Montgomery County is looking at a projected preliminary fiscal year 2025-26 general fund of $346.3 million, up $21.6 million from last fiscal year’s budget of $324.7 million, according to a presentation during its July 29 meeting. Along with the budget, 108 new positions were requested, totaling $14.9 million if all are approved.
The details
Preliminary figures for Montgomery County’s FY 2025-26 budget show differences between department requests and what’s currently proposed, as discussed at the meeting.
Departments with the largest gaps between requests and proposed allocations in the proposed FY 2025-26 budget include:
- Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office: requested $123.8 million; $109.2 million proposed
- Information Technology: requested $38.7 million; $20.5 million proposed
- County Constables: requested $29.4 million; $27.2 million proposed
- Forensics: requested $4 million; $3.8 million proposed
- Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office: requested $18.9 million; $17.7 million proposed
Commissioners encouraged department heads to speak up and attend the county’s budget workshop meetings.
“Sitting back, struggling and barely getting the job done … isn’t always the best approach,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said. “Make sure your voice is heard.”
Diving in deeper
Budget Officer Amanda Carter said goals for the budget are law enforcement pay parity, cybersecurity and technology updates, economic development, employee and public health and legislative mandates, while targeting a lower tax rate.
The county is also preparing for judicial pay increases mandated by the Texas Legislature, Carter said. Additionally, $600,000 has been proposed for the Montgomery County Public Health contract, and $5.3 million is proposed toward capital improvement projects—up $1 million from last year, which was $4.3 million, according to the presentation.
What’s next
The county’s budget workshops will take place Aug. 12-15 in the Alan B. Sadler building at 501 N. Thompson St., Conroe. Carter said the pay parity committee will be the first to present.
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