Meetings

The Shenandoah City Council meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 29955 I-45 N.

Terms and compensation

Shenandoah City Council members and mayor serve two year terms. City council members earn $409.09 per meeting while the mayor earns $545.45 per meeting.

Big decisions made in 2012

• De-annexing from ESD 4 — The Shenandoah City Council made a significant public safety change by separating from Emergency Services District No. 4 and entering into an agreement with The Woodlands. Not only did the decision reduce response times, improve coverage and increase the number of apparatuses, but it decreased the ESD taxes on residents and businesses.
• Lower tax rate approved — Shenandoah lowered its property tax rate by a full cent in 2012 from 32.37 cents to 31.37 cents per $100 valuation.

Top issues for 2013

• Transportation projects on the horizon — Shenandoah could have several transportation projects to consider in 2013, including flyovers of Hwy. 242 and Research Forest Drive at I-45. The city also has a plan to build Pine Forest Drive, an estimated $500,000 project just off of Vision Park Blvd., which should begin construction in 2013.
• Renovation, economic development projects — The city plans to make improvements to its water line along Grogan's Mill Road, as well as possibly make pool and park renovations in 2013. Construction will also begin on the Vision Park office development in 2013, consisting of four medical and professional office buildings off of Vision Park Blvd.