The Conroe City Council approved an agreement requiring Willis ISD to pay $1.8 million for water and sewer service to several campuses, resolving a months-long dispute that briefly shut off water to Calfee Middle School. The vote came after a tense exchange prompted police to clear the council chambers.
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On Thursday, the Conroe City Council reached a significant decision by approving a $1.8 million agreement with the Willis Independent School District. This agreement aims to provide essential water and sewer services to several campuses, effectively resolving a dispute that had previously escalated into a lawsuit and sparked public backlash last year.
The agreement encompasses services to multiple schools, notably Calfee Middle School located on Longmire Road, and concludes a prolonged period of tension between the city and the district regarding infrastructure expenses and utility authority.
A heated moment preceded the vote within the council chambers. In a surprising turn of events, Mayor Duke Coon called for a recess during the meeting, instructing police officers, including Chief Jon Buckholtz, to remove attendees from the room. This action followed Councilwoman Marsha Porter's insistence on continuing a discussion regarding an item that was not included on the agenda.
During the council's deliberation on the utility agreement, Porter brought up a recent opinion from the attorney general concerning the city charter and the Texas Open Meetings Act. The issue was not scheduled for discussion, and the Open Meetings Act forbids deliberation on items that have not been properly announced. As Coon sought to interrupt her comments, Porter persisted in her speech, leading to a reaction from the audience. Officers escorted attendees out, allowing the meeting to continue approximately five minutes later.
A utility dispute had its origins in 2021, when Willis ISD sought the annexation of the Calfee Middle School property into Conroe. Aqua Texas, Inc. was the provider of water service during that period. City officials have informed the district that it must obtain a release from Aqua Texas via the Public Utility Commission of Texas prior to Conroe being able to offer service.
Willis ISD submitted its petition to the commission in March 2024. In July, regulators approved the request. A development agreement was also mandated by the city to formalize water service; however, the involved parties were unable to finalize the terms, resulting in a stalemate.
On August 6, Willis Independent School District filed a lawsuit against the city of Conroe, claiming that the city delayed water service shortly after students resumed classes. Service was restored in the city on August 7.
In a prepared statement, Councilwoman Shana Arthur characterized the dispute as a “unnecessary conflict,” asserting that external involvement “escalated tension and created confusion.” She stated that both parties ultimately addressed the issue “appropriately” without extended repercussions.
The conflict escalated when Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough took to social media to accuse the city of holding the district’s water “hostage” while demanding $4 million for infrastructure improvements. City officials have refuted the allegation, asserting that the school utilized only a construction tap for testing purposes and had not finalized a service agreement.
Thursday’s vote marked a significant step as both entities formalized terms for ongoing service, effectively concluding a chapter that had been characterized by legal disputes, public criticism, and increased political tensions.
