1. Montgomery County: Balancing growth, services and taxes

Montgomery County Commissioners Court recently approved a $546.8 million FY 2026-27 budget by a 3-2 vote. The adopted property tax rate increased from $0.3770 to $0.3860 per $100 of valuation. The budget includes law enforcement pay parity, a 5% pay increase for other county employees, and funding associated with the new 523rd District Court.

The budget debate illustrates a common challenge for fast-growing communities: paying for roads, courts, law enforcement, and other important services while also managing concerns about property taxes and government spending. As Montgomery County’s growth continues, finding this balance will remain a key topic in local discussions and the next legislative session.

2. Conroe:

Public safety, privacy and infrastructure

The Conroe City Council adopted a $389.9 million FY 2026-27 budget by a 4-2 vote, including significant investments in public safety and city operations. One main topic was whether to continue using Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras. Conroe has about 51 of these cameras, and the new budget includes about $130,000 for the program. Supporters, including Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz, say the cameras help find stolen vehicles, locate suspects, and support investigations. Critics are concerned about privacy, government surveillance, how long data is stored, and who can access information about people not suspected of a crime.

Other communities are having similar discussions regarding Flock. Willis recently turned off its Flock system while its City Council reviews it, and Manvel has ended its program. The main question for many places is how government can use new technology to keep people safe while also ensuring there are proper safeguards, transparency, and accountability. The Chamber remains neutral in this debate. Still, it is important for the business community to understand the issue and stay involved as local and state leaders decide how to use and manage this technology.

Later this month, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to determine whether it will take up cases related to Flock cameras and potential Fourth Amendment concerns. If the Court decides to hear these cases, many of the questions and concerns currently being debated at the local level could be addressed through a federal ruling.

3. Montgomery & Willis: Preparing for continued growth

Infrastructure continues to be a primary concern for both Montgomery and Willis. The City of Montgomery is seeing many new homes and businesses, so there is more focus on water, wastewater, transportation, and smart economic growth. For 2026, the city’s tax rates are about $0.3921 for no-new-revenue and about $0.4649 for voter approval per $100 of property value.

In Willis, city leaders are reviewing the Flock camera program and also facing the challenges of continued growth. At its meeting on September 15, the city council decided to continue not using Flock cameras until it receives additional guidance from the judicial system.

For both Montgomery and Willis, the main question is how to welcome new residents and businesses while keeping infrastructure strong, public safety effective, and the business environment competitive.

4. Education is a business issue!

Academic performance has a direct impact on economic development. Career and technical education, workforce readiness, student success, and the ability to hire and keep good teachers all help shape Montgomery County’s future workforce and its appeal to employers.

To better understand how local schools are performing and how they are preparing students for the workforce, it is helpful to look at the latest Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability ratings for area school districts.

Willis ISD received an overall C rating, reflecting steady performance with targeted improvement plans underway at several campuses. The district continues to focus on raising student achievement, particularly in reading and math, and on supporting college and career readiness initiatives.

Montgomery ISD earned an overall B rating, with a score of 87, marking consistent achievement and strong academic growth. Over 70 percent of Montgomery ISD campuses earned an A or B rating, with notable progress in closing achievement gaps and expanding advanced course offerings.

Conroe ISD earned an overall B rating and a score of 85, marking the third year in a row at this level. Of 66 rated campuses, 48, or almost 73 percent, received an A or B rating, and several schools improved significantly from last year.

5. Nov. 3: An important election!

Texas voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The ballot will feature races for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, other statewide offices, members of the Texas Legislature, state appellate courts, county and judicial positions, and three at-large CISD trustee seats (four-year terms).

Key election dates include:

• October 5: Last day to register to vote
• October 19: Early voting begins
• October 23: Deadline for the early voting clerk to receive a ballot-by-mail application
• October 30: Early voting ends
• November 3: Election Day

When voters are informed and involved, it helps create a strong business climate. The Chamber urges every eligible voter to learn about the candidates and issues and to take part in the election.

6. Looking ahead to the 90th Texas Legislature

Lawmakers will not meet until January, but interim committee work is already giving us an early look at the issues that will likely shape the 2027 session. Some priorities include possible increases to homestead exemptions and a proposal to lower the qualifying age for the senior property-tax freeze from 65 to 55. For fast-growing areas like Montgomery County, the relationship among appraisal growth, tax rates, local spending, and state funding will be especially important.

Lawmakers are also considering data centers and electric-grid reliability, including how Texas can attract large investments while protecting electricity and water infrastructure, private property, and current communities. They will also discuss power generation, transmission planning, affordability, and how major infrastructure projects affect landowners.

Other priorities include housing, development, and local government costs. Rules about municipal authority, development, permits, inspections, connection fees, drainage charges, and infrastructure needs can all directly affect how affordable housing is and how attractive the area is for business investment.

The Chamber's Role

Montgomery County’s growth brings many opportunities, but also real challenges with transportation, water, electricity, education, public safety, housing, and government costs.

The Advocacy Leadership Team will keep monitoring Montgomery County, the cities of Conroe, Montgomery, and Willis, the November election, and what’s happening ahead of the 90th Texas Legislature. Our goal is not just to report on government actions, but to point out decisions that affect our members, explain them clearly, and make sure the business community stays informed, involved, and represented.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Most importantly, make your voice heard.