The Woodlands Township Board holds Budget Planning Session, recognizes Knox Junior High School student

The Woodlands Township shared the following recap of The Woodlands Township’s budget planning session and regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting held on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  

Budget Planning Session

Prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting on May 16, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held a Budget Planning Session that began at 3:30 p.m. to discuss and start preparing the 2025 Township Budget. The Board was provided a comprehensive review of the Township’s financials by President and CEO Monique Sharp. Sharp’s detailed presentation gave information on the Township’s current financial health, encompassing revenue streams, reserves, expenditures and debt management. She discussed the importance of reserve funds for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), noting these reserves are crucial for maintaining existing Township facilities, parks, pathways and fleet. The Township’s robust reserves and strong sales tax base have enabled the Township to avoid incurring new debt, positively influencing its credit ratings. Sharp emphasized the need for careful management of reserves.

The session also included an in-depth examination of the 2024 budget, which totals $195,366,772 in expenditures. Revenue projections for 2024 are budgeted at $159,687,950, with property taxes contributing 29%, sales and use tax 47%, hotel occupancy tax 6% and other programs at 18%. While expenditures exceed revenue, the budget is balanced through the strategic use of reserve funds.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Board discussed preliminary forecasts, mindful of potential fluctuations in sales tax and property values. The preliminary tax rolls from Harris and Montgomery counties indicate an approximate 9% increase in appraisals for Township properties, albeit capped by the voter approval rate of 3.5%. As Township staff prepares the budget, the Board will contemplate budget priorities and potential initiatives such as the further enhancement of law enforcement, the inflationary impacts on the costs of goods and services, renovations to fire facilities, park improvements and economic development projects.  

Township staff is preparing a base budget for the Board to consider which will be discussed and reviewed at budget workshops scheduled for the week of August 19, 2024. The Township Board of Directors will adopt the 2025 budget and set the 2024 property tax rate at a special Board meeting on September 5, 2024.

No Board action was taken. The Board of Directors unanimously accepted the report as presented.

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PROCLAMATIONS

Proclamation recognizing The Chevron Championship 

A Proclamation for The Chevron Championship was read by Board Secretary Linda Nelson recognizing the significant impact of The Chevron Championship, the first Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Major tournament of the year, in The Woodlands. It celebrates the collaboration between Chevron, LPGA, The Club at Carlton Woods and various stakeholders in creating an exceptional Championship atmosphere, attracting top female golfers and thousands of fans while reaching millions through television coverage. The Woodlands Township Board of Directors expressed their heartfelt appreciation to all involved parties for making the event possible. READ THE PROCLAMATION 

Proclamation recognizing Karishma Parghi for exceptional recognition at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair

Director Brad Bailey read a proclamation celebrating Karishma Parghi’s outstanding achievements in environmental science at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair, where her project on eco-friendly waste solutions earned her first place in the Junior Biochemist Division and runner-up in the Junior Best of State Life Science Award. It recognizes her dedication to STEM education and community service, marking her accomplishment as the highest achievement for a student from Knox Junior High School. The proclamation designated May 16, 2024, in Parghi’s honor.

In addition to the Township presenting a proclamation, James Holian, a representative from United States Congressman Dan Crenshaw’s office, attended the meeting and presented a proclamation from Congressman Crenshaw, who also applauded Karishma’s success. READ THE PROCLAMATION

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Proclamation recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week

Board Treasurer, Richard Franks, read a proclamation acknowledging the significant impact of the travel industry on The Woodlands’ economy and development, citing its contribution of $484 million in direct spending and employment of 4,300 individuals. National Travel and Tourism Week highlights the broader economic importance of travel, generating $2.8 trillion nationally and supporting 15 million jobs, while also emphasizing its role in funding essential services such as education and public safety through $89 billion in state and local tax revenue. Finally, it underscores the need to promote continued travel growth for economic benefits and mutual understanding, designating May 19-25, 2024, as a week to recognize and celebrate the industry’s importance. Visit The Woodlands staff accepted the proclamation. READ THE PROCLAMATION

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 

Monique Sharp, President and CEO, acknowledged the Township staff for their support during the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas, held on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, 2024. This annual event is one of the largest in The Woodlands each year. Sharp gave special recognition to several staff members who were directly involved in the event.

The Woodlands Fire Department played a vital role by managing emergency operations and providing emergency response throughout the event. The Township Parks and Recreation staff enhanced the swim portion of the race and managed facilities and amenities. Township Transit facilitated the transport of participants and attendees, while the Communications department kept residents informed about traffic impacts, helping to minimize disruptions. Finally, the Visit The Woodlands team played a large role in assisting out-of-town visitors and sponsoring the event. 

“I would just like to say that the coordination for this event is amazing,” said Secretary Linda Nelson. “There are many, many meetings that take place prior to the event, and Township representatives are at every meeting. Great job by all.” 

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REGULAR AGENDA  

APPROVED – Houston-Galveston Area Council’s (H-GAC) Transportation Policy Council Board Appointments 

President and CEO Monique Sharp discussed an amendment made to Houston Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Transportation Policy Council (TPC) bylaws on April 26, 2024, granting The Woodlands Township a voting local government position. The amendment allows the Township’s Board of Directors to appoint an elected director as the primary representative and another as an alternate on the TPC. The TPC, functioning under H-GAC, oversees transportation planning activities in the region, with membership comprising representatives from local governments, transportation authorities and an at-large member appointed by H-GAC. The H-GAC decision follows The Woodlands Township’s Resolution No. 005-23 adopted on April 26, 2023, requesting member status on the H-GAC TPC. 

The Board of Directors unanimously elected Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder as the Township’s primary member representative and Vice Chairman Kyle Watson as the Township’s alternate member representative to serve on the H-GAC Transportation Policy Council through December 31, 2024.

“It is very important that the Township has a voice on this council,” said Director Brad Bailey. “To see surrounding cities and the county come together to better Montgomery County is a big deal, and I would like to thank Judge Keough and Conroe City Councilman Howard Wood, who did a great job in helping us.”

“As I understand it, there have been serious efforts by previous Township boards to receive a variance so that we could have a voice and a vote on the TPC,” said Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs. “I appreciate everyone coming together to work so hard to make this happen.” 

APPROVED – Issuance of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GPM) for the Construction and Renovation of the Emergency Training Center

Brookstone Construction, along with The Woodlands Fire Department and Martinez Architects, have assessed subcontractor bids for The Woodlands Township’s Emergency Training Center project based on various criteria including price, qualifications, experience and references. The Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the construction and renovation costs associated with Brookstone Construction’s contract is proposed at $3,300,817, reflecting a reduction from the original estimate due to the removal of the generator purchase and increased construction costs attributed to challenges and supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Board unanimously approved the total project cost of $3,913,217, including the GMP at $3,300,817, and authorized the President/CEO to execute the document.

APPROVED – Installation of Visit The Woodlands-Sponsored Bus Wraps on The Woodlands Express Buses

At the Visit The Woodlands (VTW) April 17, 2024, meeting, the VTW board approved the installation of Woodlands-themed bus wraps on the back of The Woodlands Express buses. VTW staff have collaborated with their marketing agency, Adcetera, to design the wraps, which can be installed as decals, and are expected to last three to five years. The project would be funded by VTW and staff would coordinate with First Class Transportation, The Woodlands Express operations contractor, to install the wraps. Installation is anticipated to take approximately 60 days. 

The Township Board unanimously approved this marketing initiative to promote The Woodlands and requested an amendment to the Visit The Woodlands service agreement to include it. 

ACCEPTED REPORT – Update on The Woodlands 50^th Anniversary Activities 

The 50th Anniversary Task Force, comprising Township Directors Brad Bailey, Secretary Linda Nelson and Cindy Heiser, along with staff representatives and coordinated by Kim Phillips, Vice President of Marketing for Howard Hughes, have been actively planning activities for The Woodlands’ 50th Anniversary event to be held on October 19, 2024. Current initiatives include monthly stories, event activations and streetlight banners. The Task Force is also developing a photo book to remember a “slice of life in 2024”. Planned activities for the week leading up to the October 19 festival include a time capsule dedication, a Day of Giving, a Community Tree Planting, a mural unveiling and a free concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on October 18 featuring Lyle Lovett and Hayes Carll. The grand public celebration will be held on October 19, featuring a state-of-the-art drone show and fireworks displays at Northshore, Town Green and Hughes Landing.

Director Cindy Heiser added, “An artist all-call for the mural feature will be posted to The Woodlands Arts Council website on June 1 and all artists are welcome to respond.”  

“When we asked for sponsors last fall, we really did not have an outline of what would occur,” said Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder. “However, everyone has stepped up and has shown their commitment to this wonderful community and hometown where we all live. Thank you to everyone helping with these efforts.”

The Board unanimously accepted the report presented by the President of Visit The Woodlands, Nick Wolda. 

ACCEPTED REPORT – Activities Related to The Woodlands Township Property Located at 9669 Grogan’s Mill Road

President and CEO Monique Sharp discussed with the Board a tract of land that the Township acquired in 2015. The Township initially leased back the 11.65-acre tract located at 9669 Grogan’s Mill Road to GE Betz until the company relocated in 2018. Funding was allocated in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget for site demolition and clearing, with asbestos abatement and building demolition completed in 2022 and 2023, respectively. On April 22, 2023, the Township Board authorized the acquisition of contracted services for property appraisal.

After discussing the property’s value at the time of acquisition, land restrictions and the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee’s exploratory role regarding the sale or use of the land for the community’s benefit, the Board unanimously accepted the report. During discussions, members of the Board requested that staff and legal counsel provide additional information on the current property value, previous plans for the property and any existing land restrictions that may impact what can be done with the property moving forward.

“The Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee does not have the authority to make any binding decision,” said Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder. “The Township Board has the ultimate authority to approve or disapprove any recommendation by the committee. The committee’s purpose is exploratory in nature, and exploring the possibilities with this property is one of the items we discuss.”

ACCEPTED REPORT – Update from the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee

Nick Wolda, President of Visit The Woodlands, gave a brief report following the previous agenda item, which extensively covered activities involving the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee. Wolda highlighted that economic development is integral to the Township’s enabling legislation and is a fundamental pillar of the Township. The Board unanimously accepted the report. 

APPROVED – Revisions to the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee Strategic Initiatives 

The Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee requested that the Board consider revising the committee’s Strategic Initiatives within the committee’s charter. The committee received guidance and direction from the Board during a February 2023 Board meeting for specific economic development initiatives to research, which included:

• Potential for a Performing Arts Center
• Evaluation and status updates regarding Village Shopping Centers
• Evaluation of Township property located at 9669 Grogan’s Mill Road (former GE Betz property)

The committee requested to add the Strategic evaluation of participation in corporate relocation efforts to its responsibilities. The Board unanimously approved the addition to the Strategic Initiatives of the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee. 

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CONSENT AGENDA 

The Consent Agenda consists of non-controversial, or “housekeeping” items required by law. One motion with modifications, if applicable, approves for action, all items contained within the Consent Agenda. Items may be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda by a Board Member making such a request prior to a motion and vote. To view more information about each item, please review the Meeting Agenda online.  

The following items were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors:

• Receive, consider and act upon approval of the minutes of the April 24, 2024 Regular Meeting for the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Township;
• Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing for April 2024;
• Receive, consider and act upon the Communications Metrics Monthly Report;
• Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department;
• Receive, consider and act upon Resolution No. 008-24 adopting Investment Policies and Guidelines for The Woodlands Township;
• Receive, consider, and act upon an award of contract for pathway stenciling and crosswalk services (C-2024-0307);
• Receive, consider and act upon a donation and indemnification agreement with Maximizing Children’s Ministries International (C-2024-0340);
• Receive, consider and act upon a letter in support of of U.S. Congressman Dan Crenshaw’s federal appropriations request on behalf of Montgomery County for Sawdust Road bridge and roadway improvements; 
• Receive, consider and act upon a letter in support of of U.S. Congressman Dan Crenshaw’s federal appropriations request on behalf of Montgomery County for an additional 911 radio network tower;

Meeting agendas, videos and more are available online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Source: The Woodlands Township

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