Montgomery Co. Puts $750M Bonds on Nov 5 Ballot

**Montgomery County Voters to Consider $750 Million Bond Package This November**

**CONROE, TX – May 28, 2024** – Montgomery County residents will face a significant decision on November 5, 2024, as the Commissioners Court has officially placed three separate bond proposals totaling $750 million on the general election ballot. The proposals aim to address the county’s growing infrastructure, recreational, and public safety needs.

The largest portion of the proposed funding, $640 million, is designated for critical roads and bridges projects across the county. An additional $80 million is earmarked for the expansion and improvement of county parks, while $30 million is proposed for upgrades and enhancements to emergency services.

Voters will have the opportunity to approve or reject each of these three propositions independently, a structure County Judge Mark Keough highlighted as a response to voter concerns raised during previous bond discussions.

The decision to move forward with the bond package came during the Commissioners Court meeting on May 28, where County Judge Mark Keough, along with Commissioners Robert Walker, Charlie Riley, and Greg Parker, voted in favor of placing all three distinct propositions on the ballot.

However, Commissioner James Noack cast the lone dissenting vote against the parks and emergency services bonds. Noack advocated for a roads-only bond package, going so far as to suggest a special election for a roads-exclusive bond as early as July 30. Ultimately, the court opted for the combined, yet separately presented, proposals for the November general election.

If all three propositions are approved by voters and the bonds are subsequently issued, the county estimates a modest increase of approximately 2.3 cents per $100 of property valuation on annual tax bills. For a home valued at $250,000, this would translate to an estimated increase of about $57.50 annually, prior to the application of any homestead exemptions.

This isn’t Montgomery County’s first venture into bond elections. In 2015, voters approved a $280 million bond package. More recently, however, a $225 million roads bond failed to pass in 2022, underscoring the careful consideration residents give to such proposals.

As one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, Montgomery County faces ongoing pressure to expand its infrastructure and services to keep pace with its rapidly increasing population. The outcome of the November 5th election will determine the county’s future direction in addressing these significant challenges.

Residents are encouraged to register to vote by the October 7 deadline and can find more information regarding early voting dates, polling locations, and voter registration at the Montgomery County Elections Administrator’s website or the County Clerk’s office. Detailed plans for the specific projects to be funded by each bond proposition are expected to be released by county officials in the coming months.