Notice to Purchasers

The real property that you are about to purchase is located in Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 128 (“District”) and may be subject to district taxes.  The district may, subject to voter approval, impose taxes and issue bonds. The district may impose an unlimited rate of tax in payment of such bonds. The current tax rate levied by the District on property within the District is $0.2880 per $100 of assessed value.

Notice to Purchasers: PDF | DOC

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 128 (FBC MUD 128) will hold a public hearing on the proposed tax rate for the 2024 tax year. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024, at 8:15 a.m. at 202 Century Square Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas 77478, and will also be available via videoconference on Microsoft Teams.

Key Details About the Proposed Tax Rate

  • Proposed Tax Rate: The proposed rate for 2024 is $0.265 per $100 of value, compared to last year’s rate of $0.288 per $100, reflecting a decrease of $0.023 per $100.
  • Impact on Average Homestead: The average appraised residence homestead value has increased from $720,493 to $790,549. Consequently, taxes on the average residence homestead are expected to increase slightly from $2,075.02 to $2,094.95, resulting in an annual increase of $19.93.

Taxpayer Rights

If the proposed combined debt service, operation, and maintenance tax rate increases taxes on the average homestead by more than 3.5%, an election will be held to approve the operation and maintenance tax rate, in accordance with Section 49.23602 of the Water Code.

How to Participate and Learn More

Your participation is encouraged, as the changes in the taxable value of your property relative to others will affect your tax rate. For more details on the proposed tax rate and to access your local property tax information, visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes.

For further information regarding the hearing, please refer to the official document or contact the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

Storm Debris Removal Update from Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County’s Contractor will complete curbside debris collection throughout the Riverstone community on Saturday, August 31, 2024. For additional information, please visit the following link to Fort Bend County Debris Management.

Update from Best Trash

After August 31st, 2024, residents can contact customerservice@besttrashtexas.com with a request for a one-time special collection quote. Residents would need to include in their emailed request their District name, address, and a few pictures of their pile, which will be used by Best Trash to provide a quote for debris pickup. Once an agreement for pickup has been reached between the resident and Best Trash, Best Trash will invoice the resident and after payment is received, Best Trash will schedule the pickup which will typically be the following trash pickup day.

Update from BUGCO Pest Control as of June 26, 2024

BUGCO will fog for mosquitoes between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Monday and Thursday evenings, weather permitting and in coordination with the City’s concurrent schedule (if applicable). While this practice significantly reduces the mosquito population, it does not eliminate it.

Given the recent rains and high temperatures, conditions are highly conducive to mosquito breeding. Mosquito fogging is restricted by legal limits on the amount of chemicals that can be applied within a calendar year. If the frequency of application is increased to more than twice a week, that limit would be reached as early as September, and treatments would cease sooner than mosquito season ends. To maintain an effective mosquito control strategy throughout the year and minimize disruptions, it is essential to adhere to the current schedule and respond adaptively to environmental conditions.

For additional information and measures for mosquito control and prevention, you may visit:

Mosquito Control at Home | Mosquitoes | CDC

Preventing Mosquito Bites | Mosquitoes | CDC

Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites | US EPA

Best Trash Extends Sympathy and Provides Storm Debris Collection Guidance

Best Trash extends sympathy for all of those affected by the storm. We understand that this is a catastrophic event and that it will take some time for the County to clean up the area. Please note that storm debris is not part of the normal heavy trash collection. Our main focus will be to collect household trash. Please ensure that the storm debris is separate from your regular trash to avoid any confusion.

Regular trash and recycle will be serviced as normal going forward.

Storm Debris Removal

Due to the effects of Hurricane Beryl, Fort Bend County Road & Bridge is coordinating the collection and removal of disaster debris within Fort Bend County. Fort Bend County Road & Bridge will begin debris collection and removal beginning early next week. In order to recycle as many materials as possible, residents are asked to separate disaster debris into the following piles:

  • Construction and Demolition Materials
  • Electronic Waste
  • Household Hazardous Waste
  • White Goods
  • Vegetative materials (trees, limbs, brush, leaves, etc.)

DO NOT MIX OR PLACE NORMAL HOUSEHOLD TRASH WITH STORM DEBRIS CURBSIDE

Normal Household Trash – normal household waste, recyclables and bagged debris of any kind will not be collected with your storm debris. Please continue to follow your normal garbage removal schedule.

Please note that this operation is ONLY for disaster debris. Please do not attempt to place garbage or other household refuse with the disaster debris, as it will not be accepted, and will delay your storm debris collections. Regular trash removal services in the community will continue as scheduled.

Please place the debris piles at the curb in the public right-of-way (not in ditches) in front of your home or business as soon as possible. Please do not block any public utility such as fire hydrants, water valves, road signs, etc. If properly separated, it will be picked up by crews.

Fort Bend County | Hurricane Beryl Recovery Information

Fireworks Safety

Independence Day is synonymous with fireworks and celebration. They are a fun way to commemorate the holiday and enjoy a bit of excitement. Though awe-inspiring, fireworks can also be dangerous if not handled properly. It is important to use caution while enjoying this festivity.

As a reminder, fireworks are legal for purchase and transport in the unincorporated parts of Texas but could be restricted by your homeowners’ association, so make sure you check your deed restrictions. Further, bringing fireworks into many municipalities within Harris, Montgomery, and Fort Bend Counties can be illegal and carry heavy fines per violation, so keep that in mind when celebrating on Thursday evening and through the weekend. If you want to celebrate within the cities, be sure to check out local shows put on by professionals and save yourself the cleanup afterward!

Following the safety guidelines below will help keep you and your family safe from harm should you choose to light fireworks in the evenings. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC):

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper as this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Be sure to back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.
  • Light fireworks one at a time.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks have burned out, douse the spent device with water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
  • Be sure that fireworks are legal in your area before you buy or use them.

It is possible to enjoy fireworks while still being safe! Remember to steer clear of short fuses and suspicious packaging.

When it comes to safety, the numbers don’t lie; according to the NFPA:

  • Fireworks started an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022, including 3,504 structure fires, 887 vehicle fires, 26,492 outside fires, and 418 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated six civilian deaths, 44 civilian injuries, and $109M in direct property damage. (Note: Total may not equal sum because of rounding error.)
  • In 2022, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,200 people for fireworks-related injuries; Over half of those injuries were to the extremities (29% hands and fingers, 19% legs, 5% arms) and 35% were to the eyes or other parts of the head.
  • Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 28% of the estimated 2022 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2022 Fireworks Annual Report.

Lastly, celebratory gunfire is always illegal in Texas cities with a population greater than 100,000. The crime of illegal discharge of a firearm within city limits is a misdemeanor punishable by as much as $4,000 in fines and one year in jail. Firing a celebratory bullet that harms another person could lead to a felony charge of deadly conduct, punishable by a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years.

Any issues involving gunshots, fire- and/or medical-related emergencies should always be directed to 911.

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Be Aware: Jugging

Jugging is a term used to describe a form of scam or fraud in which individuals are targeted and robbed after leaving a bank or ATM. This criminal activity involves a group of people working together to steal cash or other valuable items from unsuspecting victims. Criminals who engage in jugging often observe their targets as they enter and exit banks or ATMs, looking for people who withdraw large amounts of cash or items from safe deposit boxes. They then follow the victim to their next destination, usually a retail store or other business, and wait for an opportunity to break into their car and steal their valuables.

One of the best ways to prevent jugging is to be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting a bank or ATM. Take note of any suspicious individuals or vehicles in the area and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, such as jewelry. If possible, use electronic banking services or credit cards to make transactions.

When leaving a bank or ATM, be sure to check your surroundings and make sure you are not being followed. If you suspect that someone is following you, call the police or go to a safe location, such as a police station or crowded area.

Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight and make sure your car is locked and windows are rolled up. If possible, park in a well-lit area with security cameras. To avoid becoming a victim of jugging, individuals should be aware of their surroundings, avoid leaving large amounts of cash or valuables in their vehicles, and take steps to protect themselves and their valuables.

If you believe you are being followed, or if you are victim of jugging, contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

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FBMUD 128 – Summer Vacation Watch

Summer is here, the kids are out of school and for many residents this means traveling for summer vacation.

As a resident of Fort Bend Municipal Utility District 128 (FB MUD 128) you have access to free vacation watches by Fort Bend Constable Precinct 4.

Residents can request a vacation watch at no cost. While away from your residence, Fort Bend Constable Precinct 4’s Office will patrol the area and keep a watchful eye on your home.

Please leave detailed information about your home such as:

  • Will you be leaving any lights on in the home?
  • Do you have any pets staying in the home?
  • Is there an alarm system and if so, will it be armed?
  • Have you authorized anyone to come into your home?
  • Are you leaving any vehicles at your home?
  • Is there a secondary contact we can reach out to in case we are unable to reach you?

To request a vacation watch from Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, click here to fill out a vacation watch form.

Please remember to update Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Office of any changes such as additional people coming to your residence or changes in date of departure or return.

Tips for the home while you’re away:

  • Inform the alarm company of your departure and make Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Office the first contact while you are away from home, as this will save valuable time in getting law enforcement to your residence.
  • Have lights on timers, as having lights on around the clock is a sign no one is home.
  • Leave a parked car in the driveway with no valuables inside.
  • Make arrangements for your pets, whether it be someone coming to your home to walk and feed them, a boarding facility, or having them stay with a trusted family member or friend.
  • Make sure your pet’s information such as ID tags, collars, and microchips are up to date and give a list of emergency contact information about your pet such as preferred veterinarian, updated shot records, and other medical information with the authorized person(s) watching your pet.
  • Finding a trusted person to house sit is one of the best ways to avoid your home looking empty.
  • Find an emergency contact that can be called in case you cannot be reached.
  • Put your mail on hold with USPS Hold Mail. This will keep your confidential information in a safe place till you return (for up to 30 days).
    https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Hold-Mail-The-Basics

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