News

Township approves transition agreements with Montgomery County

By The Woodlands Township | May 17, 2019

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS – The Woodlands Township Board of Directors voted to approve transition agreements with Montgomery County related to the potential future incorporation of The Woodlands.

The unanimous vote was taken during its regular Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2019 with all seven Directors present for the vote including Gordy Bunch, John McMullan, Dr. Ann Snyder, John Anthony Brown, Brian Boniface, Bruce Rieser and Carol Stromatt.

“We are appreciative of Montgomery County Commissioners Court to enter into these transition agreements for our co-constituents,” said Gordy Bunch, Township Chairman. “This provides a seamless transition if the residents choose to incorporate as the City of The Woodlands. These agreements are key to operationalizing transition plans and ensuring public safety and public works continue at the same levels of service we enjoy today.”

The Woodlands Township is currently conducting an Incorporation Planning Study to allow the Township to engage in dialogue related to the future governance of The Woodlands, and to determine if the Township will incorporate as a city in the future. The Woodlands Township Board of Directors have been holding monthly meetings regarding this topic.

The Board approved a First Amended Interlocal Agreement which provides a three-year transition agreement for law enforcement services at incorporation. The agreement would provide that the existing Township law enforcement contract services would continue following incorporation and that the Township would transition 22.5 county funded positions to Township funding over a three-year funding phase in period following incorporation.

In addition, the Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) providing for the continuation of county-provided road maintenance services for a one-year period following incorporation. This MOU also includes the provision that Montgomery County would continue to provide the traffic signal / traffic management system within The Woodlands following incorporation, as a county function.

Lastly, the Board approved an Amended MOU for Acquisition of the Law Enforcement Facility on Grogan’s Mill that will also include the law enforcement vehicles and equipment previously acquired by Montgomery County through Township funding (vehicles acquired prior to incorporation).

At this time, no decision has been made regarding incorporation and a vote has not been called by The Woodlands Township Board of Directors. The Woodlands Township is currently conducting an Incorporation Planning Study to allow the Township Board and community to engage in dialogue related to the future governance of The Woodlands, and to determine if the Township will incorporate as a city in the future. Whether or not The Woodlands incorporates will ultimately rest in the hands of The Woodlands voters. The study addresses costs, needs, opportunities and challenges. Please visit www.thewoodlandsincorporationstudy.com for more information, including numerous reports, presentations and frequently asked questions.

For more information on The Woodlands Township, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.