by | Dec 13, 2024 | Articles

Share to:

“A vision for tomorrow without a plan today is but the whisper of a dream.”

Sam Houston

Montgomery County’s 2025 Capital Improvement Bond: Commissioners Debate Roadmap and Timing

At Front Line Advisory Group, we believe that getting ahead of all aspects of a bond program is critical to ensuring long-term success. Montgomery County’s proactive approach to their 2025 Capital Improvement Bond demonstrates a commitment to thoughtful planning, transparency, and public engagement. By discussing external expertise, exploring project lists early, and giving constituents an opportunity to understand and influence the process, county leaders are setting a solid foundation for infrastructure growth that meets the needs of a rapidly expanding community. This kind of forward-thinking ensures that bond programs are efficient, effective, and reflective of public priorities—an approach that benefits everyone involved. We commend Montgomery County for staying ahead of the curve and fostering collaboration to shape a future-ready infrastructure plan.

As Montgomery County officials work to shape the future of local infrastructure, a proposed 2025 capital improvement bond remains a point of debate. At the Dec. 10 Commissioners Court meeting, local leaders discussed how best to proceed—especially regarding the use of an outside engineering firm to finalize a project list and ensure meaningful public engagement.

What’s at Stake in the 2025 Infrastructure Bond

The potential 2025 infrastructure bond aims to address critical mobility, road maintenance, and facility improvements across Montgomery County. Previously identified needs total around $1.5 billion, reflecting long-term growth and the necessity for improved transportation corridors. The stakes are high: county leaders must balance the scope of the bond, its tax implications, and the timeline for getting it on the May 2025 ballot.

Commissioners Court Debates Outside Expertise

Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker initially proposed engaging LJA Engineering to begin preliminary bond-related work, including compiling a comprehensive project list and facilitating public engagement. This approach, supporters say, could expedite the process and ensure the community’s needs are thoroughly evaluated.

However, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley opposed the idea, arguing that in past bond initiatives, commissioners themselves determined which road projects to prioritize. Riley’s stance suggests a preference for a more traditional, hands-on approach to shaping the capital improvement bond, maintaining direct control over project selection without incurring additional consulting costs.

In contrast, Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray and County Judge Mark Keough expressed openness to leveraging outside resources. Their position stems from concerns that without external support, the process could once again be delayed. They argue that bringing in engineering experts now will help streamline the project selection phase, improve public outreach, and ensure a more refined list of bond-funded initiatives by the time the county is ready to seek voter approval.

Historical Context: Delays and Shifting Timelines

Talks of a new bond began in 2023, primarily focused on road and infrastructure expansion to keep pace with Montgomery County’s rapid growth. After initial discussions, the process stalled, and commissioners moved their bond consideration from a potential November 2023 ballot to May 2025. The new timeline was set to allow Precinct 3 Commissioner-elect Ritch Wheeler to take office and avoid the complexities of placing the bond on a contentious presidential election ballot.

Despite these adjustments, as the February 14 deadline for placing a measure on the May ballot draws near, county leaders remain divided on the best method for finalizing bond details.

In Their Own Words

  • Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack: “We’ve issued bonds ourselves before and did a superb job. LJA is a fantastic firm, but I’m not convinced we need them to guide our selection process.”
  • County Judge Mark Keough: “We’ve been discussing this forever without a final project list. If there’s a catalyst—like bringing in a consulting firm—to get this moving, then that’s what we need.”
  • Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley: “I know what roads we need. We don’t even know if we’re going out for $200 million, $400 million, or $500 million. Until that’s settled, I don’t see the need for outside help.”
  • Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray: “We’ve been kicking the can for two years. Let’s get ahead, engage the public, and ensure everyone understands the needs before it’s too late.”

Next Steps: Dec. 17 Meeting and Beyond

On Dec. 10, Commissioners voted 4-1 to defer the decision on contracting with LJA Engineering until Dec. 17. At that upcoming session, officials will review a formal contract proposal and determine whether to invest in external consulting services. Meanwhile, the Feb. 14 filing deadline for the May ballot looms large, leaving county leaders with limited time to finalize the capital improvement bond details.

Public Engagement and Fiscal Responsibility

A well-structured 2025 capital improvement bond could enhance quality of life, attract business investments, and ensure future mobility solutions for a rapidly growing county. However, voters will likely scrutinize the final bond amount and any potential tax rate impacts. Early estimates suggest that, depending on the final bond size, property tax rates could change. While a modest $165 million bond might be tax-neutral, a larger $500 million package could raise the rate by 1.5 cents per $100 valuation.

As commissioners weigh whether to utilize external experts to expedite the process, community members are encouraged to stay informed, attend public meetings, and voice their opinions. The debate over whether to bring in consultants like LJA Engineering is about more than just efficiency—it’s about ensuring the bond reflects residents’ priorities, financial realities, and the critical infrastructure that will define Montgomery County’s future.

Stay tuned for the Dec. 17 Commissioners Court meeting at 501 N. Thompson St. in Conroe, where decisive action on the 2025 capital improvement bond and its accompanying consulting services may finally take shape.

At Front Line Advisory Group, we are pioneers in Capital Improvement Bond Management, leveraging unparalleled expertise and deep industry insights. Our mission extends beyond consultation – we empower our clients to realize the full potential of their investments, ensuring tax dollars are put to maximum use through astute Program Management Consulting. For more information or to commence your journey towards transformative bond management, reach out to us at info@frontlineadvisorygroup.com

FLAG provides program management consulting services in Central Texas for municipal and school capital improvement bonds. FLAG is revolutionizing the construction industry and transforming client expectations by obsessing over the basics of budget oversight, schedule enforcement, compliance, vendor management, and stakeholder communication.

Join our weekly newsletter and receive a free copy of our new book!

JOIN NEWSLETTER

Articles CIP

Rethinking Construction Management Strategies for Capital Improvement Bond Programs

The construction industry has long been plagued by inefficiency, lack of transparency, and cost overruns. Capital improvement bond programs, which...
Read More
Articles CIP

Capital Improvement Bond Election Victory: The Next Steps for Your Municipality

Understanding Capital Improvement Bonds So, your municipality just won a capital improvement bond election, and you're probably wondering what happens...
Read More
Articles CIP Planning Technology

The role of technology in accelerating the planning phase of construction projects in bond programs: A brief introduction

When it comes to bond programs for municipalities, the planning phase of construction projects can be a lengthy and challenging...
Read More
Articles School Bonds

Making an Informed Choice: School Bond Details Every Voter Should Know

What is the purpose of your school bond, and the implication of it not being approved? Taxpayers should understand what...
Read More
Articles Taxes

Making Sense of Your Surging Home Tax Appraisal and What You Can Do About It

Despite the recent decline in median home prices across Texas, the latest tax appraisals reveal that, on average, property values...
Read More
Articles CIP Schedule

How Project Controls, Specifically Schedule Management, Impact The Design Phase of Construction

Introduction Project controls, including schedule management, are essential to construction projects' success, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget,...
Read More
Articles School Bonds

Why School Bonds Matter: 10 Key Reasons to Vote Yes, Whether You Have Kids or Not

In today's complex society, it is crucial for every citizen to stay informed about local politics and take part in...
Read More
Articles School Bonds

How Texas Property Value Studies Impact School District Funding and Taxes

Introduction Property value studies are essential for ensuring that school districts receive equitable funding for public education. The Texas Comptroller...
Read More
Articles CIP Budgetting

Comprehensive Cost Estimation in Design Processes: Contingency, Timing, Interest Rates, Inflation, and Factors to Consider for Capital Improvement Projects

Capital improvement projects (CIPs) are investments in the long-term development of an organization's infrastructure or facilities. These projects often involve...
Read More
Articles CIP Budgetting

The Real Reasons Why Construction Projects Always Seem To Go Over Budget

Let's say it outright: we almost always underestimate the costs! So why not fix this consistent issue and be done...
Read More
1 15 16 17 18 19 20