The council also approved a $600,000 expenditure to make critical and immediate repairs to Water Well No. 21, as stated on the agenda item.
What happened
During the public hearing, the council heard comments from the Greater Houston Builders Association, developers, health care representatives and other companies that could be affected by a citywide moratorium.
“The ripple effects are real. I've already had conversations with builders and buyers, and they were hesitant,” local realtor Klaus Hernandez said. “People are worried and when that confidence starts to disappear, so do opportunities. We're not just talking about homes and builders. We're talking about livelihood, schools, small businesses, and long-term health and the local economy.”
How we got here
Discussions for a citywide moratorium began during its April 23 and 24 meetings after Norman McGuire, assistant city administrator and public works director, said constraints on water were continuing to grow, as previously reported.
Per prior reporting, Jason Miller, assistant public works director, said last April, the city was producing 15.4 million gallons a day. This year, the number has increased to 17 million, which is a million and a half more.
Staff began to raise concerns regarding the strain on the city’s water capacity last April, according to prior reporting. By the next month, officials estimated that addressing critical infrastructure needs would require approximately $50 million in funding.
Now, the city of Conroe immediately needs six water wells and will need up to 13 wells between today and 2037, with each costing around $12 million to $15 million, as previously reported.
During the May 7 meeting, Brandy Taylor, purchasing contract administrator for the city of Conroe, pointed to years of underfunding water infrastructure that had led to this moment.
According to prior reporting, a temporary development moratorium for the northern portion of the city was then enacted in August before being extended in December and again in April.
Looking ahead
The council has a one-week period from May 27 to June 3 to hold its second public hearing regarding the development moratorium, City Attorney Mike Garner said. After the second public hearing, Conroe City Council members will vote either against or for the moratorium.
Community Impact reached out to the city for further details regarding the well rehabilitation and did not hear back prior to press time.
