The Conroe City Council has reinstated a step pay program for police and fire personnel, allocating $1.12 million to improve retention and remain competitive with neighboring agencies.
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On March 26, the Conroe City Council voted to reinstate a step pay program for police officers and firefighters. Officials assert that this initiative is crucial for enhancing retention rates and ensuring that salaries remain competitive with those in the surrounding region.
The initiative, projected to cost around $1.12 million in the 2025-26 budget cycle, offers systematic pay raises linked to employees' anniversary dates. City officials have given the green light to implement pay adjustments that will take effect retroactively from each employee’s anniversary date.
City Administrator Gary Scott announced that the reinstatement is financially viable, pointing to savings accrued over the last two years. Members of the council reached consensus that the measure is essential as Conroe continues to grow and strives to attract public safety personnel.
Residents expressed their backing for the measure during public comment, stating, “This is the right step for our first responders.”
Council member Marsha Porter expressed her support for reinstating the program, contingent on assurances of stable, long-term funding. Officials highlighted the critical role of consistent pay advancement in drawing and keeping skilled personnel in the police and fire departments.
The decision comes in the wake of previous discussions regarding employee compensation. In September, the council granted a 6% cost-of-living adjustment to all city employees while keeping the property tax rate unchanged. During that period, financial constraints limited the city's ability to implement larger, department-focused salary increases.
Even with that rise, law enforcement salaries in Conroe still fell short compared to those of nearby agencies. Earlier reports suggested that starting salaries in Montgomery County exceeded those in Conroe, leading to staffing difficulties.
Last year, Police Chief Jon Buckholtz reported that the department was grappling with 19 vacancies and continued challenges in retaining officers.
The reinstated step pay program is designated exclusively for civil service employees within the police and fire departments.
City officials announced that the adjustment aims to enhance recruitment initiatives and reduce turnover, responding to the growing demand for first responders across the region.
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