Conroe considers new stormwater fee for drainage

**Conroe Weighs New Stormwater Fee to Tackle Decades of Drainage Challenges**

Conroe residents could soon see a new charge on their monthly utility bills as the City Council seriously considers implementing a stormwater utility fee. The proposal, aimed at funding crucial drainage improvements and ongoing maintenance, came to the forefront during the council’s April 25, 2024, workshop, where city staff presented a detailed plan to address the city’s aging infrastructure and escalating federal mandates.

For decades, discussions about adequate stormwater funding have lingered in Conroe, often resurfacing in the wake of major weather events like Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Imelda, which exposed significant vulnerabilities in the city’s drainage systems. The core idea behind the new fee is to create a dedicated, sustainable funding stream for these vital services.

Currently, Conroe allocates approximately $1 million annually from its general fund for drainage projects. However, city officials, including Administrator Paul Virgadamo and Public Works Director Norm McGuire, have stated this amount is “nowhere near adequate.” They estimate the actual need for capital projects, preventative maintenance, and regulatory compliance is closer to $5 million to $6 million per year.

“Our existing infrastructure, some of which dates back to the 1960s, is simply not designed to handle the rainfall volumes we experience today, especially with Conroe’s rapid growth,” McGuire explained during the workshop. “We’re constantly reacting to problems rather than proactively preventing them. This fee would allow us to catch up and get ahead.”

**Proposed Fee Structure and Revenue**

Under the proposal, residential properties would face a flat monthly fee, likely ranging between $5 and $10, with $7.50 being the most commonly cited figure during discussions. For commercial properties, the fee would be calculated based on the amount of “impervious cover” – surfaces like paved areas, rooftops, and other structures that prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. The initial suggestion is $7.50 per 2,500 square feet of impervious cover.

With approximately 26,000 residential accounts and Conroe encompassing about 25 square miles of impervious surface overall, this fee structure is projected to generate roughly $5.6 million annually if implemented at the $7.50 residential rate and corresponding commercial rate. This revenue, by state law, would be legally earmarked exclusively for stormwater drainage projects and maintenance, preventing its diversion for other municipal uses.

**Meeting Federal Mandates**

Beyond addressing current infrastructure deficits, the proposed fee is also a direct response to federal environmental mandates. Conroe, like many cities nationwide, operates under an EPA MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit. This permit requires specific actions for comprehensive stormwater management, including preventing pollution, controlling runoff volume, detecting illicit discharges, and implementing public education programs. Failure to meet these stringent requirements can lead to hefty fines, potentially ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars annually, an outcome the city aims to avoid.

**Council Discussion and Concerns**

During the April 25 discussion, council members expressed a mix of support and caution. Mayor Jody Czajkoski voiced concerns about potential “fee creep” over time, suggesting that any approved fee should incorporate sunset clauses or built-in review periods to ensure accountability and prevent arbitrary increases.

Councilman Harry Krolczyk emphasized the critical need for transparency, ensuring residents clearly understand what the fee covers, how their money is being spent, and the direct benefits to their neighborhoods. “We need to be able to show our citizens precisely what this fee accomplishes,” Krolczyk stated.

Conversely, Councilman Todd Yancy noted that many other rapidly growing cities, particularly in flood-prone regions of Texas, already have similar stormwater fees in place. He cited Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Bryan, and College Station as examples, underscoring that such fees are becoming a standard mechanism for funding essential drainage services. These cities often implement “cost-of-service” models to ensure their stormwater systems can cope with development and climate patterns.

**Looking Ahead**

If the council decides to move forward, a final vote on the stormwater utility fee could happen as early as mid-June or July. Should it pass, residents could see the new charge appear on their utility bills starting in October 2024.

The revenue generated would allow Conroe to tackle long-overdue projects, including the construction of new storm sewers in underserved areas, the development of additional detention ponds to manage runoff, and critical improvements to creek flows. These efforts are designed to better manage rainfall, mitigate localized flooding issues, protect property values, and ensure the city’s continued growth can be supported by resilient infrastructure.

The city is expected to host public informational meetings and provide further details on its website in the coming weeks to educate residents about the proposed fee and its implications.