Woodlands Sheriff Contract Jumps $2.8M With Pay Parity, Rising Costs.

The Woodlands Township will allocate $18.1 million for improved patrol services from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in 2026. 

This marks a $2.8 million increase from the current year's contract, following the approval of pay parity raises and rising operational expenses by county leaders.

The recently approved contract represents a significant 17.9 percent increase from the $15.3 million allocated in 2025. It will support 79 patrol deputies, five deputy specialists, eight specialists within the Crime Reduction Unit, and eight sergeants. The agreement was approved by township board members earlier this month, aligning with the community's $180 million budget, which maintains the property tax rate at 17.14 cents per $100 of valuation.

The rise is primarily attributed to a collective initiative across the county aimed at enhancing the salaries of law enforcement personnel. On September 5, county commissioners approved a $508 million budget for 2026, which includes a $10,600 salary increase for all county law enforcement officers. This move is part of a long-term strategy to ensure that their salaries align with those of the city of Houston. At this time, the commissioners have given the green light to just the initial year of the planned four-year ramp-up.

Monique Sharp, the Township President and CEO, emphasized that the board needs to brace for ongoing increases. “We must strategize for the upcoming four years to ensure our law enforcement partners reach parity,” Sharp stated.

Township Chairman Brad Bailey characterized the regional pay competition as a chain reaction. “Harris County initiated the effort, and the city of Houston responded by intensifying its commitment,” Bailey stated. “To remain competitive and retain law enforcement officers in Montgomery County, the county has moved in this direction.”

In addition to salaries, the agreement addresses increased expenses for vehicles and equipment, which includes a new body camera system. Sharp emphasized that these enhancements were essential to align with public safety standards.

The board has extended its agreement with Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol, which has been delivering non-police mounted patrol services in the township since 1994, including at The Woodlands Mall. The contract increases from $1.48 million in 2025 to $1.53 million in 2026.

Board Member Shelley Sekula-Gibbs raised concerns about the expense, describing Alpha & Omega as “a cellphone on a pony.” She contended that the township ought to redirect those funds towards certified law enforcement. “They lack the authority to arrest, they aren’t certified law enforcement personnel, and they don’t possess weapons,” she stated. “In most communities, initiatives like this, which focus on community involvement, are typically financed by the property owners…” Citizens are not footing the bill for it.

Her effort to eliminate the service garnered minimal support from her colleagues on the board. Alpha & Omega sought an increase in patrol hours, raising the total from 387 per week to 595, resulting in an additional expense of $644,367. The board decided against the expansion and opted to keep the current hours unchanged.