By George Slaughter Katy boosters are always quick to promote their community as a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Now, for the second time in three years, a financial advisor website says Katy is also a great place to retire. In fact, this year the website said Katy is the best place to retire in Texas. Ben Geier, who wrote the article for the SmartAsset.com website, said several factors were considered […]
City of Katy
Council Reconfirms Harris as Mayor Pro Tem
By George Slaughter The Katy City Council Monday reconfirmed Council Member-at-Large Chris Harris to serve as mayor pro tem. Harris, a U.S. Justice Department analyst, was first elected to the council in 2018 and reelected last year. Mayor Bill Hastings nominated Harris upon his election in 2019. The mayor appoints the mayor pro tem, who serves in the mayor’s absence, but the appointment must be approved by the council. Ward A Council Member Dan Smith […]
New HCC Campus to Open in 2022 on Colonial Parkway, Near UH-Katy Campus
By George Slaughter Houston Community College President Dr. Zachary Hodges provided the Katy City Council with an update Monday on the college’s plans to relocate its Katy campus further west, closer to the city itself. The new location will be at 22910 Colonial Parkway, across the street from the University of Houston Katy campus. HCC planned to have the campus opened by now, but weather and pandemic challenges have pushed out the opening to next […]
Smith, Hicks Sworn in as Katy City Council Members
By George Slaughter Katy City Council Members Dan Smith and Gina Hicks were sworn into office Wednesday at City Hall. Smith was elected to a Ward A council seat, and Hicks was elected to a Ward B council seat. Their terms expire in May 2024. Katy Municipal Judge Jeffrey Brashear performed the swearing-in ceremony. Smith, a territory senior manager, defeated Diane Walker, who works as a virtual assistant. He drew 446 votes, or 72%, to […]
Council Tasks Advisory Board with Making Animal Control Department Recommendations
By George Slaughter The Katy City Council Monday tabled a proposed $7,000 pilot program intended for providing animal vaccinations upon intake, choosing instead to await best practice recommendations from its new animal control advisory council. The vote to table came after both a recommendation from Mayor Bill Hastings and a contentious council discussion. Mayors in Katy do not vote on council agenda items. Hastings said he has never spoken either in favor or against a […]
City Appoints Parker Fire Chief
By George Slaughter The Katy City Council Monday appointed Kenneth Parker as permanent fire chief. Parker had served as interim fire chief since last October, when former chief Russell “Rusty” Wilson took a similar position with the Mesquite Fire Department. “I’m excited,” Parker said in an interview. “I have been here in Katy and seen the growth. I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to be chief for this city.” Parker said his […]
City Adopts Water Leak Adjustment Policy to Give Customer Refunds for Overcharges
By George Slaughter The Katy City Council Monday adopted a policy that enables city water customers get their water bills adjusted during the recent winter storms, when many Texans found themselves with burst water pipes. In addition, the city will waive late fee penalties for all city water customers for February 14-March 15. The policy goes into effect immediately. According to the policy, an adjustment will happen when the usage for a water meter for […]
State Bill, if Passed, Would Enable City to Expand Magnolia Cemetery
By George Slaughter The City of Katy is supporting a bill, now before the Texas Legislature, that would enable the expansion of Magnolia Cemetery, 6801 Franz Road. “H.B. 1910 would have a direct impact on the City of Katy by allowing it to, by ordinance, authorize the establishment or use of a cemetery within the boundaries of the city upon application by a nonprofit organization,” wrote Katie Rutherford, an attorney, in a briefing paper to […]
Council Hears Updates on Animal Control, Downtown Plaza
By George Slaughter Katy city leaders Monday heard a presentation on several proposed changes to the Katy Animal Control Department, which has been the subject of recent public and social media scrutiny for its animal control practices. The police department oversees the animal control department. At Monday’s Katy City Council meeting, Police Chief Noe Diaz presented an overview of department activities and changes going forward. The most significant of these changes is the creation of […]
City Extends Disaster Declaration
By George Slaughter Katy city residents affected by last month’s winter storm can apply for federal funding thanks to a declaration of disaster issued last week. On Monday, the Katy City Council extended that declaration so those who wish to apply for that funding have more time to do so. The extension lasts until the council votes to terminate the declaration. Citizens affected by the storm can apply for disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov. They can also […]