The City of Conroe has adopted a tougher ethics policy, requiring elected officials, candidates, and their spouses to disclose financial interests and potential conflicts of interest. The move comes in response to years of scrutiny over undisclosed relationships and contracts involving public officials.
In a significant step towards enhancing government transparency, the City of Conroe has taken action to fortify its ethics policy. This new mandate requires elected officials, candidates, and their spouses to reveal their financial interests and any potential conflicts of interest.
The City Council approved a revised ordinance last week, which requires the disclosure of any income source exceeding $5,000 or exceeding 10% of an individual's adjusted gross income. The policy also encompasses real estate assets and connections within the business sector.
The newly broadened regulations encompass a wide array of individuals, such as city council members, municipal judges, appointees, candidates for public office, and participants in both the Conroe Industrial Development Corporation and the Conroe Local Government Corporation.
City Attorney Mike Garner stated that the modifications are designed to rebuild public confidence in light of various events that have raised questions about ethics and transparency. “It is essential for all citizens to be informed” about the business connections of their elected officials, Garner stated.
As scrutiny deepens, Garner has raised alarms over Mayor Duke Coon’s secretive acquisition of a downtown office building via Melder Real Estate, a company linked to former Mayor Webb Melder, known for its dealings with the city. Coon acknowledged Melder's role in financing the purchase, yet he stood by the transaction, asserting that it was documented publicly and conducted by the law.
A recent policy change was prompted by a directive issued in February 2024 by former Mayor Jody Czajkoski, which mandated that council members disclose any conflicts of interest at the beginning of each council meeting. The directive was issued in response to growing criticism surrounding the multimillion-dollar city contracts granted to SRM Concrete, a company where former Council Member Todd Yancey held a position.
The city launched an investigation into Yancey's role in the $147 million Hyatt Regency project and the $59 million wastewater plant contract, both of which were awarded to SRM. The results remain uncertain, hindered by restricted access to outside documentation.
The updated ethics policy faced opposition from some council members. Councilman Howard Wood cast his vote in opposition, contending that the measure ought to extend to senior city staff as well. “Anyone with a slight moral flexibility and a competent legal team could navigate this situation with ease,” he remarked.
Garner emphasized that, should Conroe voters endorse a city manager-style government in November, disclosure regulations would likewise bind the city administrator.
Beginning in 2026, it will be mandatory for officials and candidates to file their annual disclosure forms by April 30 of each year.
