The Woodlands set for critical vote on its future as a stand-alone city
THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Widely viewed as among the most desirable places to live in the Lone Star State, the township known as The Woodlands is considering a major change to its governmental formula with the community's current elected leaders declaring "the time is right" to become a stand-alone city.
"If we don't, Montgomery County could just build roads that could just come right through the Woodlands," said Township Board Candidate Dr. Shelley Sikula Gibbs.
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Sikula Gibbs is among those who believe incorporation will deliver to The Woodlands much-needed authority to dictate the density of future buildings and the location of thoroughfares in and around the master-planned community.
"We can gain local control, that means local control of roads and development, speed limits, rights of way, noise, pan-handling, things that are an issue for the quality of life," said Sikula Gibbs.
But it's the sheer cost of becoming a City that has some residents concerned. While incorporation advocates pledge no increase in taxes, many are skeptical The Woodlands can create a police force and multiple other departments from scratch with just its $20 million reserve account.
Currently, most of those services are provided by Montgomery County with a high degree of public satisfaction.
"I think when you compare the tax rate to similar size cities to the tax rate they are selling us, it's unrealistic that's a tax rate we can maintain for the long term," said resident Amanda Van Dusen.
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"To say that there is no cost, just seems impossible or it makes it look like they are hiding cost somewhere," said Patrick Stits, a voter in The Woodlands whose opposing incorporation.
"This is the safest, prettiest place we've ever lived. It's not broke, so why fix it?" asked resident Dannette Suding.
Sekula-Gibbs says what the doubters haven't considered are the entirely new revenue streams The Woodlands as a City could access, millions of dollars in federal grants and franchise fees.
"We can stay more competitive and receive federal money like Covid relief. That's $30 million there that we are leaving on the table because we're not a City," said Sekula Gibbs.
Several residents who spoke with FOX 26 are objecting to the "timing" of this November 2nd ballot measure in an "off-year election" when voter turnout is likely to wane.