The ordinance passed 4-1, with council member Howard Wood voting against.
The details
The ordinance applies to elected officials, municipal judges, candidates and city appointees to the Conroe Industrial Development Corp. and Local Government Corporation, along with their spouses, City Attorney Mike Garner said.
Officials must now report income sources exceeding $5,000 or 10% of their gross income, all property holdings and any business relationships—including those of their spouses or companies in which they hold ownership.
The ordinance does not require disclosures from the city’s administrative staff, including the city administrator and department directors, despite council debate on the issue.
In a statement sent to Community Impact, Wood said he believes in full transparency but voted against the ordinance for not requiring city staff to comply.
“[Thursday’s] vote for ‘personal finances disclosure and transparency’ does not include executive city staff who have direct decision-making or influence on Conroe tax dollar spend[ing],” Wood said. “I voted no. Had it included these key positions, I would’ve gladly voted yes to adopt it. ... Having all-around transparency is critical to me.”
What this means
Beginning in 2026, officials will file annual financial disclosure statements by April 30, covering the prior calendar year. Candidates for office must submit similar reports when applying for the ballot. Garner said forms are still being finalized.
According to the ordinance, disclosures must include:
- All sources of occupational income and business clients
- Real estate interests and investment holdings
- Income from interest, dividends, royalties and rents
- Stock and mutual fund names with the number of shares held
