Conroe Council Plans to Hire 15 Staff Amid Growing City Demands and Budget Challenges

The Conroe City Council workshop held on August 27, 2025, focused on pressing staffing needs and budgetary challenges as the city continues to grow. Key discussions highlighted the necessity of hiring additional personnel to maintain service levels amid increasing demands from the community.

City officials proposed hiring 15 full-time staff in 2027, followed by 10 in 2028, and an additional five each year thereafter. This staffing increase is deemed essential as the city has been under a hiring freeze for the past three years, resulting in a significant gap in personnel. The council noted that while some positions have been replaced, many roles remain unfilled, leading to increased workloads for existing staff.

The discussions also emphasized the need for additional firefighters due to the construction of new fire stations, specifically Fire Station No. 8 and Fire Station No. 9. With the city's population growing from approximately 87,000 three years ago to an estimated 122,222, the demand for public safety services has surged, with the fire department expecting to respond to around 85,000 calls this year alone.

Concerns were raised about the city's financial health, particularly regarding the tax rate. The council is considering a tax increase that would raise the average household's tax bill by approximately $94 annually. This increase is projected to generate an additional $5 million for the general fund, which is crucial for funding essential services like police and fire departments, as well as infrastructure improvements.

City officials highlighted the importance of acting swiftly, as upcoming changes in state law could further limit the city's ability to raise funds without voter approval. The council is at a critical juncture, needing to balance fiscal responsibility with the growing needs of a rapidly expanding community.

As the council prepares for its next meeting on September 11, officials are urging members to consider the implications of these discussions and the necessity of making informed decisions to ensure the city can adequately serve its residents in the future.