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Montgomery Co. approves traffic & HR support

Conroe, Texas – June 25, 2024 – The Montgomery County Commissioners Court took decisive action on Monday, June 24th, addressing two critical operational areas that impact daily life and county services: downtown Conroe’s notorious traffic congestion and the county’s persistent struggle with staffing shortages.

In a move designed to significantly ease gridlock and enhance safety in the heart of the county seat, Commissioners approved a major traffic pattern alteration for a key section of Liberty Street. Specifically, Liberty Street, running from Prairie Street to Texas 105, will transition to a one-way westbound thoroughfare.

This change targets an area particularly plagued by congestion around the historic county courthouse and the administration building, where traffic frequently snarls, especially during peak times like jury selection and court proceedings. County Judge Mark Keough, Sheriff Rand Henderson, and District Attorney Brett Ligon voiced unanimous support for the measure, emphasizing the daily challenges faced by citizens and county personnel alike.

“We’ve seen cars backing up significantly, and making left turns onto busy Texas 105 from Liberty Street has become increasingly hazardous,” Judge Keough stated during the meeting. Sheriff Henderson added that the current two-way flow often leads to “near misses and frustrating delays for emergency vehicles navigating the area.” District Attorney Ligon highlighted the daily impact on courthouse operations, noting that “the congestion truly creates safety concerns for everyone coming in and out of the building.”

Public Works Director Darren Hess confirmed that his department is preparing for rapid implementation. “We will be installing new signage and pavement markings soon to clearly delineate the one-way flow,” Hess explained, anticipating the changes to be in place within the coming weeks. The long-discussed modification is expected to streamline traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety in the bustling government core of Conroe.

Also on Monday’s agenda was a strategic investment in the county’s human resources infrastructure. The Commissioners Court approved a one-year agreement, costing $145,000, with Gallagher Benefit Services to provide comprehensive human resources support. This partnership aims to address the county’s ongoing staffing challenges and bolster employee retention rates.

Human Resources Director Kim Leatherman presented a stark picture of the county’s workforce predicament. “We currently have 235 open positions across various departments,” Leatherman reported, citing high turnover rates as a critical impediment to delivering services efficiently. “This is not just about filling roles; it’s about ensuring we can attract and keep talented individuals to serve our rapidly growing community.”

Gallagher Benefit Services will conduct comprehensive compensation and classification studies. These studies are crucial for evaluating current salary structures and job descriptions, ensuring they are competitive within the broader labor market and adequately reflect the duties and responsibilities of county employees. The goal is to modernize the county’s approach to workforce management, making Montgomery County a more attractive employer amidst stiff competition from both the public and private sectors.

County officials recognize that the current labor market, coupled with Montgomery County’s significant population growth, has intensified the demand for skilled workers while also driving up the cost of living. This agreement with Gallagher is viewed as a proactive step to create a sustainable and competitive human resources framework, ultimately aiming to reduce vacancies, improve employee morale, and enhance the quality of public services for all county residents.

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