Conroe council keeps tax rate unchanged, approves 6% COLA after debate over 10% police pay plan

At a special meeting Sept. 4 at Conroe City Hall, the Conroe City Council voted to keep the city's 2025 tax rate unchanged at 0.4272 and approved a 6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all city employees after a lengthy debate over a mayoral proposal to give police officers a larger, immediate raise to reach pay parity with Montgomery County.

The council's decisions follow public remarks from pastors, residents and the Conroe Police Officers Association urging higher police pay, and a staff presentation laying out the fiscal impact of several tax-rate scenarios and pay models. The council voted 3-2 to maintain the current tax rate, and later approved a 6% COLA across the board by roll call vote (three in favor, two opposed).

Why it matters: Council members and city staff said Conroe faces competing short- and long-term fiscal pressures'including a multiyear need for new water wells, rising capital costs, debt related to recent downtown projects, and recruiting and retaining public-safety personnel. Supporters of a larger police raise said Conroe could lose experienced officers to higher-paying jurisdictions; opponents warned that raising the tax rate now would commit the city to higher ongoing costs without voter approval.

Council action and votes

Councilwoman Porter moved to keep the tax rate at 0.4272 (the city's current rate). Mayor Pro Tem Wood seconded; the motion carried on a 3-2 vote with Porter, Mayor Pro Tem Wood and Councilwoman Arthur recorded as voting in favor and Councilman Harrell and Councilman Hardman recorded as voting against. Councilmembers discussed that final adoption of any tax rate on Sept. 11 will require four votes (a…