Peggy Zayler raises concerns over League City's budget and fear in community schools

Concerns over the potential implications of a new resolution regarding police oversight took center stage at the recent League City Work Session. A council member expressed fears that the resolution lacks clarity on the program's scope, particularly regarding its application to individuals already under suspicion of criminal activity. The member warned that the language could inadvertently extend the program's reach to anyone interacting with law enforcement, including crime reporters, which may foster fear and reduce community cooperation with the League City Police Department.

The council member emphasized that the real victims of such fear would be law-abiding citizens, especially those navigating the legal system without recognized status. Citing a recent incident where a significant number of students missed school following an executive order affecting protections against ICE, the member highlighted the tangible impact of fear on community engagement.

In a separate discussion, Peggy Zayler addressed the council regarding the budget, expressing gratitude for the attention given to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). She underscored the importance of local departments, particularly the library, which serves thousands of residents weekly. Zayler noted the library's recent grant successes and the potential challenges ahead, urging council members to support the library's budget amid uncertain federal funding.

As the council prepares for the final stages of the FY 2026 budget process, including a public hearing and the first reading of the budget ordinance, the discussions reflect a community grappling with the balance between public safety and the need for trust in law enforcement. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the relationship between the police and the community in the coming years.