By George Slaughter Katy City Administrator Byron Hebert described the city’s proposed $32 million budget Friday as a good one that also provides for a decrease in property taxes. Proposed revenues are $32.2 million, which is a $3.7 million, or 13% increase, from last year’s budget. Of this, officials expect that $10.8 million will come in property tax revenue, which is an estimated $1.7 million, or 19% increase, from last year. The proposed property tax rate […]
Articles
Police Arrest, Charge Three Katy Men with Burglary of a Motor Vehicle
By George Slaughter Katy Police have charged three Katy men—Oscar Resendez, 23, Rodolfo Gonzalez, 23, and Marco Hernandez, 20—each with two counts of burglary of a motor vehicle. At about 2:20 a.m. Monday, a Willow Creek Farms subdivision resident contacted Katy Police and said that he saw two people who appeared to be checking door handles on his vehicle parked in his driveway. Police responded to the call and conducted a traffic stop on a […]
State, Insurance Officials Salute City’s Class 1 Insurance rating
By George Slaughter State and insurance officials Monday honored the City of Katy for achieving a Class 1/1X ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating, which Katy officials expect will help local homeowners and businesses save money on insurance thanks to improved fire protection. Jesse Williams, a public protection classification officer with the state fire marshal’s office, and Hugh Gibson, ISO community hazard mitigation manager, presented the plaques to Mayor Bill Hastings and Wilson on behalf of […]
Police Charge Katy Man with Firearm Theft
By George Slaughter A 20-year-old Katy man has been charged with firearm theft, a felony under state law. Katy Police arrested George Leon of Katy in the early morning hours of July 11 on an unrelated charge in the 2500 block of Avenue D. Police said at the time of his arrest, Leon was dressed in dark clothing and found to be in possession of burglary tools, gloves, and a ski mask that he tossed […]
Katy City and Area Residents Encouraged to Enroll in Alert Notification System
By George Slaughter Katy city and area residents and businesses are being encouraged to enroll in an automated alert notification system that will send emergency and official city information through email, text, and voicemail messages. Residents can enroll through the emergency notification page on the city’s website, cityofkaty.com. With this new system, city officials can post weather alerts for area flood advisories and warnings, flash flood warnings and watches, and flood advisories and warnings. The […]
Katy Pathways Working with City on New Walkway Project
By George Slaughter A local group is promoting a plan that, if implemented, could change how people get around Katy. City officials are looking into the plan. The local group, Katy Pathways, is proposing that the city build a lighted walkway along Cane Island Creek between VFW Park, 6202 George Bush Dr., to Thomas Park, 5919 Fourth St., and extending to the First Street bridge. The overall project calls for the development of walkways and […]
Operation Back 2 School Event Distributes Supplies to Title 1 Elementary Students
By George Slaughter Compassion Katy held its Operation Back 2 School distribution event Saturday at the Leonard E. Merrell Center, 6301 S. Stadium Dr. Title 1 schools are those with the highest concentrations of student poverty. Students received backpacks, supplies, and other resources. Thanks to donors, sponsors, and volunteers, students at 17 Title 1 elementary schools in the Katy Independent School District will have the supplies they need to begin the school year on the […]
Texas Department of Transportation Sponsors Driver Safety Campaign Stop in Katy
By George Slaughter The Texas Department of Transportation is sponsoring a campaign that reminds drivers to buckle up, watch for construction zones, and watch how fast they’re going. Amadeo Garcia, a lead ambassador for the Drive Safe Texas campaign, said all the information is meant to remind drivers to drive safely. The Drive Safe Texas roadshow booth was situated in the parking lot at Buc-ee’s, 27700 Katy Freeway. Visitors to the booth watched videos, took […]
Compassion Katy Hosts Operation Back 2 School for KISD Title 1 Elementary Students
By George Slaughter Students attending Katy Independent School District Title 1 elementary schools will receive backpacks, school supplies, and other resources Saturday thanks to Compassion Katy’s third annual Operation Back 2 School program. Opening ceremonies for the Operation Back 2 School distribution event are set for 7:45 a.m. Saturday at the Leonard E. Merrill Center, 6301 S. Stadium Lane. Actual distribution begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m. Supplies will be delivered to […]
Stage II Water Restrictions in Effect for City of Katy
By George Slaughter Katy city residents and businesses are being asked to conserve water following the city’s implementation of Stage II water restrictions. The restrictions come in response to continued high temperatures and relatively little or no rainfall in recent days. Citizens are asked to intensify their efforts to keep water from running off into streets, drains, or ditches. They are also asked to repair water leaks as needed and reduce watering for lawns and […]