Katy Area News Brief — September 4, 2026

City

Council moves to next steps on budget and tax rate, approves first-ever KPD police auction. Katy City Council advanced discussions on the city budget and tax rate during a recent meeting. The council also approved the city’s first-ever KPD police auction. Source

Schools

Katy ISD Board approves 2026-2027 budget, reviews proposed tax rate. The Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved the district’s budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Trustees also reviewed a proposed tax rate as part of the meeting. Source

KISD board approves new Kelsey Seybold option for employee health plan. The Katy ISD Board approved adding a new Kelsey Seybold option to the employee health plan for the 2026-2027 school year. The change expands healthcare choices available to district employees. Source

Charter schools show mixed results in TEA accountability ratings. Charter schools in the area showed mixed results in the latest Texas Education Agency accountability ratings. The results reflect varying performance across different charter campuses. Source

Fort Bend County

Ft Bend Co. enacts burn ban, Waller Co. says ‘burn with caution’. Fort Bend County has enacted a burn ban due to current conditions, while neighboring Waller County has issued a caution advisory for burning rather than a full ban. Residents in both counties are advised to follow the respective guidance. Source

Fort Bend County Fair announces The George Ranch as 2026 parade grand marshal. The Fort Bend County Fair announced The George Ranch will serve as grand marshal for the 2026 parade. The announcement is part of preparations for the upcoming fair season. Source

Public Safety

Woman dies after being thrown off motorcycle on I-10. A woman died after being thrown from her motorcycle on I-10 near Katy, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said she was driving at a high rate of speed when the motorcycle collided with the back of an 18-wheeler. Source

Development

TxDOT narrows choices to 3 possible routes for proposed Hwy. 36A expansion. TxDOT has narrowed down the potential routes for the proposed Highway 36A expansion to three options. The decision marks a step forward in the planning process for the project. Source

Governor Abbott announces $138 billion Texas transportation investment. Governor Abbott announced a $138 billion statewide transportation investment plan that includes projects within the Houston District. Details on specific local projects are part of the broader announcement. Source

Grundfos reports strong growth in first half of 2026 following Brookshire expansion. Grundfos reported strong first-half 2026 growth following its recent expansion in Brookshire. The company cited solid growth across markets and solutions, along with sustained demand for data center solutions, as key drivers of performance. Source