Judge Recuses in Conroe Firefighters Ballot Case

**Judge Recuses from Conroe Firefighter ‘Meet and Confer’ Dispute, Case Reassigned Ahead of Crucial Election**

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – A significant shift in the legal battle between the City of Conroe and its firefighters unfolded last Friday, April 19, as 9th District Court Judge Phil Grant officially recused himself from the high-stakes “meet and confer” proposition case. The development comes just weeks before the May 4 municipal election, where the measure is slated to appear on ballots – if the city’s lawsuit doesn’t prevent it.

The Conroe Professional Firefighters Association (CPFFA) Local 2731, represented by attorney Kelly D. Causey, had actively sought Judge Grant’s removal. Causey argued that Judge Grant faced a conflict of interest due to his wife, Amy Grant, serving on the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees. The firefighters’ legal team contended that the “meet and confer” proposition at the heart of the dispute could establish a precedent for other public employee groups, potentially impacting entities like the school district.

While Judge Grant initially denied the motion for recusal in mid-March, he ultimately signed the order agreeing to step aside on Friday, April 19.

Following Judge Grant’s recusal, the case has been reassigned to 12th District Court Judge Tracy Cabaniss. Judge Cabaniss was appointed to oversee the matter by Texas Chief Justice Nathan Hecht. This reassignment occurred just before a hearing that Judge Grant had scheduled for Monday, April 22, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

At its core, this ongoing legal dispute centers on Proposition B, a “meet and confer” ballot measure for Conroe firefighters. If passed by voters, Proposition B would establish a formal framework for negotiations between the firefighters and the City of Conroe on critical issues such as wages, hours, and working conditions.

The City of Conroe, represented by attorney Douglas Ray, initiated legal action on February 15. The city’s lawsuit seeks a judicial order to remove Proposition B from the upcoming May 4 municipal election ballot entirely. Ironically, it was the Conroe City Council itself that had voted on January 25 to place this very “meet and confer” issue before voters.

With the May 4 election rapidly approaching, Judge Cabaniss now faces the critical task of deciding whether Conroe voters will ultimately get the opportunity to weigh in on whether their firefighters can formally negotiate with the city. The outcome of this legal challenge holds significant implications not only for the Conroe Fire Department but potentially for other public employee groups within the city and wider Montgomery County.