La Marque Council Recap Covers Award, Events and FY27 Budget

The La Marque City Council recognized a local hero, reviewed tourism and community event recommendations, and continued work on the city’s FY27 budget and property tax rate during its Sept. 14 meeting.

The La Marque Fire Department presented the Community Life Saver Award to Ben Keith for rescuing an injured occupant from a burning vehicle after a serious crash on Aug. 28. The young man whose life was saved attended the ceremony.

The meeting also included a full-circle moment involving a firefighter who had helped save Keith’s life during a medical emergency about a year earlier.

Council discussed recommendations from the Special Events Committee for FY 2027 tourism and community events. Proposed events included Market on the Bayou, Food Truck, Farmers & Artisan Market, La Marque Bayou Fest, Kite Festival and Vendor Extravaganza, and Juneteenth Celebration.

The city also announced plans to issue an additional Request for Proposals later this fall to explore future tourism and community event opportunities.

Council held the first reading of the proposed FY27 budget, which includes operational funding, capital projects, and the FY27-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. Members also conducted the first reading of the ordinance establishing the FY27 property tax rate.

Council considered participation in a regional task force partnership with Galveston County funded through the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority. The partnership is intended to help combat motor vehicle theft and related crimes across the region.

Upcoming meetings include a Special City Council Meeting on Sept. 21 at 6 p.m., primarily focused on FY27 budget items; a FY27 Budget Meeting on Sept. 25; and a Regular City Council Meeting on Sept. 28.