La Marque posts eighth year of sales‑tax growth; officials say new revenue will fund infrastructure and public safety

Mayor Keith Bell said La Marque has recorded eight consecutive years of increased sales‑tax revenue and that collections are up roughly 15% so far this year.

"We are up 15% so far this year," Bell said, adding that sales tax gives the city options to provide relief for property owners and to invest in services. Interim City Manager J.B. Pritchett said the administration plans to use the revenue strategically rather than spending it immediately on large, visible projects.

Officials attributed part of the growth to transportation improvements and regional development tied to the I‑45 expansion and rising regional population. Bell said La Marque's growth has been incremental and driven by many smaller businesses rather than a single large retailer; he listed Chipotle, McDonald's and Raising Cane's as local examples of restaurants that contribute to the tax base.

City leaders said they plan to prioritize public‑safety and public‑works needs, including equipment upgrades and staff additions, and to invest in infrastructure needed to support larger commercial development. Pritchett said drainage projects and other utility work must precede major retail or large‑format development so the city can support new businesses when they arrive.

The council has allocated funds to restart a street maintenance unit within the public works department, officials said, and leaders emphasized a conservative approach to capital spending to ensure longer‑term sustainability.

No new bond or specific multiyear spending plan tied directly to the latest sales‑tax receipts was announced during the address.