[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6474326,"mediaKeyId","5742143-d674d552ab6ca9bac61e339c5a298ced","parentId",5742143,"title","Council approves consent agenda including dredging agreement for Quail Cove retention area","audioSeconds",111,"startMs",6726000,"endMs",6837000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742143-d674d552ab6ca9bac61e339c5a298ced&start=6726&end=6837","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742143-d674d552ab6ca9bac61e339c5a298ced/thumbnail_6726000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6474326/Texas/Council-approves-consent-agenda-including-dredging-agreement-for-Quail-Cove-retention-area","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474326-25eefa2b46cc633221a2a7325801f809/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437673&Signature=SLZbypOmwdjckb0E-ks4cJ-UaYdx10yOqfTepFTwLBUA-g4mqAY7UputwgPv73vCvXceiyp~Rs4pfuNiIsgFESSjbAX85N~4CaAf~IopIsJ-W7dSgnhtMehkeHmr6NLRBDZqErxm9gcc7GKdgsF8jERMq1u3NyQBsXZAZDEql19rvCTVnLwJiwqlZhJYqtD67a~jhtdzsgjW1UDCXXLCt89L2Pn7dZvaOJzL8t3vl~BVeagAS3H5qzPTdHyPQNjNuflJNq0CItuG8gnKjn6kp8Vn9jpSttp7snDgJtCoV03GZb20lk092Kjv5M7MdnDVZoBj7iL5ioTEAY~wLURwQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Highlands","date","2025-09-09T00:00:00Z","article","By unanimous voice vote (7-0), the Highland Village City Council approved the consent agenda on Sept. 9, which included three items taken together: approval of minutes from the Aug. 26 regular meeting; Resolution 2025-53-207 (as listed on the agenda) authorizing an agreement with Stage 3 Separation LLC for dredging of Quail Cove and the Walmart retention/detention facility project; and receipt of the budget reports for the period ending July 31, 2025.

City staff said each consent item was available for council review and that any council member could have removed an item for separate consideration; no items were removed.

Why it matters: the dredging resolution authorizes a contractor agreement for stormwater/retention facility maintenance that supports local drainage infrastructure; the budget report provides routine oversight information.

Council action: councilmember Feaster moved to approve items 10–12; the motion was seconded and passed 7-0.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Highlands - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved consent agenda items including minutes, a resolution authorizing a dredging agreement with Stage 3 Separation LLC for Quail Cove and Walmart retention detention facility, and receipt of monthly budget reports.","taxTitle","Highlands City Council, Highlands, Harris County, Texas","taxId",72997,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6474331,"Highland Village adopts FY2025–26 budget; council conducts first read of tax ordinance",1293,7352000,8645000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742143-d674d552ab6ca9bac61e339c5a298ced&start=7352&end=8645","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742143-d674d552ab6ca9bac61e339c5a298ced/thumbnail_7352000.jpg","/articles/6474331/Texas/Highland-Village-adopts-FY202526-budget-council-conducts-first-read-of-tax-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474331-d5d7ceff3bcfc4e5bb0dd652c518ca05/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437673&Signature=mhLmbrx-gUirUduxw~hEHwb5ZkPyHmVwToExpgCvo0ZlrQLO5-sdvgSnBaTsi1pHfN-jyD9Pkm4es~kSB4hNKHfj8~g~KCtRAPIBMULJMPnm8vPaasvrb29qQ8bwxk5S60LHqEjFG6aWFtyZEmsCjE598PpuAAj9r40JNoWfeIN5g0Uk5rwJVS1qWQ~PhtuGBYHUTDmL~Q4V1s4WQfORTvtN4llIALFsBW~DFwg5l3iDLZ3zvYdT1GbNNBV5xTgX5q4aAvTI6Qe3UL6KH5cYxBtcFoMf3h7Bnd63zTw3YobgtGvIco1fRlslCI~UjmWuxUFQIenKma3Wzb22UuH66A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highland Village City Council on Sept. 9 adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget on a unanimous record vote and held a first reading — also approved unanimously — of an ordinance levying ad valorem taxes at a rate of 0.500984 per $100 of assessed valuation.

City staff presented the manager’s recommended budget and opened a public hearing; no members of the public spoke during the hearing. Staff said local assessed valuations increased 4.2% this year to just over $3.5 billion, which staff said translates to approximately $760,000 in additional revenue. The proposed tax rate on the agenda was 0.500984, compared with the prior year rate of 0.500273.

Key budget highlights presented by staff included a 3% salary increase for all employees, two additional outdoor warning sirens for the fire department and new wildland response gear, a new drone program and additional cameras for the police department (partly financed with tax notes), a hot-mix asphalt repair vehicle for streets, and new programming funds for teen recreation. Staff also provided utility-fund revenue estimates and said the general fund’s estimated unassigned fund balance for FY2026 is about 32% (above the city’s 20–25% target) while noting planned deficit spending of roughly $2.2 million that would draw down reserves.

Councilmember comments focused on fiscal outlook and the need for future restraint; one council member asked staff to gather options to address a localized safety concern at Village Parkway and Marketplace (accident data was cited). After presentation and public hearing, Councilmember Cox moved to approve Ordinance 2025-13-30 adopting the FY2025–26 budget; the motion was seconded and passed on a record vote of 7-0. The council then approved on first read Ordinance 2025-13-31 to levy the ad valorem tax rate (0.500984) by the same 7-0 margin.

Why it matters: the adopted budget sets city spending priorities and departmental staffing and capital purchase plans for the coming year, and the tax ordinance establishes the levy that will fund city services. Staff flagged that future years will be more challenging due to slower sales tax growth and other pressures.

Council action and next steps: the budget ordinance was adopted (record vote 7-0). The tax ordinance was approved on first reading with specific statutory language required when a proposed rate raises revenue above the no-new-revenue rate; staff explained the motion included that required language. A second reading of the tax ordinance will be required before final adoption per state law.","Council adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget on a unanimous record vote and held the first read of the tax ordinance that would set the ad valorem tax rate at 0.500984; staff presented budget highlights including a 3% employee pay increase, additions to public safety and street equipment, and an estimated 32% fund balance for FY2026.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6474336,"Council approves Magnolia Village preliminary plat, questions tree removals and retaining walls",773,7272000,8045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742143-d674d552ab6ca9bac61e339c5a298ced&start=7272&end=8045","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742143-d674d552ab6ca9bac61e339c5a298ced/thumbnail_7272000.jpg","/articles/6474336/Texas/Council-approves-Magnolia-Village-preliminary-plat-questions-tree-removals-and-retaining-walls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474336-363e408a954dcc8160e412c6702aff1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437673&Signature=dKs6XNQ1IAaIFWan01rBC5ULG0rOEtCrlPGVP9VwW-mUvh6jq4MXa7yAQA1P0Jqbbpl~Uuk-gYv7IzX~12HVC4~KJ4PJSjxQ5XNpnnMUTs4i2N8VQfPzuFDBeNJbibNVU1V0CuswWSS0Fr2iXShiDhEbTaA3IcTkwAMAQrMWXoYRqs-MGTJTU53IK7Idba-t99aYyeBbxZEvaa6C3sJWS28p-t8rqIyuLsVHQiQXyvikX0mDjKYvF0DlvnuFgJd0C-zYwHQ7xj61ll9JEr4A6nRASaYPussHpYm5Aq5GL8rTXCOgriRVklodIKNMRAI3yxQ20TYJVjaqO3EK~nQJFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highland Village City Council on Sept. 9 approved a preliminary plat and tree plan for Magnolia Village, a proposed 25-patio-home development on about 4.364 acres at 102 Barnett Boulevard.

City planner Mr. Christen told the council the application, submitted by DJB Development LLC, proposes 25 single-family patio homes, sidewalks within the development, and sidewalk construction along Barnett Boulevard. The plan calls for each lot to receive a minimum of two 4-inch-caliber magnolia trees. City staff reviewed the application for compliance with local ordinance standards and sent the plan to council following a unanimous Planning & Zoning recommendation.

Councilmembers asked for clarification about the tree protection schedule after noticing several trees marked as \"protected\" on the submitted tree plan that were nevertheless slated for removal. Christen said a tree shown as protected remains protected unless located within a proposed easement, retaining wall area, lot foundation footprint, or public right of way. He explained several of the protected trees identified for removal appear to fall within the footprint of proposed retaining walls or drainage easements and that excavation for those improvements would likely disturb roots sufficiently to require removal.

Council also confirmed the internal pavement width for Huckleberry, Pinion Pine and Bridal would be 31 feet (back-to-back). After discussion, Councilmember Feaster moved to approve the preliminary plat; the motion was seconded and carried 7-0.

Why it matters: the plat changes the zoning-approved development pattern for the site and includes tree-replacement provisions and public-right-of-way improvements that will affect neighboring properties, sidewalks, and local drainage.

Council action and conditions: council approved the preliminary plat and tree plan on a unanimous vote. City staff and the developer will proceed with final engineering and permitting in accordance with the approved plat and tree-protection map.","Highland Village Council approved a 25-lot patio-home preliminary plat for a 4.364-acre tract on Barnett Boulevard but heard questions about protected trees and retaining walls that will require excavation and likely removal of some trees.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6474342,"Highland Village approves $7.08 million certificates of obligation after competitive bid",457,6808000,7265000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742143-d674d552ab6ca9bac61e339c5a298ced&start=6808&end=7265","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742143-d674d552ab6ca9bac61e339c5a298ced/thumbnail_6808000.jpg","/articles/6474342/Texas/Highland-Village-approves-708-million-certificates-of-obligation-after-competitive-bid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474342-62630e0c1954d0f455d24541be1d974b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437673&Signature=Dn8a6RVN8HwQJwVJ8bPjYz4BgAJDfY89dPxYEnyUo9z5et9BcVBuguMaozXJsfxljY-61m1IJqeGF34D4yOeY6FyVoFqnqrapKxhFx~i4LlHo8qoOlyZEneJte09VNVZGtKrU2Id0P6EcuIxz1zV02jIpvJ1PjHm9SBtsfqnIgC2Xlk9i0Nk4sqvjY1Nt1kdGn1znaQZA3sBvRL6eOMuBoBGeq7j7W9qJMNbQn5AskBdvtoiM8DgVwVU3RnRwVjYmhpHkZ5t9KY48RhCvv1R0Y7squo65QTDYWbvymfwRwj~zJ0Zwp2GxXhyTtttSbNVlS0D7E4sxyReYmj6MzZvUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highland Village City Council on Sept. 9 voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation totaling roughly $7,075,000 to fund reconstruction of Highland Shores Boulevard and Highland Village Road.

City staff presented results from a public competitive bid that produced a true interest cost of 4.01% for the 20-year, fixed-rate certificates. Amber Chen of Hilltop Securities, the city's financing adviser, told the council the city retained its AAA rating from Standard & Poor's and that the low bid came from Raymond James. Chen said the total principal-plus-interest over 20 years is roughly $11.3 million, which she translated to an average annual payment of about $586,000.

The presentation noted a principal/issue-value figure of $4,130,000 and an overall issuance amount of approximately $7,075,000 toward the two street projects; Chen also said the final numbers were materially better than the numbers the council budgeted earlier in the year. \"The city was again affirmed with credit rating AAA by Standard and Poor's,\" Chen said. \"We recommend going with the lowest interest cost, which comes from Raymond James.\" Andre Ayala, described in the meeting as the city's financial advisor, attended and was available for questions.

The ordinance (listed in the meeting as Ordinance 2025-13-29) was moved and seconded on the floor and carried on a 7-0 voice vote. The council was told, if adopted, the closing and funding would occur on Sept. 25.

Why it matters: the certificates will provide near-term funding for two roadway reconstruction projects that were previously discussed during the budget process. The fixed-rate debt and the city's AAA rating were presented as factors that reduced debt service costs below what staff had budgeted earlier this year.

Council action and next steps: the council approved the ordinance authorizing issuance of the certificates on a unanimous vote. Staff said the city will proceed to closing on Sept. 25 and then apply the proceeds toward the two street projects identified in the package.","The Highland Village City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance authorizing the issuance of combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation to fund two street reconstruction projects after receiving competitive bids that produced a 4.01% true interest cost.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves consent agenda including dredging agreement for Quail Cove retention area

Highland Village adopts FY2025–26 budget; council conducts first read of tax ordinance

Council approves Magnolia Village preliminary plat, questions tree removals and retaining walls

Highland Village approves $7.08 million certificates of obligation after competitive bid