Conroe Council Considers Monthly Stormwater Utility Fee to Fund Drainage Improvements

City leaders in Conroe are deliberating on implementing a new monthly stormwater utility fee of $4 for residential properties. This initiative aims to tackle over $11.9 million in pressing drainage and infrastructure requirements.

City officials have announced that the proposed fee is intended to fund essential improvements to the city’s stormwater system. This system is responsible for managing rain runoff through a network of drains, pipes, and other infrastructure, all designed to prevent flooding and safeguard water quality.

The proposal outlines a new fee structure for property owners, with residential owners facing a flat monthly charge of $4. In contrast, commercial property owners would incur a fee of $4 for every 3,200 square feet of impervious surface on their properties.

A recent study by the engineering firm Freese and Nichols reveals that the city is home to over 31,000 residential properties, as well as approximately 2,800 non-residential properties within its limits. The proposed fee structure is expected to yield approximately $5 million annually, with proceeds directed to enhancing stormwater infrastructure.

Connor Turan, an engineer at Freese and Nichols, explained that the fee is determined by the extent of impervious areas, which include hard surfaces like rooftops, parking lots, and driveways that hinder rainwater absorption into the ground.

In Conroe, the average residential impervious area measures approximately 3,200 square feet, establishing a baseline for the residential fee assessment. Turan highlighted that although residential properties are more numerous than commercial ones, non-residential properties account for approximately 63% of the impervious surface area throughout the city.

“The fee is relatively modest, yet effectively meets the identified needs within the city,” Turan stated.

Stormwater systems play a crucial role in managing runoff from rainfall, mitigating risks associated with flooding, erosion, and contamination of local waterways. Turan highlighted that Conroe's existing system faces several challenges, including aging infrastructure, erosion, localized flooding, and stormwater pollution, all of which adversely affect water quality.

City officials report that the community's challenges have intensified amid the ongoing expansion of Conroe.

Harry Hardman stated that the city has traditionally prioritized water supply initiatives, resulting in a neglect of drainage enhancement efforts.

“Clearly, drainage has been overshadowed by many of our water issues,” Hardman stated. “Our attention has been primarily directed towards water wells and the availability of water, which is indeed a necessary focus.” Officials have acknowledged the existence of drainage issues.

In Texas, stormwater utility fees are sanctioned by law and are commonly implemented throughout the state. Turan reported that over 140 communities across Texas are presently imposing comparable fees on residents and businesses to fund their stormwater management systems.

The Conroe City Council is poised to deliberate on the fee in meetings scheduled for late April.

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