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Cypress Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1 SEPT. 10OCT. 8, 2025
New Cy-Fair business owners navigate permitting processes Opening obstacles
“The emotional toll that takes place when opening a business ... you have to be ready to adapt to what needs to be done.” MATTHEW GREATENS, COOWNER, CONNIE’S FROZEN CUSTARD
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Long before the “open” sign is hung and customers start lining up, new business owners face a behind-the- scenes gauntlet of paperwork, permits and inspections. Local business owners say the road to opening a business is often paved with unexpected delays in the Cy-Fair area.
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Connie’s Frozen Custard
MCCRACKEN CIR.
Connie’s Frozen Custard co-owner Matthew Greatens said the business faced many challenges in the process of expanding.
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Also in this issue
Impacts: See what 85C Bakery is cooking up in Cypress (Page 6)
Education: See how Cy-Fair ISD scored in the Texas Education Agency’s 202425 AF ratings (Page 13)
Government: Meet the new Emergency Services District 9 Commissioner Cameron Dickey (Page 23)
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About Community Impact
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
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Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen Nichaela Shaheen Haley Velasco Kevin Vu Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills
Angie Thomas General Manager athomas@ communityimpact.com
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Impacts
• 25907 Hwy. 290, Cypress • www.menswearhouse.com
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4 Mochi Dog Cafe Mochi Dog Cafe is now oering Asian treats in the Cy-Fair area, o cials said. Customers can nd snacks including mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, bubble tea and coee, according to the website. • Opened late July • 17195 Hwy. 249, Houston • www.totoromochidonut.com 5 Crust Pizza Crust Pizza is known for its Chicago-style thin crust pizza made with fresh dough, its signature sauce and proprietary cheese blend shredded daily with no preservatives added. • Opened Aug. 9 • 20240 Summit Point Crossing, Ste. 100, Cypress • www.crustpizzaco.com 6 85C Bakery Cafe 85C Bakery Cafe oers a variety of breads and pastries as well as sandwiches, coee, milk teas and blended drinks, per the website. • Opened July 24 • 12020 FM 1960 W, Ste. 100, Houston • www.85cbakerycafe.com 7 Fun Box According to the website, Fun Box is a playground lled with play zones, all connected by nonstop bounce areas and designed with a kid-rst and “social media second” vibe. The park is for all ages including adults. • Opened Aug. 22 • 15540 FM 529, Houston • www.funbox.com 8 Prime IV Hydration & Wellness Owned by Steven and Ana Bull, the new location will oer IV therapy, peptide therapy and medically guided weight loss. • Opened: Aug. 29, Grand opening: Sept. 22 • 21211 FM 529, Ste. 105, Cypress • www.primeivhydration.com
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location marks the fth Houston location and features a full service gym. The tness center is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and memberships start at $9.99 a month. • Opened Aug. 14 • 8580, Hwy 6 N., Houston • www.eos¡itness.com 3 Men’s Wearhouse Men’s Wearhouse o cials conrmed via a phone call the store is now oering a selection of men’s suits, dress shoes and tuxedo rentals. The store also oers dresses for weddings, proms and special events as well as custom tailoring and same-day alterations. • Opened Aug. 1
Now open
1 Arabisca Arabisca oers homestyle dishes including grilled chicken dishes, Lebanese-style wings and falafel. For dessert, the eatery oers ice cream dishes and Lazy Cake made with creamy ice cream and rich chocolate drizzle.
• Opened early August • 18039 FM 529, Cypress • Facebook: Arabisca
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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
9 Elite Drive Luxury Rental Oering a variety of exotic and sports cars for rent, Elite Drive Luxury Rental provides vehicles for special occasions in the Houston region. Vehicles oered include Chevrolet Corvettes and Ferrari Portonos. • Opened June 10
Now open
• 13150 Breton Ridge Street, Houston • www.elitedriveluxuryrental.com
In the news
10 Chick-l-a Locally owned by Sydnea Rutland, the renovated Chick-l-A Coppereld location features several design upgrades. The Coppereld location will be open for dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, third-party delivery and mobile pick up. • Re-opened Aug. 5 • 8440 Hwy. 6 N, Houston • www.chick-¡il-a.com 11 The Annex Crafthouse Texas-themed bar and restaurant The Annex Crafthouse has new ownership after Justin and Nikki Green took over the business on July 1. The restaurant oers a variety of small bites and full entrees, such as nachos Young Men’s Service League Young Men’s Service League launched a new chapter in Jersey Village according to an Aug. 20 news release and is now accepting new members including mothers and sons in 9th and 10th grade. YMSL is a national nonprot dedicated to developing young men into community leaders through volunteering opportunities. • Opened Aug. 20 • www.ymsl.org and a large variety of beer, wine and spirits. • 122 A Vintage Park Boulevard, Houston • www.annexcrafthouse.com
13 Cypress Christian School - Bridgeland Cypress Christian School celebrated the ribbon- cutting of its newest campus in Bridgeland on Aug. 28 following over a year of construction. "This is more than a campus. It's a calling," CCS President Je Potts said. "This is sticks, wood, rocks, concrete,
but it is just building what we are doing every day is much more important, and it is also building lives to represent our country and our faith." • Opened Aug. 28 • 21455 Bridgeland Creek Parkway, Cypress • www.cypresschristian.org
15 Panera Bread Several locations of the Houston area franchise of the cafe have closed amid a bankruptcy ling and lawsuit,
The restaurant still maintains three other locations in Richmond, Pearland and Seabrook. • Closed Aug. 1 • 9955 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 100, Cypress 14 Mi Tierra Mexican Kitchen Local Mexican restaurant Mi Tierra Mexican Kitchen has closed its doors after less than two years of service, according to a June 11 social media post from the owners. Owner Kate Mancia did not provide a reason for the closure. • Closed June 11 • 3327 Mangum Road, Houston
Community Impact reported. • 26003 Hwy. 290, Cypress • www.panerabread.com
16 The Nest Diner After nearly three years, The Nest Diner in Cypress has closed. The diner rst opened in September 2022 and featured breakfast, lunch, dinner and Tex-Mex cuisine dishes. • 11808 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. K, Cypress • Facebook: The Nest Diner
Closings
12 Sam’s Boat Restaurant management conrmed the Cypress location ceased operations at the beginning of August.
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Events
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Produce tent sale The Cypress Ridge Band is holding its 11th annual produce tent sale with a wide selection of produce to support its band and the Creative Outreach Ministries. • Sept. 20-21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Cypress Ridge High School, 7900 N. Eldridge Pkwy., Houston • www.cyridge.cisd.net Farmers market and live music The farmers market at the Boardwalk returns after a break with local vendors and live music. • Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 9955 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.boardwalktl.com St. Mary’s 19th Annual Fall Gift Market The indoor and outdoor gift market features 80 vendors oering unique shopping presented by local craftspeople, silent auction, tea room, bake shop and wine wall. • September 26 and 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 15415 N. Eldridge Pkwy., Cypress • www.stmaryscypress.org
September
Career Exploration Learn strategies to discover your ideal career path and academic goals at the Cy-Fair Lone Star College career event open to the community. • Sept. 16, 12:30-1:30 p.m. • Free • 18134 West Road, Cypress • www.lonestar.edu Reo Full Throttle Swanny’s Grill will host Reo Full Throttle, a Houston- based tribute band celebrating rock anthems. • Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. • $17 (general admission) • 6224 Theall Road, Houston • www.swannysgrill.com Man of La Mancha Enjoy a play inspired by Cervantes’ 17th-century Don Quixote set during the Spanish Inquisition. • Sept. 19-20, Sept. 26-27, Oct. 3-4, Oct. 10-11, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12, 3 p.m. • $28-$42 (admission) • Stageworks Theater, 10760 Grant Road, Houston • www.stageworkshouston.org
Fairway For Families Charity Golf Tournament
Participate in the Kingdom Family Ministry’s Fairways for Families Charity Golf Tournament to support local families. The event includes competitive play, prizes and networking opportunities. • Oct. 6, 8 a.m. (registration) 9 a.m. (shotgun start)-3 p.m. • $140 (per player), $540 (per team) • 17110 Northgate Forest Drive, Houston • www.kingdomfamilyministry.org
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See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2025 David Weekley Homes – All Rights Reserved. Houston, TX (HOU-25-002851)
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Transportation
BY MELISSA ENAJE
H GAC regional plan backed by $140B
The timeline
After incorporating public feedback from surveys and a third round of public meetings, HGAC will provide a public draft project list slated for late 2026.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council is drafting a long-term blueprint for transportation investments through 2050. Residents across H-GAC’s planning region— including Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller counties—shared feedback during public meetings in July and August. At least $140 billion in local, state and federal funds are expected to be allocated over the next 25 years for projects part of the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan. H-GAC ocials said the community’s perspective is critical to ensuring investments address key needs, such as population growth, sustainability and overall quality of life. Harris County alone is projected to see a 39% population increase by 2050, according to H-GAC data, creating additional demand for reliable infrastructure and expanded mobility options. “Community feedback is at the heart of this plan,” H-GAC Assistant Transportation Director Allie Isbell said. Several road projects currently underway in Cypress and listed in H-GAC’s plan through 2045 include reconstructing and widening roadways along Queenston Boulevard and the Hwy. 290 frontage road, while installing sidewalks on both sides. H-GAC ocials identied Hwy. 290 as part of its high-capacity transit area. According to RTP plan documents, the H-GAC reviews any form of public transportation projects which move large volumes of people through larger vehicles, shorter frequencies and higher speeds, beyond just the construction of new and wider highways.
1 New Fair eld Park and Ride • Timeline: 2030 • Project cost: $35.22 million 2 Queenston Boulevard and Hwy. 290 frontage road widening and sidewalks project • Timeline: 2032-2040 • Project cost: $88 million 3 Fairbanks North Houston Road shared use paths • Timeline: 2030 • Project cost: $14 million H GAC proposed transportation projects in the Cypress area H-GAC is using the updated 2045 plan to identify projects. Three major projects are expected to be carried over to the 2050 RTP.
Regional Transportation Plan 2050 process
Summer 2025: Public meeting Phase 1 Fall 2025: H-GAC goes over goals and objectives Fall 2025: Public meeting Phase 2 Spring 2026: Call for projects; Public meeting Phase 3 Fall 2026: Approved nal draft
2025
2026
SOURCE: HOUSTONGALVESTON AREA COUNCILCOMMUNITY IMPACT
The outlook
The public’s spending priorities included: • New roads and lanes • Existing roadway maintenance • Demand for travel • Pedestrian and bicycle improvements • Public transit • Enhancing operations with technology Harris County resident Jesse Bellow gave feedback on multimodal transportation. “Residents want options outside of driving their car and sitting in trac and dreading their life,” he said.
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Education
BY SARAH BRAGER
Cy-Fair ISD received a “B” in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating system for academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25, showing slight improvement at the campus level. The TEA released scores for all public school districts Aug. 15, following delays from several lawsuits, according to past Community Impact reporting. The announcement of scores comes after a Texas Cy-Fair ISD maintains “B” rating in A F scores
Cy-Fair ISD AF ratings by school level
Elementary school
Middle school
High school
2023-24
2024-25
25 20 15 10 5 0
No CFISD campus received lower than a "C" rating in 2024-25, and all high schools scored a "B" or higher.
A
B
C
D
F
A
B
C
D
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SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
While the district’s overall letter grade remained the same between 2023-24 and 2024-25, individual campus scores increased on average, with fewer schools earning a “C” or lower. No CFISD school received a “D” or an “F” rating last year.
judge ruled in July that the TEA can release its ratings for the 2023-24 school year, Community Impact reported. The scores were held for almost one year after more than 30 school districts— including CFISD—sued the TEA last August, citing unfair grading criteria.
Struggling CFISD schools that boosted scores
The breakdown
Final takeaways
School 2021-22* 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Elementary schools receiving a D or F since 2021-22 Bane 82 (B) 69 (D) 59 (F) 82 (B) Duryea 88 (B) 74 (C) 69 (D) 73 (C) Emery 87 (B) 66 (D) 63 (D) 78 (C) Hancock 73 (C) 70 (C) 68 (D) 76 (C) Kirk 83 (B) 55 (F) 68 (D) 83 (B) Lieder 87 (B) 76 (C) 69 (D) 80 (B) Matzke 76 (C) 75 (C) 69 (D) 81 (B) Metcalf 95 (A) 79 (C) 68 (D) 75 (C) Middle schools receiving a D or F since 2021-22 Hopper 79 (C) 74 (C) 69 (D) 78 (C)
The district saw the greatest change in its “closing the gaps” score, which increased seven points since 2023-24. According to the TEA’s rat- ings manual, the measure identies achievement gaps by evaluating the academic performance of dierent student groups, such as racial and ethnic groups, economically disadvantaged students and bilingual students. Approximately 60.1% of CFISD’s population in 2023-24 was considered economically disadvan- taged compared to 58.9% last year, according to the TEA. Across both years, campuses that earned lower accountability ratings served, on average, a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
CFISD Superintendent Doug Killian said in an Aug. 11 newsletter the district started the new school year “with a celebratory tone” following results from the TEA. For CFISD campuses in 2024-25: • Elementary schools averaged an 85
• Middle schools averaged an 84 • High schools averaged an 87
“Kudos to all of our sta and students for the incredible work it took to earn this achievement,” Killian said. “While the district came in as a B, we are committed to returning to an A this school year.” The district last received an overall A rating in 2022.
*CAMPUSES THAT RECEIVED A C OR LOWER IN 202122 WERE NOT RATED AS THEY RECOVERED FROM PANDEMICRELATED LEARNING LOSS. SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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CYPRESS EDITION
Education Private School Guide
2025
Tuition: $7,300 (Pre-K-8); $7,800 (9-12) annually • 11735 Grant Road, Cypress • 832-701-3675
• 14207 Telge Road, Cypress • 832-548-5810
Cypress
The Connection School of Houston Type: Religious-based Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Various sports, music/ theatre, yearbook, student council, praise band Enrollment: 130 Tuition: $11,500 (K-5); $12,000 (6-8); $12,750 (9-12) annually • 15815 House Hahl Road, Cypress • 832-544-6031
Cypress Christian School Type: Religious-based Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Football, softball, baseball, swimming , ne art, music, theatre, yearbook/ photography, various student groups Enrollment: 810 Tuition: $15,570 (K); $18,360 (1-5); $20,445 (6-8); $23,190 (9-12) annually • 21455 Bridgeland Creek Parkway, Cypress • 281-469-8829 Houston Adventist Academy Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Athletics, music ministry, National Honor Society, worship activities Enrollment: 195
The Woods Private School Type: Traditional
Grades served: 18 months-Pre-K, K-5th grade Extracurricular activities: chess, coding for kids, Tae Kwon-do, sewing, art, archery, ballet, soccer Enrollment: 300 students Tuition: $4,500-$9,500 (Pre-K), $14,600 (elementary) • 15002 Lakewood Forest Drive, Houston • 281-370-8576
Heart of Christ Academy Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-8 Religious orientation: Christian
Houston
Acton Academy Cy-Fair Type: Project-based Grades served: K-12 Extracurricular activities: Sports, theatre, music, STEM and robotics, choir, art, chess and yearbook Enrollment: 100
Extracurricular activities: Electives include music, art, Spanish, tech-ed and PE (more after school classes available at additional cost) Enrollment: 43 Tuition: $4,000 (K-4); $4,500 (5-8) annually
EDUCATION WITH PURPOSE Exceptional Education Devoted To Christian Discipleship Serving Infants - 3rd Grade
A Ministry of The MET Church
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR, SARAH BRAGER & JESSICA SHORTEN
Tuition: $11,000 annually • 8350 Jones Road, Houston • 713-882-7699
Cypress
Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: Athletics, art club, dance, adoration, robotics, garden club, school choir Enrollment: 110 Tuition: $9,975 (Pre-K-K); $9,870 (1-8) annually • 11511 Huffmeister Road, Houston • 281-469-8440 Concordia Lutheran High School Type: Private, Christian, college-prep high school Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: Lutheran Extracurricular activities: FFA, archery, art, athletics, band, theatre, and Youth Commission International Enrollment: 565 Tuition: $21,500 annually • 700 East Main St., Tomball • 281-351-2547
Covenant Academy Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Athletics, ne arts, farm/ gardening program
Enrollment: 187 students Tuition: $7,500 (Pre-K); $15,500 (K-6); $16,200 (7-
9); $17,500 (10-12) annually • 11711 Telge Road, Cypress • 281-373-2233
CONTINUED ON 16
Cy-Fair Educational Foundation
Hyatt Regency Houston West • October 18, 2025
HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress Missing Man Underwriter Howard Hughes 1st Lt. Jeremy Ray Fallen Soldier Sponsor
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Guest Speaker Joe Torrillo - FDNY Lieutenant
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Contact Marie Holmes at 281.370.0144 • eCFEF.org
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CYPRESS EDITION
Education
Rosehill Christian School Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: nondenominational
Tuition: $8,500 annually (elementary school), call for pricing (preschool) • 13000 Jones Road, Houston • 281-890-4879 Northland Christian School Type: Christian, college prep Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Gymnastics, robotics, honor choir, orchestra, ne arts programs and athletics. Enrollment: 450
CONTINUED FROM 15
Epiphany Lutheran Church and School Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-8 Religious orientation: Lutheran Extracurricular activities: Daily bible lessons, soccer, volleyball, band and ne arts Enrollment: 154 Tuition: $8,780 (K-5), $8,880 (6-8) annually • 14423 West Road, Houston • 713-896-1843 Houston Christian High School Type: Religious-based Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: nondenominational Extracurricular activities: band, choir, theater, dance and orchestra Enrollment: 540 Tuition: $32,577 annually The Met Christian Academy Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-3 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Learning center support, weekly chapel services Enrollment: 157
Extracurricular activities: 11 sports, 4-H club, FAA, Eagle joins for hope, national honor society, speech and debate Enrollment: 470 Tuition: $16,200-$21,000 annually • 19830 FM 2920, Tomball • 281-351-8114 Salem Lutheran School Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-k-8 Religious orientation: Lutheran Extracurricular activities: Athletics, 4-H cooking and archery, academic competitions Enrollment: 580 Tuition: $14,495 (K-8) annually; Pre-K call for pricing • 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball • 281-351-8223 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School Type: Religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: Latin, fencing and chess Enrollment: 212
Tuition: $12,566-$20,900 (annually) • 4363 Sylvanield Drive, Houston • 281-440-1060 Providence Classical School Type: Christian Classical Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: nondenominational
Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, cross country, basketball, soccer, swimming, track & eld, debate, mock trial, drama, creative writing Enrollment: 413 Tuition: $10,740 (Pre-K); $12,725 (K); $15,855 (1-6),
$17,800 (7-8), $18,220 (9-12) annually • 18100 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring • 281-320-0500
K-12 Christian Classical School ACADEMICS – FAITH – COMMUNITY
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CYPRESS EDITION
Government
BY MELISSA ENAJE
Harris County approves countywide expansion of nonviolent 911 program
By the numbers
What they’re saying
What residents should know
Cypress resident Marti Peddicord described the HART sta members who helped assist her sister with dementia as “angels who have held her hand.” Peddicord said because her and her sister have had limited communication over the years, she’s thankful HART and the community have consistently checked in with her when her sister would call 911. “This is one program that I will just say is well worth it, and they should keep funding it,” Peddi- cord said. “I know the constables and the sheri’s department all appreciate somebody coming back and being another layer of help and assistance.” Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey told court members at the August meeting that he believes the county’s existing rst responder and emer- gency response teams are equipped and su cient. “I think it’s well-intended in terms of what is being asked for,” Ramsey said. “But I think, particularly in this time of budget issues, I believe [the Clinician O ce Remote Evaluation] and
[Community Emergency Response Team] are taking care of us.” Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said HART separates county resources when it comes to crisis needs versus crime response. “The bottom line is this is smart public safety,” Briones said. “We connect individuals in times of crisis who might need mental health assistance, addiction assistance, to the services they may need, and then that frees up our law enforcement o cers’ time so they can double down, respond more promptly to urgent calls with regard to violent crimes.” Since the program’s launch in 2023, HART o - cials said they have responded to more than 21,100 emergency call responses and provided on-scene care to 2,834 residents and connected them to services. O cials said the work freed more than 2,100 deputy hours for violent crime response.
With 11 HART teams operating in northwest Har- ris County, the expansion will add at least 18 sta positions funded within the county’s public health division as a budget-neutral item. The program will cost an estimated $6.6 million in Fiscal Year 2025-26, county o cials said. “The idea that Commissioners Court would fund this program out of the general fund to enable that sustainability, and have the people be county employees, just represents a commitment from Commissioners Court to this method,” Barton said.
For individuals in crisis needing to reach HART, public health ocials suggested the following options: • Option 1: Dial or text 911 • Option 2: Dial the HCSO nonemergency number at 713-221-6000 • Option 3: Contact Violence Prevention Services at 713-274-4877
Harris County’s nonviolent 911 response program was approved for countywide implementation by Harris County commissioners in a 3-1 vote Aug. 7. Harris County Public Health’s Community Health and Violence Prevention Services Division rst launched the Holistic Assistance Response Team or HART, in 2022 for those experiencing a social welfare crisis. HART works with the Harris County Sheri’s Oce and dispatches unarmed rst responder teams trained in behavioral health and on- scene medical assistance to nonviolent 911 calls, public health ocials said. The approved expansion will reach all district jurisdictions by the end of the year, HCPH Interim Executive Director Leah Barton said.
HART new coverage areas HART’s coverage areas follow Harris County Sheri’s Oce district boundaries.
Current HART coverage areas
Expanded HART coverage areas
District 5
District 1
District 2
45
59
1960
290
HART cases initiated in 2025
99 TOLL
90
10
22.3%: Housing 15.9%: Behavioral and mental health 11.7%: Transportation 50.1%: Other
10
6
Total cases: 1,195
610
45
HART sta are trained social service and health professionals who respond to nonviolent 911 calls.
District 4
District 3
N
COURTESY HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTHCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY MELISSA ENAJE
Harris County weighs service cuts in budget
Sorting out details
Proposed FY 202526 service cuts
$47 million: Unspent federal funds + several county department funds $25 million: Hiring freeze $20 million: Renegotiated and consolidated technology contracts $11 million: Elimination of vacant county department positions
Preliminary budget revenue is $2.7 billion, according to the county budget oce, an increase from the approved FY 2024-25 $2.67 billion budget. Expenditures in the next year are estimated to be at least $2.95 billion, an increase from $2.69 billion last scal year. Community members from Harris County Precinct 3 oered feedback on tax dollar spending priorities during a July budget town hall meeting led by Ramos and Commissioner Tom Ramsey. Votes from community members in attendance showcased spending priorities geared toward county initiatives and organizations, including: • Law enforcement raises
Harris County commissioners are considering implementing a yearlong hiring freeze to save at least $25 million in costs to address a projected $200 million-plus shortfall in scal year 2025-26. Commissioners asked county department leaders to identify at least 10% in potential cost-saving opportunities within their current level of services. The county budget will be o cially approved Sept. 18. “It is imperative that we work within our means,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said. During the Aug. 26 Commissioners Court
SOURCE: OFFICE OF PRECINCT 4 COMMISSIONER LESLEY BRIONES COMMUNITY IMPACT
meeting, Budget Director Daniel Ramos said the three departments most impacted by personnel freezes would be the engineering o ce, information technology services and public health. County o cials said certain department roles deemed critical would be exempt, including positions within law enforcement, and the county clerk and elections o ces.
• The Harris Center for Mental Health • The Children’s Assessment Center
• Roads, bridges, community centers and parks “The demands for service, especially in the unincorporated areas, are just massive,” Ramos said.
Digging deeper
Proposed $2.7B FY 202526 budget
$1.64B: Public safety, justice $411M: County administration $204M: Commissioners Court
$102M: Engineering $47M: Harris County Public Library, Economic Equity & Opportunity $36M: Pollution Control Services $23M: Housing
Ramos said that while the county remains nancially stable, increasing costs are being accounted for in FY 2025-26 related to justice initiatives such as: • $102 million for law enforcement pay parity • $55 million for indigent defense and reducing the court case backlog • $18 million for jail population management resources
$195M: County-wide expenses, fees $107M: Public Health, Harris Center, Children’s Assessment Center
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGETCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY SARAH BRAGER
ESD9 Commissioner Cameron Dickey talks term priorities On July 31, Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 commissioners appointed Cy-Fair resident Cameron Dickey to ll a vacancy left by former Commissioner Kevin Stertzel. He was sworn in Aug. 6 and will serve until the November 2026 election. Dickey serves as president and CEO of Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union. He held several leadership positions prior to ESD9, including as a trustee for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation and an elected representative for Harris County Water Control Improvement District No. 157. Community Impact spoke with the new com- missioner about his background and goals for the district. What makes you best suited for this position? What will be the biggest knowledge gaps? Strengths, I think 30 years in balance sheet management, budgets, multimillion dollar deci- sions, needing to balance the decision for today or the following year with long-term strategy...that mostly comes from my professional background. Most recently, I served six years on the board of [WCID 157]...a tax-setting entity responsible for oodwater and rainwater detention and manage- ment...I think [WCID] has prepared me for some of [ESD9]...Another thing I bring to this position is I’ve also been somebody who reports to a board of directors...So as a board member, I’d bring an insight to the person that’s reporting to us to understand the challenges of meeting all the appe- tites of the people who are up there asking them
questions...One of the weaknesses I worry about is being a bit naive about the political environment of all of this, but I think long term there’s more people in our community that are wanting people to get things done, to do things the right way and to be kind, even when you’re forceful. ESD9 board meetings as of late have involved a lot of disagreement between commissioners. How do you plan to navigate this to best serve the district? I had the opportunity to sit and talk with all of the commissioners, administration, command sta and union president, and what I see univer- sally is well-intentioned, kind, knowledgeable people who are invested in a successful ESD9. Not one of them did I have any sense that they didn’t know what they were talking about or had ill intent. What I do observe is sometimes everyone’s look- ing at the same set of facts, and they see dierent things...What I think I can do in this case is to try to be a uniter and try to diuse emotion in the conversation while making sure people feel heard and respected...My organization’s mission state- ment is to write good into the life stories of those around us, and it really has become something I believe in so much...I think there is an ability for us to have dierent opinions,...but what I’m get- ting at is that every issue should be evaluated on its merit and the quality of information presented. What do you hope to accomplish for the district by this time next year? All you have to do is sit through the duration of one of these board meetings...to pick up on [a] restlessness and concern...We have not built the belief that we are for [the employees]...If our employees are not convinced we are for them, even when we disagree, it’s hard to provide con- sistent, predictable [and] high-quality emergency
COURTESY HARRIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT 9
services...So one of my goals over the next year is to balance how can we make sure the people who work and volunteer in the district feel like they have the tools, the equipment and the support of the board, while also understanding that doesn’t always mean agreement.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .
9212 Fry Rd., Suite 100 Cypress, TX 77433 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org
Power Your Business
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CYPRESS EDITION
Opening obstacles From the cover
What they’re saying
How it works
What’s happening?
After a year of navigating county require- ments, 21 year-old Edgar Gomez opened Son’s Bakery in June. Gomez said as a rst-time business owner he struggled to nd resources willing to provide benecial information. After leasing the space, Gomez said he soon realized it needed several required enhance- ments to pass inspections, including a grease trap, water heater and kitchen ceiling tiles. “Because of my age, it was a lot more dicult because I didn’t know where to begin,” he said. “What I didn’t know is that you needed to nd a place that already had certain things.” Established business owners expanding with new locations, such as Connie’s Frozen Custard, said they also struggle navigating busi- ness permit requirements. While business oor plans don’t have to be professionally done per county requirements, Connie’s co-owner Keri Jackman said she hired an architect to create the oor plan for a new location. She submitted the required permits to begin the site’s build-out at the new location at Towne Lake in July, and it took four weeks to complete, Jackman said. Connie’s is now awaiting re marshal inspections. “What we’re hearing is that the re marshal inspection is the one that’s hanging most people up,” she said. “So that turnaround time is supposed to be three to four weeks, but we’ve been told it can sometimes now be 12 to 16 weeks.” Meanwhile, Gomez said the re marshal inspection for Son’s Bakery was completed in a week.
Prospective business owners in Texas can follow these steps to get started:
Scott Jeansonne, director of the Environmental Public Health Division for the Harris County Public Health Department, said there were some signicant statewide changes to food safety permitting implemented during this year’s legislative session. As a result, public health ocials are updating local regulations to comply with state statutes for small businesses, dened by the U.S. Small Business Administration as any for-prot company with fewer than 50- 250 employees, depending on industry. Per Senate Bill 1008, the HCPHD and other local health departments can no longer charge higher than the state health department for a permit, Jeansonne said. Another update shared for approval with the Harris County Commissioners Court Aug. 26 includes plans to extend temporary food vendor permits from 14 days to one year. Jeansonne said House Bill 2844 requires all permits and food truck inspections to be performed by the state health department. The bill promotes regulatory consistency across the state to reduce barriers for small mobile food vendors, according to the nonprot Texas Policy Research. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Oce also made signicant updates Jan. 1 to the Harris County Fire Code to require business owners to get a permit from the Harris County Engineer’s Oce before making substantial changes.
1 Write a business plan: Outline the main purpose and value proposition. 2 Choose the location: The business location will depend on the type of business operated. Consider looking at area zoning ordinances. 3 Finance the business: There are several options to fund a business, including an owner’s own savings, bank or micro loans, federal loans and crowdfunding. 4 Register the business: Sole proprietorships and partnerships need to register and le the business name with the local county clerk’s oce. 5 Analyze tax responsibilities: The potential tax responsibilities include taxes from federal, state and local tax authorities. 6 Research required business licenses and permits: Necessary licenses, permits, certications, registrations or authorizations vary depending on the business. 7 Investigate employer requirements: If planning to employ sta, there are federal and state employer requirements.
Some of the most common business permits in Harris County include:
A sales tax permit ( No fees needed ) Fire code & operational permits from Harris County Engineering Department, including a re marshal inspection ( $300 annually ) Local health department permit required for food establishments ( $420 annually in Harris County ) Water & plumbing inspection ( varies ) Stormwater and drainage quality permits ( $500 annually )
Total small businesses vs. new business applications Total small businesses in Harris County
SOURCE: TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT
+7.5%
125,000 100,000 75,000 50,000 25,000
Notable quotes
0
“Although [delays] can be frustrating for the customer, we do understand they paid a lot of money to this company and have them put in a system that’s going to protect their investment.” TODD MITCHELL, CHIEF OF THE
“We are an enforcement agency. We do cite violations. We do issue citations, but our No. 1 goal is to educate food establishments and food establishment employees to basically prevent further violations in the
New Harris County business applications
125,000 100,000 75,000 50,000 25,000
+71.5%
foodborne health system.” SCOTT JEANSONNE, DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION FOR THE
PREVENTION REGULATORY DIVISION, HARRIS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE
0
HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
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