New Caney - Porter Edition | May 2026

Government

BY WESLEY GARDNER & NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Montgomery County Sheri Wesley Doolittle said the county jail has returned to compliance after previously failing state inspections, but the facility remains a major point of focus as ocials continue weighing what comes next for the aging jail. What’s changed Doolittle gave county com- missioners an overview of the Montgomery County Sheri’s report during the May 7 Commis- sioners Court meeting. Doolittle said the sheri’s oce has reorganized jail, inmate transport and courthouse security operations under one justice bureau, led by Chief Eric Hensley. He said it has helped the oce operate more eciently. “When I came into oce, this jail was failing inspections, failing standards, had previously failed twice, was not in compliance, Montgomery County jail back in compliance

Montgomery County Jail needs

Current jail projections

1,137 beds in 2026 2,352 beds needed by 2040 $705.3M-$976.8M cost estimate to expand or replace jail

1,077 square miles 800,000+ residents Montgomery County context

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

was in a remedial state and we brought that up to compliance,” Doolittle said. How we got here The updates come about a month after commissioners reviewed long-term jail options Following that discussion, commissioners moved with con- tingencies to look into building a new jail. No formal action was taken on the deferred jail item May 7. How- ever, Doolittle said the sheri’s oce has “roadmaps” for future needs and plans to keep commis- sioners updated.

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Roman Forest appointee opts out

Roman Forest City Council appointed Montgomery County ESD 7 Fire Chief Howard Rinewalt to serve as Position 3 council member during the council’s May 18 meeting. However, Rinewalt ultimately turned down the position. The details Council members approved the appointment with a 2-1 vote. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell Davis cast the dissenting vote, while council member Larry Sanders was not

Reasner announced his resigna- tion from the position following the death of a family member. A closer look Rinewalt said he turned the position down after hearing feed- back from community members. “While I truly appreciate the condence and support shown to me, I also respect that community members were passionate about wanting a dierent direction,” Rinewalt said. Roman Forest City Administra- tor Scott Castleberry said council members will likely consider a new nominee at the council’s June 22 meeting.

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present for the meeting. The appointment came

about two months after former Position 3 council member Jerry

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NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION