Conroe is under fire for authorizing salary increases for three top staff members whose salaries exceed $300,000 despite continuous financial hardships.
Conroe is under fire for authorizing salary increases for three top staff members whose salaries exceed $300,000 in spite of continuous financial hardships. Significant compensation increases for City Administrator Gary Scott, Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska, and Assistant City Administrator Norman McGuire were granted by the City Council under a reorganization plan.
Scott's pay climbed to $365,000; Mikeska's to $330,000; McGuire's to $300,000. Approved within the city's budget-balancing effort, the compensation increases raised questions among citizens and critics. Councilwoman Marsha Porter defended the raises by stressing the two lawyers in the top posts' experience and their part in saving tax payers money by managing legal matters before they become expensive litigation.
For top jobs, city officials in other Texas cities, including Pearland, Sugar Land, and Waco, have comparable pay. Still, many residents find the seeming discrepancy between the compensation increases and the financial difficulties facing the city infuriating.
Montgomery County launched its America 250 celebrations Sunday with a Liberty Tree dedication and a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s famous speech. The event marks the start of a nationwide initiative leading up to the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.
A judge has ruled that Miles Fridrich, the man accused of fatally stabbing Conroe doctor Talat Khan, is incompetent to stand trial. He will now undergo mental health treatment while remaining in custody.