Webster meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Webster weighs tax rate increase, utility hikes; no final votes yet

Webster city officials this week reviewed a proposed property tax rate increase and a new utility rate ordinance, but no final decisions have been published. The City Council held a budget workshop on Aug. 11 and took up utility rates on first reading Aug. 18. A second budget workshop scheduled for Aug. 12 was cancelled. All recent meeting agendas are available, but minutes have not yet been published.

Proposed tax rate and budget

The Aug. 11 special meeting was a workshop on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and tax rate. The proposed rate is $0.37558 per $100 valuation, up from the current $0.37106. That would raise the median homestead tax bill by about $21, to an estimated $940.08, based on a median taxable value of $250,301. The no-new-revenue rate is $0.34535, which would lower the bill by about $55. The meeting was a discussion item only; no vote was scheduled. The Aug. 12 budget workshop was cancelled.

Utility rate ordinance, first reading

At its Aug. 18 meeting, the City Council was scheduled to consider a utility rate ordinance on first reading. The proposed changes include: water minimum rates up 10.8%; wastewater minimum up $2.00 (11.03%); residential volumetric water up $0.04 (0.82%); commercial volumetric water up $0.08 (1.41%); and wastewater volumetric up $0.11 (1.5%). The council also had a purchase order for $122,350.41 to Construction Masters of Houston, Inc. for a security fence at the Civic Center Complex, and a discussion on the amended General Fund balance policy, which now requires reserves equal to 50% or six months of operating expenditures. Appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustments were also on the agenda.

Economic Development Corporation budget

The Webster Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) board met Aug. 18 to consider adopting its FY 2026-27 budget of $11.8 million in revenues, including $6.37 million in sales tax and $5 million in land sales. Expenditures are budgeted at $9.04 million, with a $2.74 million fund balance increase. The budget includes $3.6 million for Project Flyway ($600,000 engineering, $3 million construction) and $738,700 for economic development initiatives at NASA Business Park, Project Flyway, and Project Gateway. Debt service is $3.35 million, with outstanding debt of $37.83 million as of Sept. 30, 2026. The board also discussed recommending changes to its composition to the City Council.

Animal Control Board

The Animal Control Board met Aug. 10 to receive the Second Quarter 2026 report and consider approval of the May 11, 2026 minutes. The agenda was otherwise routine.

Coming up

The City Council will hold a special meeting on Aug. 25. The agenda includes a closed executive session to consult with the attorney on pending litigation and to deliberate on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of the City Attorney. The council may reconvene to take action on those items. Public requests or petitions are also on the agenda.

Webster council to weigh utility rate hikes, $11.8M WEDC budget; no votes taken in past two weeks

No final decisions were made at Webster government meetings over the past two weeks, as all recent agendas were published without accompanying minutes. However, the City Council and the Webster Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) have significant votes scheduled for Aug. 18, including a utility rate increase and an $11.8 million budget.

City Council recent meetings

At its Aug. 4 agenda meeting, the council considered an ordinance to reestablish mobile food vendor zoning rules to comply with Texas House Bill 2844. The proposed rules would limit vendors to C-1 districts on private paved property. The council also reviewed contracts for site preparation at 901 Flyway Drive ($298,097.20 to ClearX, LLC), electrical work at Flyway parcels 10, 11, and 12 ($135,746.42 to Millis Equipment, LLC), a purchase order for swings and fitness equipment ($149,110.00 to Fun Abounds, Inc.), and a purchase order for Texas Avenue Park services ($72,350.22 to Greenscape Six). No votes were taken.

On Aug. 8, the council held a special meeting with a single substantive item: an executive session to deliberate on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of the Acting City Manager. The agenda noted possible action after reconvening in open session, but no minutes have been published.

An Aug. 11 special budget workshop discussed the proposed FY 2026-27 tax rate of 0.37558 per $100 valuation, up from the current 0.37106. At the proposed rate, the median homestead tax bill would rise by about $21 to $940.08, based on an estimated taxable value of $250,301. The no-new-revenue rate is 0.34535, which would lower the bill by about $55. No decisions were scheduled.

An Aug. 12 budget workshop was cancelled. The agenda would have covered the same proposed tax rate and budget.

WEDC recent meeting

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the WEDC board considered the same two contracts for Flyway site preparation and electrical work as the council. The board also received business updates on the IKEA opening at 19801 Gulf Freeway, FastSigns expansion at 512 East NASA Parkway, and new openings of Mitch’s Mattress & Furniture Warehouse, Pho 5Plus, and Saunawelt. No votes were taken.

Animal Control Board

The Animal Control Board met Aug. 10 to receive its Second Quarter Report for 2026 and consider approval of minutes from May 11, 2026. The agenda was otherwise routine.

Coming up: Aug. 18 meetings

The WEDC board will consider adopting its FY 2026-27 budget of $11.8 million in revenues, including $6.37 million in sales tax and $5 million in land sales. Expenditures are projected at $9.04 million, with a $2.74 million fund balance increase. The budget includes $3.6 million for Project Flyway engineering and construction, $738,700 for economic development initiatives, and $3.35 million in debt service. The board will also discuss recommending changes to its composition.

The City Council will hold the first reading of a utility rate ordinance that increases water and wastewater rates for most customers. Water minimum rates would rise 10.8%, wastewater minimum by $2.00 (11.03%), residential volumetric water by $0.04 (0.82%), commercial volumetric water by $0.08 (1.41%), and wastewater volumetric by $0.11 (1.5%). The council will also consider a $122,350.41 purchase order for a security fence at the Civic Center Complex, discuss the amended General Fund balance policy (requiring reserves equal to six months of operating expenditures), and make appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustments.

Both meetings are scheduled for Aug. 18. The council meeting includes an executive session on City Attorney personnel, real property, and economic development negotiations.

Webster boards to weigh mobile food vendor rules, Flyway site work

The Webster City Council and the Webster Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) have several items on their Aug. 4 agendas, including new rules for mobile food vendors, contracts for site preparation at the Flyway location, and updates on local retailers. All items are pending consideration; no decisions have been made, and minutes have not yet been published.

City Council to consider mobile food vendor rules, budget

The City Council will consider an ordinance to reestablish standards for mobile food vendors to comply with Texas House Bill 2844. The proposed zoning would limit mobile food vendors to C-1 districts on private paved property. The council will also discuss the proposed FY 2026-2027 annual budget.

Flyway site preparation contracts on both agendas

Both the City Council and the WEDC will consider two contracts for work at the Flyway location:

• A contract with ClearX, LLC for $298,097.20 for clearing and site preparation at 901 Flyway Drive.
• A contract with Millis Equipment, LLC for $135,746.42 for electrical service work at parcels 10, 11, and 12 in Flyway.

The City Council will also consider two purchase orders: $149,110.00 to Fun Abounds, Inc. for swings and fitness equipment, and $72,350.22 to Greenscape Six for Texas Avenue Park services.

Economic Development Corporation to hear business updates

The WEDC will receive updates on new and expanded retailers, including the IKEA opening at 19801 Gulf Freeway, FastSigns expansion at 512 East NASA Parkway, and new openings of Mitch’s Mattress & Furniture Warehouse, Pho 5Plus, and Saunawelt.

Closed session on City Attorney

On July 31, the City Council held a special meeting to consider a closed executive session under Texas Government Code §551.074 to discuss City Attorney appointment, evaluation, or dismissal. The meeting was scheduled to reconvene to take any action resulting from the session, but no minutes have been published.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days.

Webster Council, EDC Tackle Budget, Mobile Food Vendor Rules, and Flyway Development

Webster's City Council and Economic Development Corporation held a busy stretch of meetings in early July, with agendas covering the next city budget, proposed mobile food vendor zoning changes, and roughly $384,000 in spending contracts. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, outcomes and vote tallies are not yet confirmed in the public record.

FY26-27 Budget Direction

On July 6, the City Council held a special meeting with a single item: providing direction on budget expenditures for fiscal year 2026-2027. No dollar figures or specific program cuts were listed on the agenda. Minutes are not yet available, so it is unclear what direction council members gave.

Mobile Food Vendor Zoning

The July 7 regular council meeting included a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance amending zoning regulations for mobile food vendors under Planning Case 26P-001. The proposed changes would limit mobile food vendors to C-1 districts and set operational standards in line with new state law. Whether the ordinance passed first reading is not yet confirmed in the record.

Spending Contracts on the Table

The July 7 council agenda listed four contracts totaling $384,951:

• **$103,852** — SaaS agreement with Tyler Technologies for cloud migration
• **$54,675** — EDC cost-sharing for CenterPoint electrical switchgear serving Flyway parcels 10 and 11
• **$107,900** — Engineering contract with IDS Engineering Group for surveying and earthwork at 901 Flyway Drive
• **$118,524** — Purchase of one 2026 Starcraft Allstar wheelchair-accessible bus

Vote tallies and final approval status are not available because minutes have not been published.

Webster EDC: Hotel Purchase and Project Ivy

Also on July 7, the Webster Economic Development Corporation met to discuss expanding the Flyway area. The agenda included a Purchase and Sale Agreement with ALH Development, LLC for a full-service hotel in Flyway, and an Economic Development Agreement with a project identified as "Project Ivy" within the same area. The board also reviewed business updates on several newly opened local businesses: Sprouts Farmers Market, Slick City Action Park, and Chef's Table.

Joint Council-WEDC Meeting on Project Ivy

On July 9, the City Council and WEDC held a joint special meeting focused on the Economic Development Agreement with Project Ivy. The agenda included a closed executive session to discuss real property and economic negotiations. No details on the agreement's terms or whether it was approved appear in the available agenda materials.

What This Means for Residents

Several of these items touch directly on daily life in Webster. The mobile food vendor ordinance, if adopted, would determine where food trucks can operate and under what rules. The wheelchair-accessible bus purchase relates to public transit services. The Flyway-area agreements — including the potential hotel purchase and Project Ivy — signal continued development activity in that corridor, which could affect local business growth and property values. The budget direction session sets the stage for city spending priorities in the fiscal year that begins October 1.

Coming Up

No public meetings are listed on Webster's calendar for the next 14 days. Residents should check the city website for any newly posted agendas.

Webster Council and EDC Packed Agenda: Budget Direction, Mobile Food Vendor Zoning, Flyway Development

Webster's City Council and Economic Development Corporation held a series of meetings the week of July 6, with agendas covering the next fiscal year's budget, mobile food vendor zoning changes, and several contracts and development agreements tied to the Flyway area. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so the items below reflect what was scheduled for consideration — not confirmed outcomes.

FY26-27 Budget Direction

On July 6, the City Council held a special meeting with a single substantive item: providing direction on budget expenditures for fiscal year 2026-2027. No details on specific expenditure proposals were included in the agenda packet.

Mobile Food Vendor Zoning

The July 7 regular Council meeting included a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance amending zoning regulations for mobile food vendors under Planning Case 26P-001. The proposed amendments would limit mobile food vendors to C-1 districts and set operational standards in line with new state law. First reading is an early step in the ordinance adoption process; final passage would require additional readings.

Council Contracts and Purchases

The July 7 agenda listed four spending items totaling $384,951:

• **$103,852** — SaaS agreement with Tyler Technologies for cloud migration.
• **$54,675** — EDC cost-sharing for CenterPoint switchgear serving Flyway parcels 10 and 11.
• **$107,900** — EDC contract with IDS Engineering for surveying at 901 Flyway Drive.
• **$118,524** — Purchase of one 2026 Starcraft Allstar wheelchair-accessible bus.

Webster EDC: Hotel Purchase and Project Ivy

The Webster Economic Development Corporation met July 7 to discuss expanding the Flyway area through two major items: a Purchase and Sale Agreement with ALH Development, LLC for a full-service hotel in Flyway, and an Economic Development Agreement with a project identified as "Project Ivy" in Flyway.

The EDC agenda also included the same $107,900 IDS Engineering Group contract for earthwork services at 901 Flyway Drive and a $54,675 payment to A&I Webster Development LLC for electrical switchgear and conductors.

The board was also scheduled to review business updates on new local openings: Sprouts Farmers Market, Slick City Action Park, and Chef's Table.

Joint Council-EDC Meeting on Project Ivy

On July 9, the City Council and WEDC held a joint special meeting to discuss and potentially approve the Economic Development Agreement with Project Ivy within Flyway. The agenda included a closed executive session to discuss real property and economic negotiations.

What We Don't Know Yet

Because minutes have not been published for any of these four meetings, it is not yet possible to confirm which items were approved, whether the mobile food vendor ordinance passed first reading, or what direction Council gave on the FY26-27 budget. Vote tallies are not available. This roundup will be updated once minutes are released.

Coming Up

No upcoming meetings are listed on the town calendar for the next 14 days. Residents should check the City of Webster website for any newly scheduled meetings or agenda postings.

Webster Council to consider budget, mobile food vendor rules, and major Flyway development deals this week

The Webster City Council met June 27 for a strategic planning workshop focused on long-term goals, but no votes were taken. This week, the council and the Webster Economic Development Corporation have several consequential items on their agendas, including budget direction for the coming fiscal year, proposed zoning changes for mobile food vendors, and major development agreements for the Flyway area.

Recent Meeting

The City Council held a special strategic planning workshop on June 27 with staff, discussing long-term goals. No legislative votes or decisions were made. Minutes have not yet been published.

Upcoming: Budget Direction (July 6)

The City Council will hold a special meeting July 6 to consider and provide direction on expenditures for the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

Upcoming: City Council Regular Meeting (July 7)

The council will hold a public hearing and consider first reading of an ordinance to amend zoning regulations for mobile food vendors. The proposed change would limit them to C-1 districts and set operational standards per new state law (Planning Case 26P-001).

Several spending items are also up for a vote:

• $103,852 for a software-as-a-service agreement with Tyler Technologies for cloud migration.
• $54,675 as an EDC cost-sharing payment to CenterPoint for switchgear to serve Flyway parcels 10 and 11.
• $107,900 for an EDC contract with IDS Engineering Group for surveying and earthwork at 901 Flyway Drive.
• $118,524 to purchase one 2026 Starcraft Allstar wheelchair-accessible bus.

Upcoming: Webster EDC Meeting (July 7)

The Webster Economic Development Corporation will meet July 7 and vote on several contracts and development deals:

• A $107,900 contract with IDS Engineering Group for earthwork services at 901 Flyway Drive.
• A $54,675 payment to A&I Webster Development LLC for electrical switchgear and conductors.
• A purchase and sale agreement with ALH Development, LLC for a full-service hotel in the Flyway area.
• An economic development agreement with a project code-named "Project Ivy" in Flyway.
• The board will also receive business updates on new openings including Sprouts Farmers Market, Slick City Action Park, and Chef’s Table.

Upcoming: Joint City Council-EDC Special Meeting (July 9)

The City Council and the Webster EDC will hold a joint special meeting July 9 to discuss and potentially approve an economic development agreement for Project Ivy within Flyway. The agenda includes an executive session for real property and economic negotiations.

Coming Up

• **July 6** – City Council special meeting on FY26-27 budget direction.
• **July 7** – City Council regular meeting (mobile food vendor zoning, $384K in spending) and Webster EDC meeting (hotel purchase, Project Ivy agreement).
• **July 9** – Joint City Council-EDC special meeting on Project Ivy economic development agreement.