Conroe Tops 50,000 Residents

The fourth annual Conroe "State of the City Report" in today's Courier outlines the accomplishments of the city in 2007 and the optimistic outlook council members and city employees have for 2008.

It lists the new businesses and opportunities expected to arrive in town this year and gives numbers on the city's budget and tax revenues.
"This report shows that we are a very transparent city and we want every citizen to know where the tax dollars are going," Mayor Tommy Metcalf said. "We're growing at an average of 10 percent a year and, at the same time, we are reducing taxes."
According to the report, 46 new subdivisions were started in the past four years, contributing to the unofficial population of more than 50,000. If the rate of growth continues, by 2010 more than 60,000 people may call Conroe home.

Even though more people moving to the area, crime has dropped the past two years. Robberies decreased by 54 percent, assaults went down 34 percent, larcenies dropped 19 percent and burglaries declined 14 percent, Metcalf states in the report.
As the population grew, so did the city's budget and the quality of life - except, of course, when it comes to traffic, City Administrator Jerry McGuire said.
"Growth often puts a strain on our roadway system, but everyone has to put up with it and the end result is better," McGuire said. "With more outside companies choosing to make Conroe their headquarters, more jobs are created, which brings new families, which means more homes are built and more retail businesses come, giving residents more choices."

During the last two years in the Conroe Industrial Park, more than 120 acres have been sold to companies that have brought 1, 483 additional jobs and made $456 million taxable improvements, according to the Greater Conroe Economic Development Council.

Commercial tax has contributed to the city's growing tax revenue. Between 2005 and 2007, tax revenues increased by $5.6 million. During that time, however, the property tax rate was reduced each year, McGuire said.
"We have every intention, if the revenues continue to increase, to reduce the property taxes for homeowners this year," Metcalf said.
While city officials focus on growth, they are also concentrating efforts on restoring downtown Conroe and making it a center for entertainment.
"I think a viable downtown gives people a sense of community and a gathering place," McGuire said. "We want to celebrate the history of our area."
Upcoming projects that city officials are looking forward to this year include the addition of Teas Crossing, a retail center that will include a J. C. Penney anchor store; the opening of ReedHycalog, which will employ more than 500 employees; and the completion of the renovated Del Lago resort, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

The Owen Theater is expected to open in downtown Conroe and will be home to The Crighton Players.

"We're very excited about where Conroe is going and the vision the mayor and council have for the city 20 to 25 years down the road," McGuire said.
For information about future Conroe plans, visit the city's website, www.cityofconroe.org, and check out the comprehensive plan, available under the Community Development section.
Lucretia Fernandez can be reached at lfernandez@hcnonline.com