Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How McLennan County’s new tax rate will change your 2027 bill

You won't want to miss ProCare Injury Specialists Ribbon Cutting on the Waco Patch calendar

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Thursday August 27th Patch AM
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Hello again Waco! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How McLennan County's new tax rate will change your 2027 bill
  • Why Bellmead neighbors in Waco's water area suddenly lost their taps
  • How Waco's new food bank hub could change daily life

Also on today's calendar: ProCare Injury Specialists Ribbon Cutting and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Hot with variable clouds, with a high of 101 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Hot with a stray thunderstorm, temps: high: 99, low: 77.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 99 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. McLennan County adopts new fiscal year budget, including 4 cent increase in tax rate (kwtx.com) — McLennan County commissioners in Waco have approved a new budget that raises the property tax rate by 4 cents per $100 valuation and grants most county employees 3.7% cost-of-living raises. For a median-value homestead, that means about $123 more in county taxes this year as leaders trim some spending but say growth and rising service costs demand extra revenue.
   

2. Bellmead residents left without water as cities dispute who is responsible for service (kxxv.com) — Residents on Bud Drive in Bellmead, within Waco's water service area, have gone weeks without running water as Bellmead and the City of Waco dispute who should provide service. Waco acknowledges the area is in its CCN but lacks nearby infrastructure, leaving homeowners facing potentially steep extension costs while Bellmead insists it can't keep serving them.
   

3. Central Texas Food Bank opens its doors in Waco (kwtx.com) — A new 64,000-square-foot Central Texas Food Bank facility is now open on Gholson Road in Waco, offering an on-site market, workforce training, and prepared meals for McLennan County residents. Leaders say they've long served the region through partners, but this is their first direct community hub in Waco, and they're actively seeking local donors, volunteers, and staff to expand services.
   

4. Texas Master Naturalist annual meeting set for Oct. 22-25 in Waco (tamu.edu) — Waco will host the Texas Master Naturalist annual meeting Oct. 22–25, bringing volunteers and nature enthusiasts from across the state to town. Open to the public, the gathering offers hands-on sessions, expert-led seminars, and networking opportunities for anyone interested in conservation, with pre-event activities starting Oct. 21 and registration available online.
   

5. 10th Court of Appeals Justice Steve Smith set to retire (kwtx.com) — Justice Steve Smith is retiring Sept. 30 from the Waco-based 10th Court of Appeals, and several candidates, including McLennan County prosecutor Ryan Calvert, are seeking the governor's appointment to his seat. Smith, honored with two lifetime achievement awards, is praised by colleagues for his even-handed approach, and may continue serving occasionally as a senior justice after stepping down.
   

📸 Around Waco

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Waco

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Waco Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday August 27
  • MHS Varsity Volleyball @ Grapevine Tournament
    Midway ISD Off Campus Activities
    8:00 am
  • TIA BOY Makeups →
    Midway ISD The Center/ Library Collaborative Space,HS Library
    8:00 am
  • MHS JV Tennis @ Temple
    Midway ISD Off Campus Activities
    4:00 pm
  • MHS Varsity Football vs Leander Rouse @ UMHB
    Midway ISD Off Campus Activities
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I want to give thanks to ABC Clinic and their Outreach program.
    I'm a 68 year old and my dog is 14. I can't pick him up anymore and he can't jump into the suv . The ABC van just picked him up so he can get his… (Nextdoor Meadow Glen)
  • Hello neighbors, I hope everyone is doing well and staying cool.
    Just wanted to let you all know that y'all make this world a better place. Y'all mean something to me and to others. If your having a bad day. I got… (Nextdoor La Clede)
  • Baylor University posted a job opening for Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Governance in Waco. Apply here.
  • BoxLunch / Hot Topic posted a job opening for Part-Time Assistant Manager - Level 1 in Waco. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waco here.

Ok Waco! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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