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Conroe Council to Discuss City Hall Changes, Cat Program

Conroe Prepares for Major Decisions on City Leadership and New Cat Ordinance

CONROE, TX – The Conroe City Council is poised to address a packed agenda this Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 6 p.m., with discussions slated to potentially reshape the city’s administrative leadership and introduce a first-of-its-kind ordinance for cats. The crucial meeting will take place in the Conroe City Hall Council Chambers, located at 300 W. Davis St.

Foremost on the agenda is an item titled “Discussion regarding the future of the City Administrator Position,” a point that directly impacts Paul Virgadamo, who has served as Conroe’s City Administrator since 2017. Virgadamo boasts a lengthy tenure with the city, having been a dedicated municipal employee since 1990, spanning over three decades of service.

The conversation signals a potential significant shake-up at the city’s highest administrative level. Mayor Pro Tem Curt Maddux has openly advocated for a “new direction” and initiating a “national search” for a replacement, a sentiment echoed by Councilman Harry Hardman. However, Councilwoman Marsha Porter has voiced reservations, emphasizing the need for a clear and specific proposal before discussing the position’s future.

This debate follows a period of intermittent tension, including comments made by Maddux in March 2023, where he indicated he would consider an investigation into Virgadamo if complaints persisted, although no formal investigation ever materialized. The timing of this discussion also coincides with the recent departure of City Secretary Soco Gorjon in late March, who moved to a new role in Humble, with Assistant City Secretary Erica Johnson stepping in as interim.

Any move to terminate Virgadamo’s contract would carry substantial financial implications for the city. His current agreement stipulates either a six-month termination notice or a full year’s salary as severance pay, a significant cost that would factor into any decision.

Beyond potential leadership changes, the Council will also delve into “Discussion and possible action regarding a comprehensive cat ordinance to include a Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) program and an ordinance requiring cat licensing.” This represents a substantial policy shift for Conroe, which currently lacks any specific ordinance governing cats, beyond state-mandated rabies vaccination requirements.

The proposed ordinance, developed with input from the Conroe Animal Shelter and its Advisory Committee, aims to humanely manage the city’s feral and stray cat population. The TNR component involves trapping unowned cats, sterilizing them, vaccinating them, and then returning them to their original colonies. This method is widely recognized as an effective and humane approach to population control, reducing breeding cycles and improving public health by preventing the spread of disease.

Additionally, the ordinance would introduce a requirement for cat licensing, a concept entirely new to the city’s animal control regulations. Such licensing typically involves registering domestic cats with the city, often requiring proof of vaccination and potentially microchipping, which can help reunite lost pets with their owners and generate revenue to support animal services.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about these critical discussions and provide input on the future direction of Conroe’s city administration and animal welfare policies. The full agenda is available on the City of Conroe’s official website.

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