Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
The Woodlands Township Board reviews 2026 budget initiatives, adopts November election order and more
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held a special Pre-Budget meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, to discuss and review potential budget initiatives for the 2026 Budget.
Following the Pre-Budget Workshop, the board held a regular meeting and agreed upon an Amendment to the Board Operations Policy and 2025 Board Meeting Schedule in response to Bill 1522. The Board also approved the Adoption of Order No. 013-23 Order Calling the November Election.
JULY 23 REGULAR MEETING
REGULAR AGENDA
ACCEPTED – Quarterly Law Enforcement Reports
Law enforcement agencies presented the second quarter report highlighting steady call volumes and a continued downward trend in crime. Captain Rhyan Droddy with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reported 314 hours of proactive overtime patrols in high-traffic areas such as Town Center, resulting in 11 arrests. The Crime Reduction Unit targeted “bank jugging” crimes, making eight arrests in Montgomery County with support from regional partners. Traffic enforcement efforts and DWI initiatives resulted in numerous citations and arrests, with zero fatalities reported during the targeted enforcement periods. Assistant Chief Rick Bass with the Sherriff’s Office also showcased advanced public safety technology, including robotics used in SWAT and bomb squad operations.
Lieutenant Jason Cearly with Harris County Precinct 4 reported ongoing efforts to address fraud and reduce property crimes, particularly in Creekside Park. Lieutenant Bobby Sellers with Montgomery County Precinct 3 shared outcomes from specialized units, including Safe Harbor and Child Exploitation, which filed several felony charges related to abuse and trafficking. The Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU) reported 439 proactive stops, significant drug and cash seizures, and 63 total charges filed. Law enforcement emphasized the importance of proactive policing, technology, and interagency cooperation in keeping The Woodlands community safe. The Board unanimously accepted the reports.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Report on the 89th Texas Legislative Session
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens provided the Board with an overview of the 89th Texas Legislature, which convened January 14 and adjourned on June 2. Lawmakers filed a record-setting 11,503 bills, with only 14 percent passing both chambers. The Township’s lobbying firm, Williams Public Affairs (WPA), represented Board priorities including utility reliability, homelessness and special district governance. A final report from WPA, a legal summary from Schwartz Page and Harding, LLP and a staff analysis of relevant legislation were provided. Of note, Governor Abbott has called a special session that began on July 21. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
APPROVED – An Amendment to the Board Operations Policy and 2025 Board Meeting Schedule
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens asked the Board to consider changes to its regular meeting schedule in response to House Bill 1522, which takes effect September 1. The new law amends the Texas Open Meetings Act to require public meeting notices be posted at least three business days in advance rather than 72 hours in advance. The Board unanimously approved updates to the 2025 meeting schedule and the Board operations policy, beginning September 1, to hold meetings on the third and fourth Thursdays of each month. The change allows staff to continue posting agendas on the Friday before each regular meeting.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Monthly Financial Report
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented the June 2025 financial report. Year-to-date actual revenues totaled $98.9 million, exceeding the budgeted $95.3 million by $3.6 million, primarily due to higher-than-expected sales tax collections and unbudgeted grants and conveyance revenue. Year-to-date expenditures were $62.3 million, under the budgeted $68.6 million, for a favorable variance of $6.3 million. All departments operated within budget, with notable savings in Parks and Law Enforcement due to the timing of contracted services. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
APPROVED – Adoption of Order No. 013-23 Order Calling Directors Election
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey reviewed with the Board Order No. 013-23, calling for the November 4, 2025, Board of Directors Election. As required by the Texas Election Code, the Township must call the election and specify notice procedures. The election will be conducted jointly with Montgomery and Harris counties. The Board also appointed Township Secretary Laure Morgan as the Township’s Election Agent. The order authorizes execution of joint election agreements with both counties, which will provide early voting and Election Day services. Final polling locations and cost estimates will be confirmed once available from the counties. The Board unanimously approved the order.
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 Administrative Reports for Community Services
- Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing for June 2025
VILLAGE ASSOCIATION REPORTS
Village association presidents present reports to the Board each month regarding activities and news from the villages. The following gave reports for their respective village associations:
- President Maryann Braid, Alden Bridge
Source: Source: The Woodlands Township
