Conroe Stormwater Utility Fee Takes Effect

## Conroe Stormwater Fee Now in Effect, Prompting Debate Over Flooding Solutions and Costs

**Conroe, TX – October 5, 2023** – Conroe residents are now seeing a new line item on their monthly utility bills, as the city’s controversial stormwater utility fee officially went into effect on October 1, 2023. The fee, which adds an additional $4.95 per month for most residential properties, marks the beginning of a comprehensive 10-year, $50 million plan aimed at tackling Conroe’s persistent and often severe flooding issues.

The Conroe City Council approved the fee on a 4-1 vote during their September 14 meeting, following months of public discourse and expert consultation. Mayor Jody Czajkoski, along with Council Members Todd, St. John, and Coon, voted in favor, emphasizing the critical need to protect property, ensure public safety, and comply with state and federal environmental mandates.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s a necessary investment in Conroe’s future,” Mayor Czajkoski stated during a recent press conference, referencing the devastating impacts of past flood events. “We’ve seen our neighborhoods like Artesian Lakes, sections around Candy Cane Park, and even our historic downtown struggle with drainage deficiencies for years. This fee ensures we have a dedicated, stable funding source to finally fix these problems, rather than relying on inconsistent grants or general fund allocations that would strain other vital services.”

Councilman Harry Hardman cast the lone dissenting vote, famously referring to the charge as a “tax” rather than a fee, a sentiment widely echoed by many residents. “Calling it a ‘fee’ doesn’t change what it is – it’s an additional burden on our citizens, many of whom are on fixed incomes,” Hardman argued during the September meeting. “I believe we should have explored alternative funding mechanisms, or a more gradual implementation, to mitigate the immediate financial impact on our households and businesses. We have growing infrastructure needs, but we must also consider affordability.”

**Addressing Decades of Drainage Challenges**

The city argues this fee is crucial to address ongoing, severe flooding issues that have plagued Conroe for decades, exacerbated by rapid growth and an aging infrastructure. Projects funded by the new fee will include cleaning and desilting creeks, replacing undersized culverts, constructing new detention ponds, and upgrading storm sewer systems. These improvements are also vital for the city to maintain compliance with EPA and TCEQ regulations under its Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, which mandates cities manage stormwater runoff to prevent water pollution. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and legal action.

For residential properties, the charge is a flat $4.95 per month. Commercial and multi-family properties face variable charges based on their impervious surface area, measured in Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs), where one ERU equals 2,800 square feet. The city anticipates this fee will generate approximately $5 million annually, earmarked specifically for stormwater projects. Exemptions apply to properties with no impervious surfaces, and even city-owned properties will contribute to the fund, ensuring broad participation.

**Public Opposition and Expert Consultation**

Public opposition to the fee was palpable during multiple public hearings, including those on August 24 and September 14. Residents voiced concerns about the additional financial burden, questioning the necessity of a new fee versus utilizing existing tax revenues, and seeking more transparency on how the funds would be spent. Many felt the process was rushed, and that their input was not adequately incorporated.

“We already pay property taxes, sales taxes, and various utility fees,” stated longtime Conroe resident Martha Rodriguez during the August hearing. “It feels like we’re constantly being asked for more, and it’s getting harder and harder for families to make ends meet. Is this truly the only way?”

To help develop the fee structure and the city’s stormwater master plan, consultants from Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. were brought on board in May 2022 for a contract totaling $485,000. During their presentations, Kimley-Horn emphasized that a dedicated stormwater utility fee is a common and best-practice funding mechanism for municipalities facing similar challenges, offering a stable and equitable revenue stream directly tied to stormwater impacts.

Despite the pushback, the fee is now a reality for most property owners in Conroe, aiming to mitigate future flood risks and ensure the city complies with federal and state environmental regulations. The City of Conroe has stated it will provide regular updates on the progress of stormwater projects, and information regarding the fee, project plans, and frequently asked questions can be found on the city’s official website under the “Stormwater Utility” section. Residents with specific concerns about their billing are encouraged to contact the city’s utility department.