News Staff Wharton County homeowners will see a slight drop in their tax bills next year after a 5-0 vote by county commissioners. The property tax rate will decrease from 36.418 to 35.239 cents per $100 of value. This cut is due to increased property appraisals and $8 million in new solar farm developments, bringing in $2.7 … Read more
Charles River Laboratories has decided to sell 538 acres of land in Brazoria County, where it once planned to build a monkey quarantine facility. The decision comes after public outcry and concerns from local officials about the environmental impact and risks from hurricanes. Brazoria County Precinct 4 Commissioner David Linder expressed relief, noting opposition was … Read more
El Campo’s city council rejected a two-cent tax increase but still has options. City officials will meet tonight to discuss potential changes, with a public hearing required if they propose a new rate before Sept. 30. Without action, the rate defaults to the current 44.421 cents per $100. The tax hike is due to city … Read more
A 28-year-old woman from Louise, Shaylen McClain, was found dead near her father’s home, ending a weeks-long search. She had been missing since August 16th. Her body showed no signs of trauma, and authorities are awaiting toxicology results for further insight. The investigation remains open. McClain was identified by her tattoos, and officials confirmed no … Read more
Bay City Police are searching for a suspect involved in a robbery at AI United Insurance on Sept. 6. Around 10:13 a.m., a man reportedly pushed an employee, stole a bank bag with thousands of dollars, and fled. The suspect is described as a 5-foot-5 man with a darker complexion, wearing a black shirt. Police … Read more
The Wharton City Council has approved a bid from local company Gulf Coast A/C & Electrical Services to upgrade lighting at Wharton Regional Airport. The $9,591 bid will cover replacing 87 old fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs, including lights in hangars and maintenance areas. This is the airport’s first complete lighting overhaul since it opened in … Read more
Matagorda County narrowly missed the path of Tropical Storm Francine, now set to hit Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane. However, local officials warn that coastal areas like Matagorda, Sargent, and Palacios should brace for high tides. A voluntary evacuation was ordered due to potential storm surge and strong winds. County Judge Bobby Seiferman emphasized … Read more
El Campo City Council rejected a proposed tax increase in a 4-2 vote. Now, city staff has 19 days to find $220,000 in budget cuts from the approved $28.3 million budget. The council plans to meet again soon to discuss where the cuts will come from. Staff had suggested a tax hike to fund emergency … Read more
The Edna City Council moved forward with its new budget and tax rate, holding public hearings for a proposed $7.5 million budget and a $0.2271 tax rate. Despite no public input, the council completed the first reading of both ordinances, with the final vote set for Sept. 19. The budget includes pay raises, police staffing, … Read more
In Bay City, a memorial ceremony was held Wednesday to honor the 2,977 victims of the 9/11 attacks. Local police, firefighters, officials, and veterans gathered at First Presbyterian Church to ring the bell 2,977 times, starting at 7:46 a.m. The event continued rain or shine, with a canopy, coffee, and donuts provided. Later, local first … Read more