Conroe Voters Approve Most Charter Changes, Reject City Manager Proposal

On Tuesday, residents of Conroe cast their votes in favor of multiple updates to the city’s charter, which has been in place for nearly 60 years. However, they turned down a proposal to transition to a city manager form of government, as well as another measure aimed at restricting when council members could convene outside of official meetings.

Preliminary outcomes indicate that 9 of 14 proposed amendments have been approved, representing a significant update to the city’s charter for the first time in decades. The city’s charter, first adopted in 1965 when Conroe’s population was approximately 10,000, has undergone several reviews but has remained unchanged since 1999.

Proposition A, the subject of intense discussion, was rejected with a 60% to 40% vote, maintaining the existing city administrator system. A new city manager position was proposed to oversee daily operations, allowing the council to focus on policy-making.

Proposition C did not pass, as 57% of voters opposed it, despite its aim to prevent a council voting majority from convening outside a scheduled session. Proposition C, aimed at preventing a council voting majority from convening outside a scheduled session, failed, with 57% of voters opposing it.

Voters have given their backing to a series of approved changes, including measures to clarify agenda-setting powers, limit official compensation, and tighten rules on recalls and debt.

Proposition B was approved with a vote of 52% to 48%, enabling the mayor or any two council members to add items to the council agenda. City officials indicated that this change would enhance the government's responsiveness to the community. Proposition F established compensation limits of $400 per month for the mayor and $300 per month for council members, resulting in annual savings of approximately $130,400 for the city.

Voters approved Proposition G by a 63% margin, which limits council members from issuing direct instructions to staff. Additionally, Proposition H received 55% support, designating the mayor as the emergency management director during disasters. Proposition I, which 65% of voters also approved, requires candidates to submit financial disclosures before running for office.

Among the recently approved amendments are Proposition J, which allows city health benefits for the council and mayor; Proposition K, mandating comprehensive notifications for recall processes; Proposition L, raising the threshold for recall petitions to 15% of registered voters; and Proposition O, limiting the city's capacity to incur debt without voter consent.

Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska described the result as a “fantastic evening for Conroe,” noting that residents “reviewed the amendments and voted with their hearts.” She stated that the approved changes “will establish the foundation for significant matters moving forward.”

In a notable decision, Mayor Pro Tem Howard Wood stood alone in his opposition, casting the sole vote against the proposal to include the amendments on the August ballot.

City officials characterized the outcomes as “historic” and “exciting,” signaling a transformative moment for local governance.

All results remain unofficial until officials in Montgomery County review them.

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