The Courier of Montgomery County reports that following a budget trim of millions this past August, the finance staff of the City of Conroe is making adjustments to their budget process to gain the involvement of the city council earlier in the year.
The goal, according to Finance Director Collin Boothe, is to yield more transparency for local citizens.
This past August, councilmembers cut over $2.5 million from their operating budget. They also trimmed $25 million from their capital improvement budget. They also added, however, expenditures which included $800,000 for new breathing apparatus for Conroe firefighters, $150,000 for historical preservation and $300,000 for the county’s Veteran’s Memorial Park.
The council also had to work with a less than projected property tax revenue, eventually adopting a 42.72 tax rate with a $305 million budget.
An update to their budget process includes a May 9th meeting to present to the mayor and city council a budget update and proposals for Capital Improvement Program projects. Then, on May 25, they will hold a second meeting for a council update and a presentation of the city’s operating budget.
Boothe said each department will address the council on their budget and additional needs.
On July 20, councilmembers will have their annual budget retreat.
A public hearing for the city budget is scheduled for August 24, and a hearing on the tax rate will be held on September 14. Also, on September 14, the Conroe City Council will adopt its tax rate and budget.
