• Home
  • Author: Esther Lum

Reducing Paperwork: Cantwell, Avalon and Dulcimer

Posted by Esther Lum
Replacing a fence or installing a gas generator? Homeowners in Cantwell Forest, Avalon Oaks and Dulcimer Woods are required to obtain permits not only from the city of Shenandoah, but also from The Woodlands Township for fences, generators and other construction activities such as pools, exterior decking and outdoor kitchens. The…
Read More

About the Sentinel

Posted by Esther Lum
Stories with insight, depth and analysis by citizen journalists “The only security of all is in a free press.” - Thomas Jefferson The Shenandoah Sentinel launched in June 2022 with a print edition and website, ShenandoahNews.com. It's the only independent news source with an exclusive focus on Shenandoah city news. The Sentinel is…
Read More

Catalytic Converter Theft

Posted by Esther Lum
Catalytic converter thefts are increasing everywhere, and Shenandoah is no exception. Since June of 2021, there have been about 80 thefts of these emission control devices within the city limits. The converters are easily removed by experienced thieves and contain precious metals like platinum and palladium which can be resold…
Read More

City officials sued for defamation

Posted by Esther Lum
Several Shenandoah council members and city personnel have been sued in their individual capacities for alleged slander and violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA). Attorney Frank Powell filed the lawsuit in Harris County on March 9, 2022, seeking an unspecified amount of monetary damages and a public apology,…
Read More

No-New-Revenue Rate Explained

Posted by Esther Lum
In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act. The  term “effective tax rate” was updated to the new term “no-new-revenue rate”. Simply stated, when a taxing entity adopts a no-new-revenue rate, it agrees it will not increase property tax (ad valorem) above what is required to…
Read More

Voter Turnout

Posted by Esther Lum
Although the number of registered voters increases yearly corresponding to the population growth, the data do not indicate a proportional increase voter turnout. It is not depicted in this chart, but there have been a few times when elections were decided by only two or three votes.Shenandoah has an election…
Read More

Shenandoah Showcase – The Bakers

Posted by Esther Lum
Photography by Rob Greer. Painting by Suzie Baker. (Shenandoah Outdoor Still Life 8X8 oil on linen panel 2022) The historic area of Shenandoah (often referred to as the “Valley”) is experiencing a revival. Seeing the great potential, established residents and new homeowners have begun to invest in this area, creating…
Read More

City Budget and Property Tax Rate

Posted by Esther Lum
On June 8, City Council approved an ordinance increasing the homestead exemption from $75,000 to $100,000 of appraised value for 65+ and disabled homeowners. Council did not engage in discussion about a proposal submitted by Alex Warmath which requested consideration of lowering the property tax rate (ad valorem) for all…
Read More

What is TOMA?

Posted by Esther Lum
The Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) is a 1967 law which is aimed at protecting the public’s right to have timely notice of government meetings and ensure public business is conducted in an open manner, with limited exceptions. TOMA includes certain rules that govern speech of citizens and council members.…
Read More