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Conroe Ends 4-Year Freeze on Police, Fire Step Pay

**Conroe Restores Step Pay for First Responders, Ending Four-Year Freeze**

**CONROE, TX –** Conroe’s City Council unanimously approved the reinstatement of step pay increases for its police officers and firefighters on Wednesday, March 27, marking the end of a four-year freeze that impacted public safety personnel. Effective April 1, 2024, the decision will see eligible officers and firefighters receive approximately 2% raises tied to their years of service, backed by a significant financial commitment from the city.

The step pay increases, a standard component of public safety compensation plans designed to reward tenure and experience, were initially paused for Fiscal Year 2021. The freeze was a cautionary measure taken in response to the profound financial uncertainties brought on by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as city leaders anticipated a potential downturn in revenue streams.

“This was a decision made out of prudence during an unprecedented global crisis, and we recognized the sacrifice our first responders made by enduring that freeze,” stated City Administrator Gary Scott. “Now, thanks to Conroe’s robust economic growth and diligent fiscal management, we are in a position to not only restore these increases but also make them retroactive.”

Indeed, a robust surge in Conroe’s sales tax revenue has created the fiscal space necessary for their reinstatement. Scott reported impressive figures for the first five months of FY 2024 (October to February), with sales tax revenue up 10.38% over the previous year, totaling $23.9 million. This performance exceeded budget projections by $2.2 million, and the city now anticipates FY 2024 sales tax revenue will ultimately surpass projections by a substantial $4.9 million. This growth is largely attributed to the city’s burgeoning retail sector, new business developments, and continued population expansion.

The restoration package includes a one-time retroactive payment for eligible personnel, covering the first half of FY 2024, from October 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Their salaries will then be adjusted forward starting April 1. For the current fiscal year, 207 police officers and 104 firefighters are eligible for these increases, representing a significant portion of Conroe’s public safety workforce.

The financial impact for the city will be approximately $1.1 million for the remainder of FY 2024, with a projected annual cost of $2.3 million moving forward.

“This is incredibly welcome news for our officers and firefighters,” said Sergeant Scott McCann, President of the Conroe Police Officers Association. “Restoring step pay isn’t just about a raise; it’s about valuing experience, boosting morale, and ensuring that Conroe remains competitive in recruiting and retaining the best public safety professionals. We’re grateful to the City Council for recognizing the importance of this investment.”

The freeze, while a necessary measure at the time, had presented challenges for morale and long-term career planning within the departments. The reinstatement is expected to significantly improve these aspects, reinforcing the city’s commitment to its essential personnel.

Looking ahead, the city council is expected to consider a new five-year pay plan for both police and firefighters during the FY 2025 budget process, which is set to begin in the summer of 2024. This upcoming discussion aims to develop a comprehensive and sustainable compensation strategy that ensures Conroe’s public safety salaries remain competitive with neighboring communities and the broader Houston metropolitan area.

“Our first responders are the backbone of our community’s safety,” added Mayor Pro Tem Curt Maddux during the council meeting. “This vote underscores our city’s dedication to supporting them, and it sets a positive tone as we look to craft a long-term pay plan that reflects their invaluable service.”

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