The Lead

Conroe's Proposed $4 Drainage Fee Is on Hold

Conroe City Council paused a proposal that would add a new monthly stormwater fee to utility bills.

The proposal called for most residential customers to pay about $4 per month, with the money dedicated to drainage and stormwater projects.

Instead of moving forward with a vote, council members asked city staff for more information about existing drainage conditions, the areas with the greatest problems and which projects the city would prioritize.

That doesn't mean the fee is dead. It means the city has more work to do before council decides whether residents should be charged for it.

Money Watch

Montgomery County Sets a $0.3860 Tax-Rate Ceiling

Montgomery County commissioners voted 3–2 to set a $0.3860 per $100 valuation ceiling as the county works toward its final property tax rate.

A ceiling is not the same thing as the final adopted tax rate. It establishes the highest rate commissioners can consider before the budget and tax-rate process is completed.

The final number matters because a tax rate interacts with your property's taxable value. A lower rate does not automatically mean a lower tax bill if valuations rise at the same time.

Education

Conroe ISD Approves a $769.6 Million Budget — Without Employee Raises

Conroe ISD adopted its 2026–27 budget this week, and one of the biggest points for employees is what isn't in it: a general pay raise.

District leaders have said compensation remains a major priority, but the current budget reflects the financial constraints school districts are navigating as enrollment, staffing and operating costs continue to change.

For families, the number to watch isn't only the total budget. Staffing levels, campus resources and future legislative funding decisions can all eventually affect the classroom experience.

Community Alert

The Animal Shelter Needs Foster Homes Right Now

Montgomery County Animal Shelter is asking residents to temporarily foster dogs after an air-conditioning failure affected part of the shelter.

This is one of those stories where the community can make an immediate difference. Even a short-term foster placement can help create space while the facility issue is addressed.

If you've been thinking about fostering, this is the week to reach out to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.

Eat. Sip. Support Local.

333 Bar & Grill Is Keeping a Piece of Old Montgomery Alive

One of the most interesting restaurant stories this week isn't just about what's on the menu.

333 Bar & Grill is operating from a former feed-store building on Old Highway 105 in Montgomery that dates back to the 1940s.

Instead of stripping away the building's history, the owners leaned into it — preserving the character of the space while giving it a new life.

Quick Update

Remember Last Week's $50 Million Woodlands Question?

We asked whether permanent protection from Houston annexation was worth $50 million.

This week, The Woodlands Township voted unanimously to move the agreement forward. Houston City Council, however, postponed action on its side.

So the answer is only half complete. The Woodlands has said yes. The deal still needs Houston.

Local Housing Intelligence

Jennifer's Real Estate Insight

Real estate information provided by Jennifer Jelks, Texas REALTOR® with Epique Realty LLC. License #690020. General information only.

Looking Ahead

What We're Watching

● Conroe: Watch for the drainage-fee proposal to return after council gets more information.

● The Woodlands: Houston's next move on the $50 million agreement.

● Across the county: More local budget and tax decisions as governments finalize 2026–27 numbers.

Jennifer Jelks

Publisher, The Montgomery County Brief

Texas REALTOR® | Epique Realty LLC

License #690020

Helping Montgomery County stay informed, connected and moving forward.