City Council discusses employee pay raises and budget adjustments for fire and police

In a pivotal government workshop held on July 10, 2025, Conroe city officials engaged in a heated discussion about employee compensation, focusing on potential cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and merit raises. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to address salary disparities, particularly for law enforcement and civil service employees, amid rising costs and competitive job markets.

Councilwoman Porter opened the dialogue by advocating for a 6% COLA, emphasizing the importance of rewarding employees who have taken on increased workloads with fewer staff. She noted that a 6% increase would amount to approximately $3.8 million, while alternative proposals, such as a 5.5% merit raise, would cost around $1.7 million. The council members expressed a strong consensus on the necessity of equitable pay across all departments, with several officials stressing that neglecting to provide raises would be unacceptable.

Councilman Wood echoed Porter’s sentiments, pointing out the competitive salary increases for law enforcement in neighboring Harris County, which could jeopardize Conroe's ability to retain skilled professionals. He urged for a balanced approach that would ensure fairness across all city departments, not just those in law enforcement.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of implementing a step program for fire and police personnel while ensuring that non-civil service employees receive comparable raises. Officials agreed that any compensation strategy must be equitable and reflect the contributions of all city employees.

As the meeting progressed, the council requested that staff prepare various compensation scenarios for further consideration, aiming to present these options at the evening council meeting. The urgency of the matter was clear, as officials recognized the potential consequences of failing to adequately compensate city employees, particularly in a competitive labor market.

The outcome of this workshop could significantly impact the city’s budget and employee morale, as officials strive to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to attract and retain a dedicated workforce.