Shenandoah, The Woodlands agree to discontinue police patrols

Shenandoah City Council unanimously agreed to amend an agreement with The Woodlands Township that will end Shenandoah police patrol services to the township during a Jan. 27 meeting.

According to a presentation from City Administrator Kathie Reyer, the issue had previously been discussed during a budget workshop in August.

“We are in the final year of a 10-year agreement we have with The Woodlands Township,” Reyer said. “When we started out, the county was not as well staffed up to meet the needs of the department. The township told us they feel the county is [now] adequate to meet their needs.”

The amended agreement removes the police patrol requirement from the Shenandoah Police Department, which is around 360 hours per month. The new contract will be for continued fire services from the township only.

“Talking with Chief [Troye] Dunlap, this will let us focus our resources on the city,” Reyer said.

Council Member Ron Raymaker said the amended agreement will be a win-win for both entities, as The Woodlands is receiving better service and scope from the county.

Council Member Mike McLeod added the city will not have to hire new officers due to the amount of hours the city is getting back.

The Woodlands Township also approved of the change during a Jan. 21 meeting.