Conroe - Montgomery Edition | September 2025

CONTRIBUTIONS BY ANGELA BONILLA BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Some context

The impact

During the Conroe City Council Sept. 4 meeting, several council members said they supported higher raises for police officers but pointed to financial pressures that made parity unrealistic this year. “If we can’t compete, we’re going to lose not just the people we’re trying to hire, but the people that are currently on the force,” council member Harry Hardman said. Council member Marsha Porter said increasing pay for one department would be unfair to others and that the city must also focus on infrastructure, such as water and sewer, and debt tied to the new Oscar Johnson Jr. Enrichment & Recreation Center. Porter and council member David Hairel said the council had to weigh long-term obligations. “How can we plan a budget or promise raises to 150-plus employees only, not even knowing what our sewer needs are going to be?” Porter said.

Without competitive salaries, Buckholtz said “attracting a candidate here is going to be that much more difficult.” Both chiefs said planning now will determine how their departments keep pace. Solomon said by 2028, the city’s population will double. “By this time next year, ... that’s when we’ll be looking to ... boost in hiring,” Solomon said.

Conroe and Montgomery’s police chiefs said the conversation on pay parity cannot be separated from the realities of growth. “As we build, we have to grow,” Buckholtz said. Buckholtz said that while education and certification incentives help, pay remains the most important factor in attracting and retaining officers.

“Citizens deserve the best. When you dial 911, you want the most professional person to respond—and that requires keeping our officers here.” JON BUCKHOLTZ, CONROE POLICE CHIEF

“It’s not always just about pay. Officers want a good environment, strong training and benefits that support their families.” ANTHONY SOLOMON,

MONTGOMERY POLICE CHIEF

How can I connect with Will?

Building lasting relationships with his customers is what Will does best. He is ready to help you and your business grow. Will Metcalf Business Development Officer P: (936) 524-3144 wmetcalf@verabank.com 200 River Pointe Dr., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77304

Honest questions. Genuine advice.

Connect with Will today!

877-566-2621 | verabank.com | Member FDIC

25

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Powered by