Waco ISD Superintendent Tiffany Spicer says she’s confident that schools such as South Waco Elementary will get out of the danger zone of a state takeover. “This is our year,” Spicer said.
Waco's draft 2027 budget raises utility rates while keeping the property tax rate steady at 75 cents per $100 valuation.
Officials say home appraisals are down slightly this year, so the average homeowner will pay $74 less in property taxes.
But monthly fees for sewer, water, solid waste and drainage etc. would cost the average homeowner $82 more per year.
Those assumptions would not necessarily hold true for renters, who typically pay utility fees but do not directly pay property tax, which is figured into rents.
The overall budget calls for $733.3 million in spending, down $30 million from last year. City leaders said they are facing steep inflation while sales tax revenue declines and property tax revenue grows only modestly.
As the Waco Police Department considers Flock surveillance cameras, residents and politicians are mounting a backlash.
City officials are exploring several options to reduce housing costs and increase density. One of them is inspired by Terrace Gardens, Waco's 111-year-old 'cottage court.'
City officials may cut library and museum hours, freeze hiring and trim $1 million from its economic development contribution to offset higher costs and stagnant revenue.
After Waco’s largest LGBTQ+ organization announced it would disband, other groups work to figure out what’s next.
Waco leaders hope to learn from the June 14 flash floods that blocked Interstate 35 and prompted several high water rescues.
Swimming in lakes and rivers can carry disease risks, including the dreaded but rare brain-eating amoeba. Here’s expert advice on how you can swim safely.
The rocket testing site has blown through its permitted groundwater allowance three years straight. McGregor, the site’s owner, says it has a plan to offset groundwater use and avoid enforcement penalties.
Local vendors and health officials are struggling to get clarity as Texas prepares to take over the food truck permitting process on July 1.
Cipher Digital has bought some 300 acres near Riesel and is seeking to connect to the state electric grid. Area residents and leaders say they remain in the dark about the details.
The $1.3 million project will slim an eight-block section of the street from four lanes to three and add bike lanes in an effort to make travel safer and smoother.
Lacy Lakeview’s hasty approach to the data center project has alienated the Waco officials who would control water service to the site. “Without the City of Waco agreeing to it, Lacy Lakeview can’t do anything out there and neither can Infrakey," State Rep. Pat Curry said. "Those guys don’t know what the hell they’re doing.”
Barefield fought off a challenge from economic development official Rachel E. Pate, while Mayor Holmes won 83% of the vote. And Lacy Lakeview elected a data center opponent.