Former Conroe mayor Webb Melder passed his gavel to Mayor Toby Powell July 6 during an induction ceremony at city hall. Powell and City Council Place 1 councilman Duane Ham were sworn in to their respective positions during a special city council meeting. The two officials were elected into office after a runoff election June 25. The officials join the city leadership as the city begins its annual budget planning process. Powell said he plans to meet with city staff to help implement their vision for the city. “Our first course of action is our 2016-17 budget,” Powell said. “Then I want to make sure that I get each department head and see what their vision is and go forward with that. My main concern is of course the safety and security of our citizens—it is first and foremost.” Duane Ham sworn in to Conroe City Council Place 1 seat July 6.[/caption] Ham said he would like to provide financial reprieve for city residents through the budgeting process, but would also like to address concerns about high water rates during his term. “We are going to see how we can save the citizens of Conroe some money, I think that is a great start,” Ham said. “We are also going to start tackling the water issues. We have high water rates across Montgomery County and the city of Conroe. We need to make sure that our infrastructure is right and see if we can give the residents a break.” Powell and Ham will serve four-year terms, and their positions will be up for election in 2020, officials said.