a VATRE last November.
SPRING BRANCH ISD
VATRE
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A VATRE is triggered when a district adopts a tax rate exceeding the voter-approval tax rate.
Bond elections are called by school boards when they need to borrow money for expensive capital projects.
HOUSTON ISD
DISTRICTS AND VATRES
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A VATRE can:
Bonds can be used to:
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renovate and construct facilities acquire land purchase equipment Bonds allow the board of trustees to: sell bonds when facilities are needed
generate local revenue that can be used for payroll create new positions revenue by increasing the maintenance and operations portion of the property tax rate School districts can increase:
Called
PEARLAND ISD $7.4M
Additional VATRE revenue gained
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SOURCES: FORT BEND ISD, KATY ISD, PEARLAND ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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Fort Bend ISD administrators have opted to delay the district’s largest bond ever as it instead will focus e orts on getting a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, approved in the upcoming Nov. 8 general election. During FBISD’s Aug. 15 meeting, district o cials announced their intent to delay the $1.18 billion bond think that we can address those risks.” The tax rate election has been given greater priority as FBISD looks to bridge a $47 million budget de cit in scal year 2022-23, which will begin Oct. 1, and provide the district room to pay for additional compensation adjustments, programs and safety measures, including CONTINUED ON 22 Fort Bend ISD moves forward with tax rate election, delays $1.18B bond BY HUNTER MARROW until May 2023, and the board of trustees formally approved the VATRE when it called the tax rate elec- tion during its Aug. 22 meeting. “We don’t want to do anything that would take away the focus from the No. 1 priority of a VATRE,” FBISD Deputy Superintendent Steve Bassett said. “While there are some risks to postponing the bond, we do
Lamar CISD board calls $1.72B bond election
IMPACTS
TO DO LIST
EDUCATION
BUSINESS FEATURE
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
In an emergency, distance makes a difference.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and P ugerville, Texas. Now in 2022, CI is still locally owned. We have expanded to include hundreds of employees, our own software platform and printing facility, and over 30 hyperlocal editions across the state with a circulation to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM AMY: In this month’s edition, we take a look at e orts to approve a voter-approval tax rate election announced publicly by Fort Bend ISD. Also, check out our business feature this month with the family-run play and party space Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales. Amy Martinez, GENERAL MANAGER
Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
FROM HUNTER: Hello everyone, my name is Hunter Marrow, and I am happy to be stepping into the role of editor for the paper. I’m coming into this position as Laura Robb pursues other career opportunities, and I wish her the best. In this edition, we dive deep into an upcoming tax rate election for Fort Bend ISD that will go before voters this November, targeting several areas, including increased compensation. Hunter Marrow, EDITOR
Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.
WHAT WE COVER
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MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Martinez EDITOR Hunter Marrow GRAPHIC DESIGNER La'Toya Smith ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Debbie Hamilton METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Scha er COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CORPORATE LEADERSHIP PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Tess Coverman CONTACT US
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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4 Premium Liquors at 8027 Hwy. 6, Ste. 400, Missouri City, held its grand opening July 1, the store announced via Facebook. The liquor store o ers a va- riety of options, including whiskey from brands such as Mr. Dowel’s, Antiquity Blue, Royal Challenge, Black Dog and Basil Hayden. The store also o ers a va- riety of premium wines and port wines, liquor and liqueur, tequila, seltzers and rum as well as cigars. This business does not have a website. 281-969-8035 5 Spectators Bar & Grill held a soft opening Aug. 17 at 1525 Lake Pointe Parkway, Ste. 100, Sugar Land. The bar opened at the former Korean fried chicken restaurant Bonchon, which closed July 1, 2021. With the opening, Spectators has a full bar, o ering local craft beers, cocktails, wine and high-end alcohol. The bar also o ers a variety of food options, including burgers, salads, fried chicken sandwiches and wae fries in addition to a small kids menu. 346-874-7275. www.spectatorsbargrill.com 6 Carey’s Frozen Delights, an Italian ice and gelato dessert spot, was set to open a new storefront at 2603 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, on Sept. 3, after press time. The store held a soft opening Aug. 20. Started under a fran- chise back in 2014 in a dessert food trailer called Repicci’s Italian Ice and Gelato, the storefront o ers a variety of desserts, including Italian ice avors, such as cream- sicle, lemon, cherry and pina colada, along with gelato avors, such as dark chocolate, coconut, co ee, sea salt caramel and pista- chio. 281-969-5177. www.italianice.com
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MAP NOT TO SCALE N TM; © 2022 COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
NOW OPEN 1 A new nail, makeup, hair and wax spa, Heiress , opened in Sugar Land’s First Colony Mall at 16535 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, in early August, according to First Colony Mall o cials. Owner and makeup artist Amber Wilson brings the spa to the mall, o ering manicures, acrylics and dips, pedicures, makeup, and hair services such as braids and weaves in addition to waxing, as well as events for kids, such as Princess Spa Parties. 346-874-7322. www.heiressnailspa.com
2 Miniso , a global lifestyle brand, opened a new location in Sugar Land’s First Colony Mall in early August, mall o cials con rmed. The Japanese-inspired retailer opened at 16535 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, bringing a variety of low-cost household and consumer goods, such as kitchenware, toys, stationery and cos- metics. The retailer opened the location ahead of its original September time- line, First Colony Mall o cials said. The company, headquartered in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, began operations in 2013 and now operates more than 4,200
stores in over 80 countries, includ- ing the U.S., Canada, Australia, Spain, Russia, India and Mexico. 281-265-2353. www.minisousaonline.com 3 Southwest Urgent Care opened a new clinic in Sugar Land’s Telfair neighborhood at 400 Promenade Way, Ste. 1500, Sugar Land, in late July, clinic o cials said. With the opening, the clinic brings services such as general ill- ness and urgent care, immunizations and u shots, a variety of lab work and phys- icals, according to the clinic’s website. 346-341-7573. www.swurgentcare.net
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY HUNTER MARROW
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Removery
Mahesh’s Kitchen
Main Squeeze Juice Co. will open a new location in Missouri City.
COURTESY REMOVERY
COURTESY KIRSTEN GILLIAMMAHESH’S KITCHEN
COURTESY MAIN SQUEEZE JUICE CO.
COMING SOON 7 Italian dining chain Olive Garden signed a lease on a new restau- rant at the Fort Bend Town Center II mixed-use development, though it has yet to con rm an opening date for the new restaurant in the develop- ment. When it does open, it will ll a 7,932-square-foot space at Fort Bend Town Center II, located at the intersec- tion of Hwy. 6 and the Fort Bend Tollway in Missouri City. www.olivegarden.com 8 Removery , a tattoo removal company, will open a new location late this year at 15293 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, according to a permit from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Remodeling of the 1,500-square-foot space will cost approximately $220,000 and run until Nov. 15, according to the permit. Removery utilizes laser technology to remove tattoos by breaking apart larger ink particles, according to the Removery website. Depending on various factors, such as age, skin tone and general health, continued ses- sions can completely remove a tattoo. www.removery.com 9 Ulta Beauty , the U.S. beauty retailer for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services, inked a lease for retail space in the upcoming Fort Bend Town Center II mixed-use development, located at the intersection of Hwy. 6 and the Fort Bend Tollway in Missouri
City. According to a July 25 news release from NewQuest Properties, Ulta Beauty will move into 10,000 square feet of retail in the mixed-use development, though an exact date was not speci ed. www.ulta.com 10 America’s Best Contacts & Eye- glasses , an eyewear company that o ers eye examinations, eyeglasses and contact lenses, signed a lease for a 3,450-square-foot space in the future Fort Bend Town Center II develop- ment, located at the intersection of Hwy. 6 and the Fort Bend Tollway in Missouri City, according to an Aug. 22 news release from NewQuest Properties. Headquartered in Atlanta, America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses has over 800 stores in 31 states, according to the company’s website. www.americasbest.com ANNIVERSARIES 11 Mahesh’s Kitchen , an upscale Indian restaurant o ering a variety of authentic cuisine, will celebrate its one-year anni- versary Sept. 10 at its location in Sugar Land Town Square, 16019 City Walk, Sugar Land. A 10-year process in the making, Mahesh’s Kitchen was named after Mahesh Puranik, who died in 2018 after long talking about opening a cafe or restaurant together with his sister and current Mahesh’s Kitchen co-owner Shubhangi Musale. Opening Sept. 10, 2021, Mahesh’s Kitchen features many of Musale’s recipes, including tradi- tional options such as palak paneer;
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Fast-casual juice and smoothie bar concept Main Squeeze Juice Co. set a Sept. 23-25 opening date for a new franchise location in Missouri City. Main Squeeze will hold its grand opening at 8735 Hwy. 6, Ste. C, Missouri City, in Sienna, the business wrote in an email to Community Impact Newspaper . Based in New Orleans, Main Squeeze specializes in frozen fruit smoothies and cold-pressed juice and sells toast, acai bowls and co ee, according to its website. The concept also o ers a variety of order methods, including a mobile app, curbside pickup, drive-thru, DoorDash delivery and a goan prawn shrimp; murgh makhani, or butter chicken; Chinese noodle chat; mango habanero salmon; and toofani chicken sizzler. 281-937-7796. www.maheshskitchen.com 12 Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrated its 25th anniversary Sept. 1 by giving away free cakes to its rst 250 cus- tomers. The giveaway occurred at all locations across the country, including the Sugar Land location at 1531 Hwy. 6, Ste. 125, Sugar Land. The bakery chain also conducted an online giveaway
self-order kiosk. The concept opened in 2017 with more than 50 locations in various stages of development throughout the country. 832-440-7157. www.mainsqueezejuiceco.com
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that saw one winner receive a $25,000 birthday party planned by a celebrity party planning company and 25 run- ners-up reach receiving a $100 Nothing Bundt Cakes gift card. 281-491-2253. www.nothingbundtcakes.com R&S Water Service , the Missouri City- based water treatment service pro- vider, celebrated its 15th anniversary in July. The water treatment service provides water softeners, reverse osmosis systems and ltration devices. 281-416-9353. www.rswaterservice.com
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
September & October events
COMPILED BY RENEE FARMER
Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 La Quinta Drive, Missouri City. 281-403-8637. www.missouricitytx.gov 23 DANCE UNDER THE STARS Sugar Land Town Square will host dancing lessons on the plaza. Learn country western dancing from Fred Astaire Dance Studio instructors. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Sugar Land Town Square Plaza, 2711PlazaDrive,SugarLand.281-276-6000. www.sugarlandtownsquare.com 24 WELCOME FALL Celebrate fall at Sugar Land’s rst in-person Fall Fest. The festival includes art demos, hayrides, crafts, a scavenger hunt and photo opportunities. Restaurants in Sugar Land Town Square will o er food and beverage specials. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land. 281-275-2825. www.sugarlandtx.gov 29 EXPERIENCE COCOMELON CoComelon Live! will come to Sugar Land with a production of “JJ’s Journey.” The live, Broadway-style production will follow JJ and his family as they work together to put on a show. 6 p.m. $32 and up. Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land. 281-207-6278. www.smart nancialcentre.net
Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land. 281-207-6278. www.smart nancialcentre.net 16 LEARN ABOUT PAYING FOR SENIOR LIVING Join Fort Bend County Libraries for information about senior living, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance and veteran bene ts. Liz McNeel, a senior real estate specialist and certi ed senior housing professional, along with a panel of guest speakers will unpack what each bene t option covers. 10:30 a.m. Free. University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land. 281-633-5100. www.fortbend.lib.tx.us 16 SEE A MICHAEL JACKSON IMPERSONATOR Michael Jackson impersonator Danny Dash Andrews will bring the singer’s greatest hits to the Sugar Land Town Square main stage. Guru Burger will also sell grilled burgers during the event. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land. 281-242-2000. www.sugarlandtownsquare.com 17 ENJOY GERMAN TRADITIONS The Missouri City Parks & Recreation Department will host Oktoberfest at Quail Valley City Centre. Attendees can enjoy traditional German beer, food, music, games and competitions. 4-7 p.m. Free.
Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center will host a Sensory Friendly Day. FEATURED EVENT
CELEBRATE FALL SUGAR LAND BRANCH LIBRARY
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Oct. 11: Discover some sensory-friendly fun
SEPTEMBER 13 SEE ALICIA KEYS LIVE Alicia Keys’ Alicia + Keys World Tour will make a stop in Sugar Land this fall. Fellow R&B artist Pink Sweat$ will open for the 15-time Grammy Award winner. 8 p.m. $45 and up. Join the Sugar Land Branch of the Fort Bend County library system for a Fall Festival. Attendees can make crafts, get face paint and play autumn-themed games. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land. 281-238-2140. www.fortbend.lib.tx.us
Join Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center for a Sensory Friendly Day designed for children with autism spectrum disorder, featuring dimmed lights and limited sounds. Registration is required. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $7. Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, 198 Kempner St., Sugar Land. 823-742-2800. www.childrensdiscovery .org
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Find more or submit Sugar Land and Missouri City events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY RACHEL CARLTON & HUNTER MARROW
Harris County approves $37.7M for all-electronic tollways Harris County commissioners
UPCOMING PROJECTS
O W N S H
This map from the Harris County Toll Road Authority outlines 11 segments of the tollway system under consideration for the transition to all-electronic tollways. FLIPPING THE ELECTRONIC SWITCH
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unanimously approved six contracts totaling $37.7 million in service of the Harris County Toll Road Authority’s transition to all-electronic tollways, or AETs, during their Aug. 2 meeting. A map of potential tollway tran- sition areas shows 11 segments of interest in the countywide tollway system. The Aug. 2 contracts assign five engineering firms to design segments 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 along the Sam Houston Tollway and their cor- responding entrance and exit ramps. A sixth contract with HNTB Corp. awarded $5.52 million for work on all segments excluding 10 and 11 along Westpark Tollway, although the contract stated the HCTRA may request additional support along the Westpark Tollway, the northeast part of the Sam Houston Tollway, and the airport and downtown connectors of the Hardy Toll Road. “HCTRA’s investment in AET will save lives, prevent crashes and inju- ries, and reduce property damage,”
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DESIGN SECTIONS
Sam Houston Tollway 1: I-45 to Hwy. 290 2: Hwy. 290 to I-10 3: I-10 to Hwy. 59 4: Hwy. 59 to Hwy. 288
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 17. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SLMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. permit will grant Missouri City the ability to bid the project for future construction. Timeline: December 2022-TBD Cost: $450,000 Funding source: city of Missouri City Hwy. 6 at Township Lane intersection upgrade Missouri City City Council voted 5-0 on Aug. 15 to approve a system improvement project agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation, allowing the agency to release a construction permit for upgrading a signal intersection at Hwy. 6 at Township Lane to a mast arm system for greater reliability. The
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5: Hwy. 288 to I-45 6: I-45 and Hwy. 225 Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road 7: Sam Houston Tollway to Hwy. 90 Alternate Hardy Toll Road 8: Sam Houston Tollway to Loop 610 9: Sam Houston Tollway to I-45 Westpark Tollway 10: Sam Houston Tollway to Loop 610 11: FM 1464 to Sam Houston Tollway
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Sibrian said. Sibrian said drivers wanting to pay cash are encouraged to create an EZ TAG account on the HCTRA’s website and use a prepaid debit card, which can be purchased with cash.
said Roxy Sibrian, head of communi- cations for the HCTRA. Beginning in August and over the next couple of months, the HCTRA will remove or modify cash signage on the Sam Houston Tollway,
PARKS & RECREATION
City Council approves Phase 3 of Brazos River Park contract The third phase of the Brazos River Park project is moving forward after Sugar Land City Council approved a $1.1 million construction contract for the project at its Aug. 2 meeting. The third and final phase of the project will include a pavilion, pedestrian crossings, concrete trails, new landscaping and irrigation, according to city documents. “The project focuses on a awarded the contract after being identified by the city’s architectural firm as the lowest responsible bidder. Gadberry, which has offices in Houston and Dallas, has com- pleted six similar projects, according to meeting presentation documents. The bid included the costs of site grading; the removal and instal- lation of concrete sidewalks; the installation of a pavilion; the instal- lation of site furnishings, including picnic tables, benches, bike racks BY LAURA ROBB
PARK IMPROVEMENTS With Phase 3 of the Brazos River Park improvements moving forward, residents can expect several new features in the area.
with existing trail systems. Proposition 1, which failed, would have covered $18.54 million to fund a 65-acre community park. All of the other bond projects, including a new connector road to Brazos River Park, have been completed, according to meeting documents. Material testing for the third phase of the Brazos River Park proj- ect will cost another $12,342 with a 5% contingency fund of $53,288, bringing the total project budget to $1.13 million. This phase of the project orig- inally included the supply and installation of $332,592 worth of playground equipment; however, budget constraints are forcing the staff to table that element of the project until a future date, per meeting documents. The project’s design was completed in April. Construction should begin in mid-September and end in March 2023. Construction should not impact residents or
• Pavilion • Pedestrian crossings • Concrete trails
• New
landscaping
• Irrigation
Cost: $1.13 million Timeline: mid-September 2022- March 2023 Funding source: city of Sugar Land
picnic pavilion and picnic tables underneath the pavilion, which will provide shade at the site,” said Joe Chesser, Sugar Land’s director of parks and recreation, during a meeting presentation. “[It will also include] walkway connections, which will also allow for things like food trucks and entertainers to come up into [the] area where the pavilion is and get them off of the main road so we can keep the road access open even while we have events going on.” Gadberry Construction was
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and grills; and landscaping and irrigation. The project’s construc- tion will cost $1.06 million and will be funded by the city’s 2013 parks bond, which included three proposi- tions—only two of which passed. Proposition 2 included $21.3 million and consisted of addi- tional work to the Brazos River Park project and a festival site. Proposi- tion 3 was $10.16 million and called for the implementation of a network of about 10 miles of trails that will serve to interconnect neighborhoods
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SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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affect the use of the neighboring disc golf course, according to meeting documents.
SUGAR LAND 3335 Hwy 6 S • 281-313-4446 SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy • 281-491-8628 MISSOURI CITY 5418 Hwy 6 • 281-403-0400 SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr • 281-778-9959 NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd • 281-491-0811
Scan to schedule your appointment today, or call 713-442-7017.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION Lamar CISD board of trustees approves $1.72B bond package
Bond on the Ballot Lamar CISD is proposing a $1.72 billion bond package in the Nov. 8 election to handle the district's unprecedented growth. SOURCES: LAMAR CISD, GREG BUCHANAN COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Total $1.72B
BY ASIA ARMOUR
a complex that includes a middle school, junior high and high school package. It also includes adding 500 seats in cafeterias and gyms at the existing Foster, George Ranch and Randle high schools as well as 1,000 seats at Fulshear High School. It also includes expanding the incoming Tomas High School—part of the 2020 bond—by 500 seats. Portable buildings for the 2023-24 school year and districtwide safety and security upgrades are also items in this section of the bond. The proposition also includes additions to the district’s administra- tive building, school buses, technology infrastructure, and all projects that are now overbudget from the 2020 bond. By allocating $189.24 million to build a career and technical education center with Proposition B, the district is looking to provide options for stu- dents who may seek careers directly after high school. Buchanan said this initiative is sig- ni cant to businesses in the commu- nity. It is also one of Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens’ priorities to create a workforce readiness pipeline. “We want to make sure when students leave Lamar CISD they are sought after—not just competitive,” Nivens said. “We want to make sure that when they leave us they have choices and opportunity.” Proposition C would dedicate $16.77 million to classroom and district technology hardware, such as new computers and graphic printers. Prop- osition D is priced at $4.98 million and would add LED lighting and new turf to Traylor Stadium. Finally, Proposition E would allocate $194.9 million to purchase land and to build a second stadium, which would feature 10,000 seats, locker rooms, band storage, and career and technol- ogy education classrooms. Financial impact The 2022 bond authorization, if passed, would be issued in three annual bond sales beginning in February 2023, said Terrell Palmer, one of the district’s nancial advisers. Bond interest is estimated at 4.5%. LCISD’s property tax rate consists of
On Aug. 22, the Lamar CISD board of trustees approved a $1.72 billion bond package. The initia- tive passed with a 4-1 vote with Trustee Jon Welch dissenting. The main purpose of this bond is to stay ahead of LCISD’s rapid growth, which continues to outpace the dis- trict’s e orts, Chief Operating O cer Greg Buchanan said. “It’s a really complex problem,” he said. “[Even] with rezoning and build- ing new buildings, we just can’t get anything on the ground fast enough to be able to relieve the pressure we’re about to encounter, especially on the north side of the district.” In July, o cials said the bond had a capacity of $1 billion but were eyeing a $956.29 million bond. Welch pointed this out during the board’s discussion to determine which items should be included in the 2022 bond. But in the last 30-45 days, district o cials learned in ation has made construction costs una ordable for any 2020 bond projects that have not been awarded, Buchanan said. This bond will focus on completing the remaining 2020 bond projects, building new campuses, expanding and renovating existing space, updat- ing technology, and upgrading safety and security e orts, should voters opt to approve it in November. Buchanan said 14 campuses would face overcrowding for ve years or more over the next 10 if this bond does not pass. “And this is a moderate growth model,” Buchanan said. “So if it hits higher than that, [which has been] the trend the last two years, we would have to come back and address them within the next two to three years.” To combat in ation, the LCISD Bond Citizens’ Committee calculated what it would cost to complete the projects today then added a 7% increase for every year until the work is done, Buchanan said. Bond details Proposition A would allocate $1.31 billion to the construction and land purchase of four elementary schools; one middle school; and
Prop. A
$1.31B
Career and technical education center
Prop. B $189.24M
• Four elementary schools, one middle school • A middle school, junior high and high school complex • Added seats in cafeterias and gyms at high schools • Portable buildings
• Districtwide safety and security upgrades • Administrative building additions • School buses, technology infrastructure • 2020 bond project over ow
Classroom and district technology hardware
Prop. C $16.77M
Upgrades to Traylor Stadium
Prop. D $4.98M
Land and construction for second stadium
Prop. E $194.9M
Population and Survey Analysts data from February showed Lamar CISD more than doubled its new-student enrollment in 2021-22 compared to 2020-21. Student population projections show the district could grow by 76% in the next decade. SERVING MORE STUDENTS
Student population
Projected student population
Bond passed
80K
Projected +76.3%
65K
50K
+56.6%
35K
20K
0
2011-12
2015-16
2019-20
2023-24
2031-32
2031-32
SOURCES: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
two components: a maintenance and operations tax rate and the interest and sinking tax rate, according to the Texas Education Agency. The M&O tax rate provides funds for maintenance and operations, while the I&S tax rate provides funds for payments on the debt that nances a district’s facilities. Palmer, the president of Post Oak Municipal Advisors, said the $1.72 billion bond package would increase the interest and sinking tax rate from $0.37 in 2021-22 to $0.47 in scal year 2022-23.
Since 2012-13, the I&S tax rate has remained between $0.33 and $0.37. The M&O tax rate has decreased each year since 2018-19. “Your phenomenal growth of 3,200 students [year over year] is really putting the urgency to get this paper authorization and convert it to cash immediately,” Palmer said. “That is the cause of that I&S tax rate increasing very quickly.” The bond will be on the Nov. 8 ballot as ve items with voters approving or denying each proposition separately.
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
FORT BEND ISD Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election
What is a V-A-T-R-E? A VATRE is an election required by the State Legislature to approve a tax increase that generates additional revenue for public schools for the purpose of maintenance and operations.
What is the difference between a Bond and a VATRE?
I’m over 65, will my taxes go up? If VATRE passes, your property taxes WILL NOT go up for people
2023 Tax Rate with 7.55¢ VATRE $1.21
2022 Tax Rate $1.21
Bond money can only be used for facilities and assets, including facility construction and renovation, technology, school buses, equipment and property. Bond funds cannot be used for employee compensation or day-to-day operations. School district property taxes have two components: the Maintenance and Operations tax rate (M&O) and the Interest and Sinking tax rate (I&S). The VATRE would affect the M&O tax rate, which funds teacher and staff compensation and all school district operations. The I&S tax rate is strictly used to pay off bond debt and cannot be used for anything else.
over 65 or who have disabled exemptions.
$0.27 I&S
$0.29 I&S
$0.94 M&O
$0.92 M&O
SUSTAINING THE TAX RATE
Additional Police Officers Additional Teacher & Staff Compensation
Voter approval of a tax rate of $1.2101 (the same rate as last year) will generate $47 million in additional revenue. FORT BEND $1.21
Last Day to Register to Vote October 11
Provide funding for safety measures, including Hiring New Police Officers
Early Voting October 24–November 4
Election Day November 8 Voters Decide on the Tax Rate Election (VATRE)
Allow for teachers and staff to immediately receive years-of-service supplemental pay for their commitment and dedication to FBISD
Allow for an immediate increase in compensation for Teachers and Staff
Fort Bend ISD Proposition A
Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.2101 in Fort Bend Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 7.31 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $47.66 million.
Current Tax Rate of Neighboring School Districts
GALENA PARK $1.47
KATY $1.35
CY-FAIR $1.34
LAMAR $1.24
FORT BEND $1.21
Please visit fortbendisd.com/VATRE for more information.
We Lead We Create We Discover
uh.edu/sugarland 14000 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479
16
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
NEWS BRIEFS
UPPING INCENTIVES
$10,000 incentive for entry-level police officers, certified firefighter staff with three years of experience $6,000 incentive for certified firefighter staff with no experience
When approved, two Missouri City ordinances could bump pay for new police officers and firefighters.
SOURCE: MISSOURI CITY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Council approves first readings of police, firefighter incentive pay
BY HUNTER MARROW
Two ordinances to increase incentive pay for entry-level police officers and firefighters in Missouri City were approved on their first readings. During its Aug. 15 meeting, Missouri City City Council unanimously passed the first readings to create a $10,000 hiring incentive for entry-level police officers, a $6,000 incentive for certified firefighter staff with no experience and $10,000 for certified firefighter staff with a minimum of three years paid department experi- ence, according to agenda documents. The incentives will be put in place when approved on their second and final reading at a future council meeting. The ordinances come as both the Missouri City Police Department and Missouri City Fire Department not only face staffing shortages, but also struggle to fill vacancies, chiefs of both departments said during the meeting. “We continue to lose firefighters because, just like police, we’re struggling with taking care of our senior staff and making sure they are compensated,” Missouri City fire Chief Mario Partida said.
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Fort Bend County appoints election judges
HOMES AMENITIES LIFESTYLE
BY ASIA ARMOUR
a two-year term ending June 30, 2024. Judges preside over polling locations and settle any disputes about election law. Republican election judges consist of 90 persons, while the Democratic election judges list has 60. Each judge is appointed for each election precinct in which an election is held.
At an Aug. 9 meeting, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved actions for the Nov. 3 election. Commissioners also appointed a list of Democratic and Republican county election judges as well as alternates for
Over 100 HOMES move in ready or under construction
Commissioners form broadband committee
NEW APPOINTEES
Each member of the court appointed a designee for the Fort Bend County Broadband Steering Committee. Those appointments include: • Shaneka Smith , county judge chief of staff • Katie Vackar , Precinct 1 project manager and liaison to Fort Bend County road and bridge and drainage departments • Maurice Lewis , Precinct 2 communications and social media coordinator • Andrew Van Chau , Precinct 3 chief of staff • Ahmad Alaswad , Precinct 4 chief of staff SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Low $300s to Million+ T our Open Houses!
BY ASIA ARMOUR
At an Aug. 2 meeting, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court formed its Broadband Steering Committee. The committee will determine funding for widespread internet connectivity per plans proposed by engineering and surveying firm Cobb Fendley at a July 26 meeting. The group will discuss opportunities to support constructing an under- ground network pathway of larger fiber-optic cables.
SIENNATX.COM
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BUSINESS FEATURE
BY RENEE FARMER
Mark Fallet (right) opened the business in September 2019.
COURTESY MARK FALLET
PLACES FOR PLAY Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales’ facility features child-size replicas of fairytale buildings for children to explore.
Farmers market: Buy and sell pretend food at the farmers market. Playhouse: Run a mini household, complete with a kitchen, a dining area and pretend appliances. Cafe: Cook a pretend meal and serve it to guests. Castle: Take a seat in the throne room, guarded by a stu ed dragon. Jester tent: Dress the part with a selection of costumes in the jester tent.
Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales features various playhouses, including a castle with a knight room and a princess room.
The business also o ers a miniature household for kids to play in.
RENEE FARMER COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
RENEE FARMER COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales Business aims to bring magic, play to Sugar Land A play and party store tucked
location. After considering the idea for a couple of years, Fallet opened the business in September 2019. The space features miniature buildings, including a farmers market stocked with fake food, a cafe, a furnished home and a castle guarded by a stu ed dragon. Children can also enjoy a pretend shing pond, a jester tent with costumes, a veterinary station and a construction site. The space o ers open and private play as well as private birthday parties intended for children ages 1-9. The facility hosts events including a recent fashion show, visits from day cares and summer camp programs. Parents working remotely can sit in the building while their children play. The ability to host private events
makes the space unique, Fallet said. Guests can decorate the space to their liking, and sta helps with setup and cleanup. Business sta disinfect and restock the toys continuously throughout the day, working through one section at a time to ensure children have clean, organized spaces to play. Adults and children must wear socks inside, and shoe covers are available for adults. Fallet gained recognition in the community through the business, especially from children who have visited in the past. Fallet has also seen several families host birthday parties and has enjoyed seeing the children grow up. “It’s rewarding. I think that’s the feeling,” he said.
inside a Sugar Land strip mall that aims to o er a slice of magic has been allowing young children room to explore their imaginations since 2019. Business owner Mark Fallet’s idea for Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales was born out of the need many parents face to occupy their children while they work. With Fallet and his wife busy with work and school, the couple needed something for their daughter to do. “We came up with concepts where we could sit and work and see the entire platform,” he said. Fallet’s wife’s job brought them to Sugar Land, and starting the business there made sense due to its central
Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales 350 Promenade Way, Ste. 450, Sugar Land
346-368-2852 www.fsaft.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., weekend hours vary
90
6
PROMENADE WAY
N
Find one in your neighborhood.
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
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