Pokémon Day!
Calling all Trainers! We’re celebrating 30 years of Pokémon at the Orange Public Library!
News Flash
City of Orange News
16
news
items
-
-
Newsletter: February
Check out what's happening at the Orange Public Library this month!
-
STS Industrial
STS Industrial, Inc. is a major supplier of industrial fasteners, pipe, valves, fittings, gaskets, and cutting tools, serving the construction, manufacturing, refinery, and oil & gas industries. The company plans to renovate the previously vacant McCoy’s building, located on IH-10 W., with an estimated $3 million investment in land, infrastructure, and building upgrades, helping to develop the IH-10 corridor.
The City of Orange EDC Board of Directors and the Orange City Council approved a $200,000 EDC incentive with STS Industrial for eligible infrastructure improvements for the purpose of economic development. Project Manager Blake Habetz said, “The City of Orange has been welcoming and business-friendly, and their support and responsiveness have made this a smooth process and a great partnership.”
The City of Orange welcomes STS Industrial and looks forward to their anticipated opening in the spring or summer of 2026!
-
Cypresswood FlexPark
Cypresswood FlexPark, managed by ITEX Group, will be a flex warehouse and business park offering adaptable units that combine office, warehouse, and light commercial uses. Located at Hwy 87 and SH 105, the project has an estimated $9 million capital investment, with Phase 1 constructing 13 buildings and Phase 2 adding 12 more, for a total of 25 buildings upon completion.
The City of Orange EDC Board of Directors and the Orange City Council approved a $200,000 EDC incentive with ITEX Group to support eligible infrastructure improvements for economic development. Chris Akbari of ITEX Group commented, "We are extremely excited to continue our partnership with the City of Orange and EDC to bring further development to Orange with our FlexPark at Cypresswood project. It will be a great addition to the community bringing additional jobs to the city."
The City of Orange welcomes Cypresswood FlexPark and looks forward to updates as the project progresses!
-
Orange, Texas 311
This online and mobile service request system that makes it easy for residents to request service and report non-emergency issues directly to the City of Orange.
-
Envision Orange 2050
Take the survey today to share your input and help guide the future of Orange!
-
Humane Educators of Texas
Humane Educators of Texas recognizes Animal Control Officers as skilled professionals who serve their communities on animal-related issues. 🐾🐶👮
Through interactive, CEU-accredited courses, the organization promotes learning, collaboration, and stronger connections between animal control, law enforcement, and the communities they serve. These classes are designed for animal control officers, law enforcement personnel, and anyone in animal welfare seeking to expand their skills and knowledge.
City of Orange Animal Control will host the following classes at the Central Fire Station (501 N 7th Street) on April 20–24, 2026:
🐾 April 20–21: Basic ACO – 16 hrs🐾 April 22: Compassion Fatigue – 8 hrs🐾 April 23–24: Dangerous Dogs – 16 hrs
Register today at http://www.humaneeducatorsoftexas.com/register
-
Swift Water Rescue Training
The City of Orange Fire Department partnered with the Sabine River Authority (SRA) to conduct a Swift Water Rescue Technician course, held on SRA canal property for an ideal setting for realistic, hands-on water rescue scenarios.
The training was facilitated by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), a recognized leader in emergency response education. Firefighters from across the state, including participants from Port Arthur, McAllen, and the Dallas/Fort Worth area, came together to strengthen their skills in swift water rescue operations.
This multi-agency training enhances regional preparedness for flood and water-related emergencies, ensuring that first responders are equipped with the expertise to conduct safe and effective rescues in hazardous, fast-moving water conditions.
Thank you to the Orange Fire Department, the Sabine River Authority, and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service for providing a realistic training environment that is critical to maintaining readiness and safety. Special thanks to all the firefighters and emergency responders who participated in this vital training to ensure they’re prepared for any emergency situation.
-
Congratulations, Rookies!
The City of Orange and the Orange Fire Department would like to congratulate our dedicated firefighters on reaching the one-year milestone in their firefighting careers!
Mayor Spears and Chief Bilbo recently honored these firefighters at a city council meeting, recognizing their hard work and commitment throughout their rookie year. They endured extensive training tailored to the Orange Fire Department and the City of Orange, covering everything from rules and regulations and standard operating procedures to mastering the department’s full range of apparatus and equipment, and becoming thoroughly familiar with the locations of streets, addresses, and over 800 fire hydrants across the city. These individuals underwent extensive physical and technical training, ensuring they have the skills and abilities to handle even the most demanding fire and EMS incidents effectively.
After successfully completing their one-year probationary period, Chief Bilbo presented them with badges for their helmets signifying their official position as firefighters for the City of Orange Fire Department.
Join us in thanking these firefighters for their hard work and dedication to keeping our community safe!
Pictured L to R: Mayor Larry Spears Jr., Lance Hodgkinson, Jacob McFarland, and Chief Bilbo
-
Public Protection Classification
After a recent audit by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, we’re proud to announce the City of Orange Fire Department has retained its Class 2/2X Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating!
This achievement places Orange among the top fire protection communities in the nation — only a small percentage of cities earn a Class 2 or better! 🚒👏
The PPC rating, evaluated by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), measures key factors such as:
💧 Water supply🚨 Emergency communications🧑🚒 Staffing, training & equipment🚒 Pre-fire planning
What this means for our community:
📈 Confidence that your Fire Department meets high national standards💵 Potential for lower insurance premiums🧯 Continued investment in public safety and fire protection
Thank you to the City Council and supporting agencies for their cooperation in maintaining this level of protection! Property owners are encouraged to check with their insurance provider to see if this classification benefits their policy. 🧑🚒🚒🔥
-
Adopted Annual Budget for FY 2026
View the Adopted Annual Budget for FY 2026
-
Notice of Adopted 2025 Tax Rate
Notice of Adopted 2025 Tax Rate
The City of Orange, Texas adopted a tax rate that will raise less taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's tax rate.
The tax rate will effectively be lowered by 3.83 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $31.39.
-
Public Service Announcement: CDBG-DR
Public Service Announcement
The City of Orange has received a Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-DR) contract under the Texas General Land Office (GLO) Resilient Communities Program. The City will comply with the Civil Rights requirements of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act and the Fair Housing Law and ensure that equal opportunities are afforded to all persons and that no person shall be excluded or denied program benefits on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. City of Orange has established policies, plans and resolutions for the following:
- Equal Opportunity
- Section 504 Non-Discrimination Provisions
- Section 3 Policy
- Fair Housing
- Affirmative Action
- Excessive Force Policy
- Citizen Participation Plan
Policy of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of DisabilityThe City of Orange does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or employment in, its federally assisted programs or activities. Larry Spears, Jr., Mayor has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) regulations implementing Section 504 (24 CFR Part 8).
Citizen Participation & Grievance Procedures NoticeThe City of Orange has adopted complaint and grievance procedures regarding its Texas General Land Office Community Development Block Grant Programs (GLO-CDBG). Citizens may obtain a copy of these written procedures at City Hall, 812 N. 16th Street, Orange, Texas 77630, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Citizens may also request the procedures be mailed to them by calling Larry Spears, Jr., Mayor, at 409-883-1081. These procedures outline the steps for a citizen to follow if s/he wishes to file a complaint or grievance about CDBG activities.
A person who has a complaint or grievance about any services or activities with respect to the CDBG project, may during regular business hours submit such complaint or grievance, in writing to the Mayor, at 812 N. 16th Street, Orange, Texas 77630 or may call 409-883-1081. The City of Orange will make every effort to respond fully to such complaints within fifteen (15) working days where practicable.
Public Service Announcement: Fair Housing, It's the LawTo promote fair housing practices, the City of Orange encourages potential homeowners and renters to be aware of their rights under the National Fair Housing Law. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin in the sale or rental of units in the housing market.
For more information on fair housing or to report possible fair housing discrimination, call the Texas Workforce Commission at (888) 452-4778 or (512) 463-2642 TTY: 512-371-7473.
-
Utility Rate Adjustments
Notice of Utility Bill Adjustments
Residents may notice a slight change in their upcoming utility bills. This is due in part to several key adjustments:
- Winter Averages: Annual adjustments based on winter consumption may impact monthly charges.
- Increased Watering: With seasonal changes, many households are using more water, contributing to a small increase.
- Sanitation Costs: Waste Management fees have increased.
- Water Costs: The base cost of water has gone up slightly.
To help clarify these changes, please review the example provided below comparing base bills from before and after the rate implementation.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to maintain quality services for the community.
-
Register for STAN
STAN, the Southeast Texas Alerting Network, is a messaging and notification system that keeps the communities of Southeast Texas informed about emergencies and other important events in the area. Through STAN, industrial companies and emergency management officials can notify you about emergencies, industry, or weather events occurring in Southeast Texas.
STAN has been upgraded and previous accounts registered before September 15, 2023 are now inactive and will need to re-register on the new system.
Register now for the new and improved STAN at www.thestan.com!
-
Property Floodplain Information
Forerunner makes it easy to learn about the flood-related risk for a property, and the potential insurance compliance requirements associated with it.
Police News
2
news
items
-
Important Phone Numbers
Keeping important contact phone numbers on hand can be extremely beneficial in situations requiring immediate communication.
Essential numbers for the City of Orange include:
- Emergency: 9-1-1
- Non-Emergency Police: 409-883-1026
- Customer Service: 409-883-1081
- Animal Shelter: 409-883-1056
- Code Enforcement: 409-883-1070
- Economic Development: 409-883-1010
- Explore Orange CVB: 409-883-1011
- Human Resources: 409-883-1030
- Library: 409-883-1086
- Planning & Zoning: 409-883-1034
- Public Works: 409-883-1900
- Recreation Center: 409-883-1072
View the complete City Directory here: https://orangetexas.gov/directory.aspx
-
Register for STAN
STAN, the Southeast Texas Alerting Network, is a messaging and notification system that keeps the communities of Southeast Texas informed about emergencies and other important events in the area. Through STAN, industrial companies and emergency management officials can notify you about emergencies, industry, or weather events occurring in Southeast Texas.
STAN has been upgraded and previous accounts registered before September 15, 2023 are now inactive and will need to re-register on the new system.
Register now for the new and improved STAN at www.thestan.com!