Conroe Considers Stormwater Utility Charge

**Conroe Considers New Stormwater Fee to Tackle Aging Infrastructure, Federal Mandates**

**CONROE, TX –** Conroe residents and businesses are looking at a potential new monthly fee on their utility bills as the City Council is seriously considering implementing a dedicated stormwater utility charge. The proposed fee aims to create a sustainable funding source to address the city’s aging stormwater infrastructure and meet increasingly stringent federal environmental regulations. If approved, this would mark a significant shift in how Conroe funds the maintenance and upgrades of its extensive 350-mile stormwater system.

The initiative stems from a growing recognition of critical needs. Conroe’s existing stormwater system, much like infrastructure in many rapidly growing communities, is showing its age. Deteriorating pipes, outdated drainage designs, and inadequate capacity contribute to localized flooding during heavy rains, impacting properties and public safety. Beyond immediate infrastructure concerns, the city is also obligated to comply with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements. These mandates necessitate specific actions to manage stormwater runoff, prevent pollution, and improve overall water quality – efforts that demand consistent and substantial financial investment.

“Current funding mechanisms are simply not equitable or sustainable for the long term,” explained City Administrator Gary Scott. He highlighted that relying primarily on the city’s general fund, which is supported by property and sales taxes, is becoming increasingly difficult. This traditional approach often pits essential stormwater projects against other vital city services like public safety, parks, and libraries, making long-term planning and preventative maintenance challenging, especially with Conroe’s anticipated population and development growth.

**How the Fee Would Work**

The proposed stormwater utility charge would appear as a separate line item on monthly utility bills. The amount would be calculated based on the “impervious surface area” of a property – meaning surfaces that prevent water from soaking into the ground, such as rooftops, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks. The underlying principle is that properties with more impervious surfaces contribute more to stormwater runoff volume and pollutant loads, and therefore should contribute proportionally more to the system’s management.

For residential properties, early estimates suggest an average monthly fee somewhere between $5 to $10. Commercial properties would see varying charges depending on their unique footprint and the extent of their impervious surfaces. This model aims to create greater equity, ensuring that all who benefit from a well-maintained stormwater system, including renters and non-property owners, contribute. It also ensures that large commercial developments, which can generate substantial runoff, pay their fair share for the infrastructure necessary to manage it.

**Path to Implementation and Public Input**

The Conroe City Council officially began the process on May 23, 2024, by approving a resolution to move forward with exploring the fee’s implementation. This preliminary step paved the way for more detailed analysis and public engagement. City staff, working with consultants, are expected to present a comprehensive overview of the proposed fee, its structure, and projected revenues to the City Council during a workshop in July. Following this, a crucial public hearing is tentatively scheduled for August, providing residents and business owners a vital opportunity to voice their opinions, ask questions, and offer feedback directly to the Council.

If the proposal gains final approval after these discussions and public input, the new fee could potentially be implemented in late 2024 or early 2025.

**Regional Context and Expert Guidance**

Conroe is notably one of the larger cities in the region that has not yet adopted a dedicated stormwater fee. Nearby communities such as The Woodlands Township, College Station, Pearland, and League City have successfully implemented similar systems to fund their stormwater programs, demonstrating the widespread adoption of this funding model. These municipalities found that a dedicated fee provides a more stable, equitable, and sufficient funding source for critical infrastructure.

The city has engaged consultants from Freese & Nichols, a well-respected engineering firm with extensive experience helping other municipalities nationwide implement these types of programs. Their expertise is crucial in developing a fair, transparent, and effective fee structure tailored to Conroe’s specific needs and regulations.

Public Works Director Norman McGuire emphasized that the initiative is about more than just a new charge. “This isn’t just about paying more; it’s about providing a reliable, dedicated funding stream for essential services,” McGuire stated. “It’s about ensuring better maintenance, reducing the risk of flooding, improving water quality for our community and downstream environments, and meeting those crucial federal mandates necessary for a growing city like Conroe to thrive sustainably.”

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by attending upcoming Council meetings and the scheduled public hearing, dates for which will be officially announced on the City of Conroe website (cityofconroe.org).