Read on for a roundup of some of the most-read Montgomery County stories from the year.
County adopts FY 2025-26 budget, sets $0.3770 tax rate
Commissioners Court approved a $508.1 million balanced budget and set the county property tax rate at $0.3770 per $100 valuation. The plan included items such as law enforcement pay parity, added staffing, IT and cybersecurity funding, and jail-related costs.
Read the full story here.
Jail overcrowding prompts officials to weigh costly long-term fixes
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office leaders told commissioners the jail was operating at 97.9% capacity—housing 1,289 inmates—and outlined options ranging from a new jail facility to acquiring an existing facility. A consultant study was expected to review costs, location and projected needs.
Read the full story here.
Library director termination upheld after public pushback
Commissioners voted 4-1 to affirm the termination of Rhea Young as county library director after she and residents petitioned for reinstatement. The decision followed resident concerns raised at meetings about library materials, according to prior reporting.
Read the full story here.
Pauline Road Fire triggers evacuations, then return home orders
The wildfire that spread into north Montgomery County burned roughly 2,360 acres and was reported 65% contained as of the morning of March 21. County officials said evacuees who had been told to leave were later allowed to return home.
Read the full story here.
Hwy. 242 flyover funding approved in I-45 connector effort
County leaders approved a $19.1 million funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the construction of the eastbound flyover at Hwy. 242, with funding pulled from multiple accounts. The price tag reflected an increase from earlier estimates, and the project timeline pointed toward bidding and construction steps.
Read the full story here.
Judges press county to move forward on new courthouse planning
Local judges urged action, citing crowding and building limitations—saying the county had 20 judges but only 17 usable courtrooms. The existing courthouse dates to 1938, and the county previously commissioned a study on future courthouse needs.
Read the full story here.
Sheriff’s Office launches countywide night command division
Commissioners approved the creation of an overnight management structure for deputies countywide. The change was presented by newly elected Sheriff Wesley Doolittle and included funding for the night command division and related staffing and support costs.
Read the full story here.
Voters approve $480M road bond
In the May election, voters backed the $480 million road bond with unofficial results showing a 52.81%–47.19% split. County officials said the bond would support roadway investments across Montgomery County.
Read the full story here.
New rules approved for roadside vendors and solicitors in unincorporated areas
Commissioners adopted an ordinance regulating roadside activity in unincorporated parts of the county, including bans on the solicitation of money and the sale/distribution of items on public rights of way. The stated goal was improving traffic flow and safety.
Read the full story here.
Resolution follows Spring Creek Nature Center plaque removal dispute
After controversy tied to a plaque/signage issue at the Spring Creek Nature Center, commissioners approved a resolution aimed at preventing the removal of original commemorative plaques from county buildings without authorization.
Read the full story here.
