Pearland - Friendswood Edition | October 2023

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Pearland Friendswood Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 OCT. 17NOV. 10, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

‘Success is not free’ Friendswood, Pearland ISDs propose higher tax rates to close budget gaps

INSIDE

Higher pay for teachers, including this Pearland ISD elementary school teacher, is part of the plan if voters pass voter-approval tax rate elections for both PISD and Friendswood ISD. It would also mean less savings on tax bills for property owners but would allow each district to forgo potential cuts to programming.

COURTESY PEARLAND ISD

Also in this issue

Impacts: Kolache Shoppe opens in Pearland (Page 6)

Transporation: Toll rate change a potential for Hwy. 288 (Page 12)

Voter Guide: See the propositions on the ballot (Page 13)

Government: New city manager prioritizes nances (Page 18)

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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

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Impacts

MCHARD RD.

SHADOW CREEK

MCHARD RD.

288

Pearland

521

W. BROAD WAY S T .

3 7

WALNUT ST.

518

AGNOLIA PKWY.

Friendswood

BAILEY A V E .

MCKEEVER RD.

Anlgeton

2351

274

MORRIS AVE.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Manvel

• Opened Aug. 17 • 1507 W. Bay Area Blvd., Ste. A, Webster • www.donutdistillery.com 3 Floyd’s 99 Barbershop The barbershop at the Eastfield at Baybrook development offers haircuts for men, women and children; hair colorings; shaves; and waxings. • Opened early October • 144 El Dorado Blvd., Ste. 220, Webster • www.floydsbarbershop.com 4 AutoMate Garage Boat & RV Storage The new vehicle storage facility will offer month-to- month leases for large, covered and enclosed vehicle storage units. It features an air-conditioned lounge

equipped with Wi-Fi services and a restroom. • Opening mid-October, after press time

Now open

• 4500 FM 2351, Friendswood • www.automateboatrv.com

1 Advocate4me The patient advocacy service can schedule doctor’s appointments, attend appointments with clients, educate patients on their diagnosis and appeal

Coming soon

insurance denials. • Opened in August • 5205 Broadway St., Ste. 911, Pearland • www.advocate4me.com

5 Texas A&M Space Institute Texas A&M University announced it will build a $200 million space facility next to NASA’s Johnson Space Center to support mission training, research, robotics, and work on moon and Mars exploration. • Opening TBD • 2101 E. NASA Parkway, Houston • www.tamu.edu

2 Donut Distillery In addition to doughnuts and alcohol, the Nashville- based shop serves coffee, regular drinks and ice cream.

• BIG STORAGE

UNITS, COVERED & ENCLOSED

• AMENITIES & SERVICES • NEW CLASS A FACILITY

OPEN NOW! 1-855-648-6283 (MATE)

WWW.AGBRV.COM

4500 FM 2351, FRIENDSWOOD, TX 77546

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Now open

6 Eskimo Hut Guests can enjoy daiquiris to go, Jello shots and other frozen treats at the franchise’s first Pearland location. Established in 1996, Eskimo Hut opened its first location in Amarillo before opening locations nationwide, including several in the Houston area. • Opened Sept. 2 • 1909 N. Main St., Pearland • www.eskimohut.com

9 Kolache Shoppe Owners Lucy and Randy Hines along with franchisees Cecilia and Luís Rey opened a location in Pearland’s Broadway Plaza shopping center. In addition to coffee, the bakery offers kolaches with two dozen sweet, savory and breakfast-style fillings and

monthly specials. • Opened in early September • 11940 Broadway St., Ste. 170, Pearland • www.kolacheshoppe.com

7 One Medical The primary care center will open a new clinic in the Eastfield at Baybrook in Webster. Officials did not provide an opening date by press time. • Opening TBD • 144 El Dorado Blvd., Webster • www.onemedical.com 8 Spanish Schoolhouse Founded in 1999, Spanish Schoolhouse is Texas’ largest Spanish immersion preschool program. On Oct. 17, the school will host a free, public bilingual story time at the Friendswood Public Library at 10 a.m. • Opening in October • 501 S. Friendswood Drive, Ste. 125, Friendswood • www.spanishschoolhouse.com

store’s remodel with a ribbon-cutting July 21. The remodel includes new apparel, an enhanced checkout experience, more parking, and an improved online

Relocations

pickup and delivery section. • 1919 N. Main St., Pearland • www.walmart.com

10 Brazoria County Courthouse A new county administration building that relocated from 111 E. Locust St., Angleton, has opened in Brazoria County. The new site connects to the county courthouse. • Relocated Oct. 12

12 Space Center Houston The museum in September confirmed the authenticity of the lectern used by President John F. Kennedy to deliver his moon speech at Rice University. The lectern is now back on display. • 1601 E. NASA Parkway, Houston • www.spacecenter.org

• 237 E. Locust St., Angleton • www.brazoriacountytx.gov

In the news

11 Walmart Walmart celebrated the completion of the Pearland

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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Education

Alvin ISD approves lowered tax rate

FISD campus leaders give 2023-24 plans Personalized learning, empowering teachers and goal-setting are some of what district officials within Friendswood ISD are doing to help students and teachers in the 2023-24 school year. Campus officials for each school within FISD laid out their plans for the new school year at the board of trustees’ Sept. 11 meeting. Elementary schools’ staff will focus on personalized learning and assessments, while Friendswood Junior High officials will emphasize emotional learning as a key part of students’ academics, with a major theme being “kindness,” officials said. At Friendswood High School, officials will create ways for students to explore what interests them, Principal Mark Griffon said.

year’s rate, according to district documents. A home valued at $286,730 in 2022 that has an assessed value of $315,403 in 2023 will see its tax bill reduced by $831, Associate Superintendent Daniel Combs said. AISD’s tax rate in June was projected at $1.2977— down by $0.08 from last year—but due to recent state legislation, it is now being compressed further. What else? AISD officials in June adopted the district’s FY 2023-24 budget, which increased by $20 million from last year, according to district documents.

For the second year in a row, Alvin ISD will have a lowered tax rate. The overview Alvin ISD’s board of trustees at its Sept. 12 meet- ing approved a new tax rate for fiscal year 2023-24 at $1.1923 per $100 valuation—$0.1854 lower than last

Alvin ISD tax rate Alvin ISD officials lowered the district’s tax rate for the second year in a row. A home valued at $286,730 in 2022 that has an assessed value of $315,403 in 2023 will see its tax bill reduced by $831.

$1.5

$0.5

Fiscal year

SOURCE: ALVIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY JAMES T. NORMAN

AISD works toward HB 3 safety requirements Alvin ISD’s board of trustees approved an exception for the district to a new state bill that is intended to increase safety on Texas school campuses, citing lack of funding and staff. The gist That new bill, House Bill 3, requires at least one armed security officer to be on all cam- puses during school hours, according to district documents. While officials work to meet the requirement, district documents lay out a temporary safety plan, which for 2023-24 includes: • Eight authorized officers providing services to 22 elementary and auxiliary campuses • Breaking the district’s schools into 14 different sectors, meaning an officer will be responsible for no more than two campuses

PISD approves new personnel Pearland ISD’s board of trustees approved a list of new personnel to meet the district’s growing needs, which include rising pre- kindergarten numbers and transportation needs. The new positions, according to district documents, include: • Two prekindergarten classroom aides • Five bus drivers • One assistant director of food services The total cost of these eight positions is expected to come in at a little less than $290,000 annually, according to district documents. The board also voted to add one school resource officer sergeant and 10 rotating police officers to the district’s schools.

AISD’s new plan compared Alvin ISD officials has tried to meet the standard laid out in the new bill for five years, but lack of funds and staffing have not allowed for it yet. Their new plan, compared to last year, will include:

3 officers at each high school; this will remain the same as last year.

1 officer at each junior high school; this will remain the same but be supplemented with more officers.

1 officer at every two elementary schools; officers traditionally have been in charge of 2-4 schools.

2 officers to cover RISE Academy, ADAPT school and the administration offices; this used to be 1 officer.

SOURCE: ALVIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Pearland Independent School District is proudly home to 21,100 students who are welcomed every day at our 23 campuses and empowered to thrive. In Pearland ISD, students develop their unique gifts and are supported by more than 2,700 full-time employees who maintain student success and well-being as their sole purpose. In partnership with the community, families and students, Pearland ISD prepares all learners to achieve their highest potential. Pearland ISD ABOUT

WHAT IS A VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE ELECTION?

If a school district adopts a maintenance & operations (M&O) tax rate that exceeds the maximum amount allowed by the state, a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) must be held to seek voter approval. This year’s tax rate is the lowest in at least 30 years.

Last Five Years Actual & Proposed Tax Rate

27.83¢ Decrease in Five Years

$1.4156

$1.6000 $1.4000 $1.2000 $1.0000 $0.8000 $0.6000 $0.4000 $0.2000 $0.0000

$1.3956

$1.3185

$1.3152

$1.3027

$1.1373

M&O I&S

$0.8929

$0.9700

$0.9196

$0.9546

$1.0600

$0.7892

$0.3556

$0.4256

$0.3956

$0.3481

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

3 cents VATRE Passed

9 cents VATRE Passed

PEARLAND ISD TAX RATE

Passage of Pearland ISD’s VATRE by the voters will decrease the total tax rate by 16.54 cents , for a total rate of $1.1373 . Approval of this tax rate would generate $11.2 million in additional funds for Pearland ISD.

If the VATRE does not pass, the tax rate will decrease by 25.54 cents , for a total rate of $1.0473 . No additional funding will be generated for Pearland ISD.

Content Provided by Pearland Independent School District

IMPACT ON TAXPAYERS

+10%

n 2022 Taxable Value $300,00 n Homested Exemption $40,000 n Tax Rate $1.3027

n 2023 Taxable Value $330,00 n Homested Exemption $100,000 (if Prop 4 passes) n Tax Rate $1.1373

2022 Tax Due $3,387

2022 Tax Due $2,616

2023 Tax Due $2,409

For

Against

Residents who are receiving a disability or an OVER-65 homestead exemption will not see an increase above their tax ceiling with the passage of the VATRE.

ELECTION DATES

REVENUE PER STUDENT* The district’s revenue per student is $2,542 lower than the State average:

$12,504 State Average

$9,962 Pearland ISD

$11,799 Peer Districts Average

Last Day to Register to Vote: OCT 10

Early Voting: OCT 23 - NOV 3

Election Day: NOV 7

$53.9 million less funding than state average

$38.9 million less funding than peer district average

*Based on 2023 Efficiency Audit conducted by Whitley Penn, LLP.

WHAT WILL THE BALLOT SAY? The November ballot will ask voters to ratify the total tax rate, including the I&S (debt service tax rate), not just the M&O rate. The ballot language is set by state law and may lead voters to think the district is raising taxes, when in fact the overall tax rate is decreasing by 16.54 cents.

The ballot will read as follows: “Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.1373 in the Pearland Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of -11.29 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional -$9,390,248.”

AGAINST: • Reduces the tax rate by 25.54 cents, for a total tax rate of $1.0473 • Does not generate any additional funding

FOR: • Reduces the tax rate by 16.54 cents , for a total tax rate of $1.1373 • Adds $11.2 million to Pearland ISD Operating Budget • Supports Increased Staff Compensation

• Improves District Infrastructure • Supports Student Programs • Helps Build Pearland Proud

www.pearlandisd.org/VATRE

Transportation

Election

BY RACHEL LELAND

BY JAKE MAGEE

Voter Guide

Toll rate change a potential for Hwy. 288

Rising toll rates Toll rates have risen annually since the Hwy. 288 toll roads opened in 2020. These are the rates for a two- axle vehicle from the CR 58 gantry to the McHard Road gantry.

2023

Since opening in 2020, the toll road rates for Brazoria County’s section of Hwy. 288 have risen twice, and it’s possible they may rise again. The gist The Hwy. 288 toll lanes were opened in 2020 to allow drivers to bypass traffic congestion during peak hours. The last time the Brazoria County Toll Road Authority increased rates was Jan. 1, when the rates were raised for the two gantries—where drivers are charged for using the express lanes—to between $2.80 and $14, depending on the number of vehicle axles. At its lowest rate, drivers are charged $1.06 at the CR 58 gantry and $1.74 at the McHard Road gantry—a $0.15 jump from the toll in the previous year. Brazoria County engineer Matt Hanks could not confirm if rates will change in January, when the agency normally sets its annual rates, but he said the BCTRA board of directors will likely discuss its

toll policy in November. Quote of note

Dates to know

Sample ballot

Friendswood ISD polling locations

Pearland resident Freddy Garza said his regular commute to the Galleria one way costs roughly $5 to $6, which is more than he’s willing to pay. Now, he takes the regular lane, which he said adds about 10 minutes to his commute. “I was just really surprised at how quickly the rates have gone up and how high they seem to be compared to other toll roads in Houston,” said Garza, who began taking the toll road in 2020. One more thing While Blueridge Transportation Group sets the toll policy for the section of Hwy. 288 in Harris County as part of a 50-year partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, tolls for the portion of the highway that runs through Brazoria County are managed by the Brazoria County Toll Road Authority.

Toll rates

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Polling locations vary between early voting and Election Day. Early voting times vary, but Election Day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide. Early voting/Election Day First Baptist Friendswood 202 Heritage Drive, Room 56, Friendswood Village on the Park 400 E. Parkwood Drive, town hall, Friendswood The Harbor 2821 W. Parkwood Ave., Room 2, Friendswood

+56%

Friendswood ISD Voters will be able to cast ballots in favor of or opposed to a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE. If approved, the property tax rate would be $1.08 per $100 valuation; if rejected, the tax rate would be $1.0224. The 2022 tax rate was $1.2094. Pearland ISD Voters will be able to cast ballots in favor of or opposed to a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE. If approved, the property tax rate would be $1.1373 per $100 valuation; if rejected, the tax rate would be $1.0473. The 2022 tax rate was $1.3027. There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more at www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

Where to vote

Friendswood ISD residents can vote at any of three polling locations within Friendswood city limits during early voting or on Election Day. Pearland ISD residents can vote at any polling location in the county in which they reside—Brazoria County or Harris County—during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.myfisd.com/ explore-fisd/vatre, www.brazoriacountyclerktx.gov or www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.

2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCES: FRIENDSWOOD ISD, PEARLAND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: BRAZORIA COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SHADOW CREEK 11023 Shadow Creek Pkwy (281) 977-1027

PEARLAND 10555 Pearland Pkwy (713) 987-9205

ALMEDA 11130 Gulf Fwy (713) 910-3941

FRIENDSWOOD 3126 FM 528 (281) 648-5473

From the cover

Friendswood, Pearland ISDs propose higher tax rates to close budget gaps

How we got here

The overview

would do what they said they were going to do,” PISD trustee Crystal Carbone said. “We need the state to fill the gaps.” Roher said typically FISD plans for “some infla- tionary factors,” but with both districts’ student populations staying stagnant, budgets are tighter than normal. “FISD runs tight anyways,” Roher said. “We did away with several positions and absorbed things we could, but it doesn’t help you cut the budget.”

Across Texas, school districts are wrestling with rising costs tied to inflation that, in some esti- mations, are up 18% in the past couple of years, Berger said. The state not increasing the amount of money given to school districts for each enrolled student, which has sat at $6,160 since 2019, has also played a role in both districts’ budgets coming up short, Berger and FISD Superintendent Thad Roher said. “I had a lot of hopes that our legislative body

Friendswood ISD and Pearland ISD are facing shortfalls of $3.65 million and $12.7 million in their respective budgets, and officials seek voters’ help to close the gap. Both districts are set to have voter-approval tax rate elections, or VATREs, on Nov. 7, which could add millions of dollars to each district’s budget. If voters approve the VATREs, the additional property tax revenue will close much of the expected shortfalls and bring in more money for day- to-day operations. They will also allow both districts to give additional raises to teachers and employees, but that means less savings on property owners’ tax bills. “We love celebrating success, but success is not free,” PISD Superintendent Larry Berger said at a June meeting. If voters reject the measures, district officials will have to look for other ways to shore up their budgets, which could mean cuts to a variety of programs, officials said.

Pearland ISD

Friendswood ISD

Expense

Year-over-year cost increase

Expense

Year-over-year cost increase

New student technology devices

$6.8M

Facilities acquisition and construction

$2.7M

Property insurance $1.2M Salaries $3.23M

Maintenance

$840,150 $207,464 $345,080

Security

Debt services

Total

$11.23M

Total

$4.09M

SOURCES: FRIENDSWOOD ISD, PEARLAND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The options

Budget breakdown

FISD has budgeted for the potential changes while PISD did not in its final budget, which was approved in June, leading to different final numbers. Without the VATRE, both districts will have to consider programming cuts and letting some posi- tions go unfilled, they said. More than 80% of both FISD and PISD’s budgets are spent on personnel. “Long term, we cannot continue to have a budget deficit of $12 million,” Berger said. “If VATRE doesn’t pass, we’ll have to make some tough decisions.”

If the VATREs are approved, it would give both districts more flexibility in future months as they contemplate employee raises. Those shortfalls for fiscal year 2023-24 budgets, depending on later action after November’s election, could look like: • A $3.9 million total shortfall for PISD after new teacher raises • A $2.45 million total shortfall for FISD after new teacher raises

Friendswood ISD

Pearland ISD

With VATRE

$2.45M shortfall

$1.5M shortfall

$3.65M shortfall Without VATRE

$12.7M shortfall Without VATRE

SOURCES: PEARLAND ISD, FRIENDSWOOD ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

Trying to stay competitive Neither Friendswood ISD or Pearland ISD have the highest-paid teachers in the south Houston area. PISD compared to other districts is more competitive. FISD lags behind nearly every district in its area.

Also of note

Looking ahead

The ballot language can be confusing, Berger and Carbone said, as it implies an increase despite being an overall decrease from last year. The ballot will include a “for” and “against” option, with the languages for each district reading as follows:

Both school districts have tied further teacher and employee raises to the results of either the VATRE or state action. PISD’s board of trustees in June approved a 2% pay increase for all employees and teachers. Later that same month, trustees approved a second potential raise tied to either state action or the VATRE. That raise could be up to: • 2% for teachers • 2% for most other staff and equity adjustments • 1% for administrators FISD trustees in July approved a 1.5% increase for all employees. That was paired with a one- time conditional 2% increase for teachers and nonteacher professionals, which will depend on state action or if the VATRE passes, Roher said. “It all ties back to us being able to give teach- ers that incentive to keep teaching our students,” Carbone said.

Starting salary

Maximum salary

$75K

Pearland ISD $60.5K

$75K

Alvin ISD $62.7K

Ballot language

$74.9K

$57.7K

Friendswood ISD

1 Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.08 in Friendswood Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of -13.46 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional -$3,822,337. 2 Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.1373 in the Pearland Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of -11.29 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional -$9,390,248.

Clear Creek ISD $60.6K

$87.8K

$68.8K

Santa Fe ISD $59.5K

Galveston ISD $57K

$68.3K

$30K $60K

$90K

SOURCES: ALVIN ISD, CLEAR CREEK ISD, FRIENDSWOOD ISD, GALVESTON ISD, PEARLAND ISD, SANTA FE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What it means

The breakdown

Key

VATRE No VATRE

Dating back to 2019, tax bills have gone up steadily for FISD, but fluctuated for PISD tax payers. However, homeowners can expect to see a decrease in 2023 due to tax rates being compressed. These tax bills are based on average home values for the district that respective year. The 2023 tax bills are projections.

NOTE: IN FISD WITHOUT THE VATRE, THE TAX RATE WOULD BE $1.0224. THE VATRE TAX RATE IS $0.1294 DOWN FROM LAST YEAR’S RATE. IN PISD WITHOUT THE VATRE, THE TAX RATE WOULD BE $1.0473. THE VATRE TAX RATE IS $0.1654 DOWN FROM LAST YEAR’S RATE. 1 FISD voters will vote for or against tax rate of $1.08 per $100 valuation. If approved it will bring in $1.2 million. 2 PISD voters will vote for or against a tax rate of $1.1373 per $100 valuation. If approved it will bring in $11.2 million.

Pearland ISD tax bills

Friendswood ISD tax bills

$6K

$4K

$2K

SOURCES: FRIENDSWOOD ISD, PEARLAND ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

2022 2023 2023

2021

2021 2022 2023 2023

SOURCES: FRIENDSWOOD ISD, PEARLAND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & RACHEL LELAND

Pearland adopts fiscal year 2023-24 budget, water rate increase Pearland approved its fiscal year 2023-24 bal- anced budget Sept. 25, with a tax rate of $0.6554 per $100 property valuation. The details City Council voted 6-1 to approve the final reading of the tax rate, which marks a more than $0.06 decrease over the past four years. The $114 million budget includes a 1% increase in expenditures over FY 2022-23. The increase includes market-competitive raises for the city’s 907 employ- ees, capital improvement projects and public safety programs, according to agenda documents. The budget also includes a 14% water rate increase, which would set the average household back an additional $12.40 per month, according to agenda documents. This increase is driven by

Voters to decide $2.5B Harris health bond In November, Harris County voters will have to decide whether to fund a $2.5 billion expansion of the Harris Health System. What you need to know If approved, the improvements are projected to cost the owner of a $300,000 property about $6 more per month in taxes. The bond would fund replacing Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital; expanding the capacity of Ben Taub Hospital; and creating new clinics in precincts 2, 3 and 4. By the numbers In one year, HHS serves: • 854,313 clinic visits

Pearland tax rate This year’s tax rate is a 5% increase over last year’s rate of $0.623765 per $100 valuation.

$114 million total budget

14%

water rate increase

$0.6554 tax rate per $100 valuation

SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

public water infrastructure projects, such as the $175 million Surface Water Treatment Plant, which officials hope will be operational by January. Those opposed Council Member Alex Kamkar, who voted against the budget, said he felt the city should do more to give homeowners relief by increasing the home- stead exemption rate as nearby Alvin has done. City Council will discuss its homestead exemp- tion rate at the Oct. 23 meeting.

• 147,496 emergency room visits • 193,727 telehealth clinic visits

Friendswood City Council passes tax rate increase In fiscal year 2023-24, Friendswood homeowners will pay a tax rate that is 2.7% higher than last year. The gist

Friendswood tax rates The following property tax rates are per $100 valuation.

The tax rate increase will provide an estimated $25 million in property taxes for operations and maintenance as well as interest and sinking funds that service voter-approved general obligation bonds, City Manager Morad Kabiri said. One more thing This year’s no-new-revenue tax rate is $0.463141 per $100 valuation.

$0.6

$0.5

On Sept. 11, Friendswood City Council voted to ratify a tax rate of $0.5007 per $100 valuation. In FY 2019-20, City Council adopted the city’s lowest property tax rate of $0.487314, which the city maintained until this year.

$0.4

2018- 19

2019- 20

2020- 21

2021- 22

2022- 23

2023- 24

SOURCE: CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

you need to know about your community in 5 MINUTES

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM�NEWSLETTER

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RACHEL LELAND

Pearland to tap new water resource

By the numbers

Data shows Pearland’s water demand has risen along with the 15.41% population increase between 2016-21. Annual gallons of water used

Pearland’s water demand has risen with the population increase. Adding the third source of water will go a long way to safeguard the city’s water reserves, especially during drought, Director of Utilities David Sohns said. The city can process 34 million gallons of water per day. When the Surface Water Treatment Plant becomes operational in January, that number will climb to 44 million gallons, which will reduce impacts to the city’s water sources.

Pearland officials have water on their minds as the city continues to grow. The city relies on 10 local wells and water sourced from the Trinity River Basin, but by the end of the year, Pearland officials hope to access water from the Brazos River Basin, which will be processed through the soon- to-be-completed $175 million Surface Water Treatment Plant. Pearland saw a 15.41% population increase from 2016 to 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and data from the city shows

3.03B

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2015 2013

3.8B

4.46B

4.3B

4.6B

5.05B 5.06B

Pearland water supplies The new water treatment plant will increase Pearland’s daily millions of gallons of water produced by 29%.

4.6B

5.47B

Gallons of water produced per day Purchased water supply

SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Groundwater supply

Future supply

1.7M gal.

The bottom line

521

SHADOW CREEK PKWY.

MCHARD RD.

City officials said the Surface Water Treatment Plant will play a big role in greater water independence for Pearland. “If one of our wells were to be compromised or a motor go out ... or the drought conditions on the Trinity River were to worsen, ... then that absolutely could impact our available source water,” Sohns said.

2.1M gal.

6M gal.

10M gal.

1.7M gal.

0.9M gal.

518

1.7M gal.

WALNUT ST.

W. BROA DWAY S T .

Friendswood

2.9M gal.

10M gal.

G NOLIA PKWY.

288

1.9M gal.

1.1M gal.

1.6M gal.

BAILEY A V E .

2.8M gal.

SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Government

BY RACHEL LELAND

Over the summer, the Pearland Chamber of Commerce hosted an event supporting Epperson’s appointment as city manager.

COURTESY PEARLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

New Pearland City Manager Trent Epperson prioritizing nances In May, Trent Epperson was appointed Pearland city manager. Epperson had served as interim city manager since November, when previous City Manager Clay Pearson was red. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com. Tell us a little bit about your background and your career at the city of Pearland. [Prior to working for Pearland], I was over in Missouri City for about 7 1/2 years working in

the nance oce, as well as the engineering and public works group. I also ran their capital improvement program for several years. In 2006, I had the opportunity to join the city of Pearland and run its capital improvement group. After a few years, having both the engineering capital projects and the public works realm in my portfolio, I came into the city manager’s oce in 2015. I’ve been in the city manager’s oce since then. Tell us a little about yourself. I’ve been married for 26-plus years, and I have two grown kids that are both in dental school that we’re proud of. Outside of work, we do a fair amount of traveling, hiking and outdoors-type stu. I spend a fair amount of time at the lake as well, and my wife and I attend a fair amount of concerts every year. We just love live music.

What are your top three priorities? I think one of the top three facing us is nancial resilience, or making sure that we’ve got a good nancial plan moving forward. As well reported, we’re coming out of a tax valuation issue that occurred a year ago. It kind of got us back to square one where we are moving forward with a good sound budget and a good nancial plan. The second thing is that we always want to keep an eye towards public safety and making sure that we are vigilant and put an emphasis on that to make sure that our re, police, [emergency medical services], as well as our public works folks ... [are given] the tools and the equipment they need to make sure we’re prepared. I think the third thing is we’ve started within the last few years making sure that we’re building internal nancial capacity for the long term for our infrastructure.

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