MANVEL, TX — Privacy, growth, infrastructure and the cost of city services dominated Manvel City Council's Sept. 8 meeting.

The nearly four-hour workshop and regular session covered the FY 2026–27 budget, Flock Safety cameras, water and sewer rates, development impact fees, a proposed freestanding emergency center and changes to the city's animal ordinance.

Here are seven key takeaways.

1. Manvel Is Ending Its Flock Camera Program

Council voted 6-0 to discontinue Manvel's Flock Safety camera program following an extensive public hearing and council discussion over public safety, privacy and data use.

Officials confirmed the city currently operates 16 Flock automated license plate recognition cameras.

Police leadership defended license plate reader technology as a useful investigative tool for locating suspects, stolen vehicles and missing people, particularly when vehicles cross jurisdictional boundaries. Opponents raised concerns about privacy, data access, accountability and potential misuse.

Mayor Dan Davis ultimately made the motion directing staff to:

• Remove Flock funding from the proposed budget.

• Submit the city's 30-day termination notice.

• Cover the city-operated cameras within 24 to 48 hours.

The motion passed unanimously.

Why It Matters: Council's action ends Manvel's use of the Flock system but does not necessarily close the door on other license plate reader technology. Officials discussed potentially evaluating alternatives in the future.

2. Residential Water and Sewer Bills Could Rise About $5.50 a Month

Council unanimously advanced a utility-rate proposal that would keep residential water and wastewater base rates unchanged while increasing usage-based charges.

Under the city's preferred Option 3, staff estimates an average residential customer using about 7,500 gallons per month would pay approximately $5.50 more each month, a 4.5% increase.

That is considerably less than another option that would have produced an estimated 9.7% average residential increase.

City Manager Dan Johnson said Manvel's utility system has historically required general-fund subsidies—at times as much as $800,000 annually—and previous rate studies recommended gradually moving the utility toward paying for itself.

Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-O-23 unanimously.

Why It Matters: Residents who use less water would have more ability to limit the increase because the residential base charge stays the same while consumption charges rise.

3. Council Wants New Development to Pay More Toward Infrastructure

Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance setting Manvel's updated water and wastewater impact fees at 100% of the maximum amount supported by the city's study.

Impact fees are charged to new development to help pay for the water and wastewater infrastructure needed to serve that growth.

Council members noted that infrastructure costs have risen significantly since Manvel last addressed the fees and said they wanted to avoid shifting those costs to existing residents and utility customers.

Why It Matters: The decision reflects a clear growth-pays-for-growth approach: as Manvel adds homes and businesses, new development would contribute more toward the infrastructure required to serve it.

The ordinance still requires final approval.

4. Highway 6 Freestanding Emergency Center Moves Forward

A proposed freestanding emergency center that was denied in 2025 returned with revisions—and this time received unanimous council support on first reading.

The approximately 1.07-acre site is along Highway 6 west of AutoZone and immediately south of Bluewater Lakes. The property is already designated for commercial use, but the emergency center requires a Specific Use Permit.

Among the changes since the earlier proposal:

• Highway 6 access has now been secured.

• A 10-foot landscaped buffer has been added along the residential side.

• Updated city landscaping requirements now apply.

• Council discussed an 8-foot masonry wall or similar enhanced barrier, subject to HOA approval.

• Parking would be kept away from the rear residential fence line.

City staff recommended approval after determining the project met the city's 12 Specific Use Permit review criteria, although three nearby residents submitted written opposition.

Council approved the first reading 6-0.

Why It Matters: The proposal shows how a previously rejected project can return after addressing concerns involving traffic, lighting, noise and compatibility with nearby homes. A second reading is still required.

5. Manvel's FY 2026–27 Budget Is Set for a Sept. 21 Adoption Vote

Council scheduled Sept. 21 for consideration of the city's final FY 2026–27 budget.

The proposed budget would generate $1.85 million more in total property tax revenue than the previous year's budget, or 14.51% more overall. Of that increase, approximately $1.27 million would come from new property added to the tax roll.

That does not mean individual homeowners' tax bills are increasing 14.51%.

The city's taxpayer impact statement lists a median-valued homestead at $376,183 and a proposed tax rate of $0.560000 per $100 valuation, the same stated rate as FY 2025–26.

No residents spoke during the budget public hearing.

What Happens Next: Council is expected to consider formal budget adoption Sept. 21.

6. Stronger Dog-Tethering Rules Advance

Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance strengthening Manvel's rules for tethering dogs.

The proposed ordinance says tethering cannot be used as an animal's primary or permanent means of confinement and limits an unattended animal to no more than four hours of tethering during a 24-hour period.

Council clarified that the rule is intended to address animals routinely or permanently left tethered—not ordinary situations where an owner temporarily secures a dog outside while supervising and caring for it.

The first reading of Ordinance 2026-O-24 passed 6-0.

7. Council Recognizes a Young Author, Manvel High Alumni and Community Service

The meeting also included several community recognitions.

Council honored 9-year-old author AaRon Brooks, whose book Turbo's Big Red Switch draws from his own experiences and helps children understand and manage big emotions. Brooks told those in attendance that difficult experiences can be turned into something positive and encouraged other children to follow their dreams.

The city also recognized the Manvel High School Class of 2016 for its 10-year reunion, including the reunion planning committee. The proclamation celebrated a decade of accomplishments while invoking the familiar phrase, “Once a Maverick, Always a Maverick.”

Mayor Davis proclaimed Sept. 11 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and encouraging residents to honor the lives lost, survivors, first responders and those who have served since.

The city also proclaimed Sept. 14–20 National Diaper Awareness Week, recognizing diaper need as a health and economic issue and highlighting local efforts to help families obtain diapers and other necessities.

Also From the Meeting

Council approved an updated financial management policy, while action involving land additions to Brazoria County MUD Nos. 56 and 57 and the Meridiana PUD annual progress report was postponed until the next meeting because representatives were not present.

Two upcoming dates were also announced:

• Manvel Fall Fest — Oct. 24

• State of the City — Nov. 17 at Freedom Field

The Bottom Line

The Sept. 8 meeting touched several issues closely tied to Manvel's rapid growth: who pays for new infrastructure, how the city keeps utility services financially sustainable, how commercial development fits alongside existing neighborhoods and how local government balances public safety with privacy.

Several measures—including utility rates, impact fees, the Highway 6 emergency center and dog-tethering changes—still require final approval.

The Flock camera decision was different: council gave staff immediate direction to begin ending Manvel's participation in the program.

The 288 Insider will continue following these items as they return to City Council.