PRESS RELEASE

         City Hall Comments

Immediate Release: 

July 1, 2009

Once a month, the city intends to give an update on city activities and plans.  In the past year, we have been busy working diligently to provide needed services to residents while keeping a close eye on costs.  These efforts have brought some good results. 

In the past year, Conroe was awarded top awards in a number of areas.  The Texas Municipal League and the Alliance for Innovation awarded the Management Innovations Award for the Conroe Lean program that has produced a savings of over $2.1 million in dollars and employee time during 2007-09.  The city won awards for financial management including the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and The Government Treasurer's Organization of Texas Certification of Investment Policy Compliance with the Public Funds Investment Act for FY 07-08, FY 08-09, & FY 09-10 .   In 2004 the city contracted with Omni Base for a program that denies the renewal of driver's licenses for defendants that have outstanding fines. Since 2004, the city has collected and generated $2,793, 087 and has retained 55% that is $1,536,198. These funds help pay for the Community Oriented Response Team with the Conroe Police Department that is responsible for traffic enforcement and safety.

While keeping a close tab on costs, the city has provided award winning services in a number of areas that are the State Energy Conservation Office & Texas Energy Partnership for Excellent Energy Efficiency. Other awards include the Texas Recreation & Parks Society Promotional Award, The National Community Development Association John A. Sasso National CDBG Award, the Texas Municipal Court Association Outstanding Municipal Utility Award, 100 Best Fleets Award for fleet service with the city and our City Administrator was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to municipalities by the Texas City Management Association.

As we move into the new fiscal year, your Mayor, Council and City Administration are exploring additional ways and opportunities to maintain the highest level of financial stewardship and public services and to do even better next fiscal year.  The Mayor, Council, City Administration, Department Heads and other key employees held an annual planning retreat on a broad range of issues. By focusing on these key issues, planning for future growth and ensuring our services to citizens remain at the same level, we feel we can move forward in keeping Conroe a city we are proud of and protect the heritage of our predecessors.

In today's economy the demands are great; however, we believe our actions will lead to continued improvements for cost effective services.  We will keep you updated through this column and also welcome written comments and attendance at City Council meetings.  As always, City Council meetings are public and all interested persons are welcome. We are staying committed to our mission statement, To protect and serve the citizens of Conroe and exceed their expectations.

For more information log onto www.cityofconroe.org or call City Hall at 936 522-3000.

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