A question for Mayor Toby Powell

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Conroe is one of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. How do you plan to accommodate the growth?

We plan to finish the construction on our roads to help with transportation and improve mobility. We are also going to start construction on a new fire station and work towards getting a water treatment plant design completed so we can service this growth.

Big decisions made in 2016

Tax rate reduced

In August, the city of Conroe lowered its property tax rate after adopting a $161.9 million operating budget. The rate was reduced from 42 cents to 41.75 cents per $100 valuation. Regardless, city officials expect an increase in property tax revenue because of population growth and increases in local property values.

League Line Road project opens

The 2.5-mile extension of League Line Road that began construction in March opened to the public Oct 17. The $11.8 million project extends the road from Frazier Street past FM 1484 to create a direct route from I-45 through the Conroe Park North industrial park to Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport.

CPD headquarters completed

Completed in mid-May, a $26.5 million police department and municipal court facility was built at 2300 Plantation Drive. The 71,000-square-foot headquarters includes the city’s municipal court.

Top issues for 2017

Creation of new MUDs to serve the north Conroe and Willis area

In December, the Conroe City Council approved the creation of two new municipal utility districts in north Conroe and Willis.  Approval from Willis City Council is needed, and, if approved, property owners within the proposed area can petition for creation of the MUD by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 

Start construction for Fire Station No. 7 and new fire training facility

In order to prepare for more residents in north Conroe, the city will began construction on its seventh fire station in mid-January. Located at the southwest corner of League Line and Longmire Roads, the $5.2 million project will take about 10 months to complete.

New plan for downtown Conroe

The council is expected to create a long-term plan to improve the city’s downtown area. Improvements include new lights and sidewalks. The 10-year plan would include the possible expansion of the nine-block area to the east of the existing downtown district.