On October 22, Montgomery County Commissioners Court voted 5‑0 to move forward with a new mounted patrol agreement between the county sheriff’s office and The Woodlands Township. The unanimous decision follows the township’s September vote to adopt the sheriff’s proposal, which promises traditional mounted patrol while expanding law‑enforcement capabilities and reducing liability for non‑township property.
Details of the agreement
The partnership will provide seven horses and seven sheriff’s deputies, including a sergeant and six deputies, to staff the mounted unit. County officials said the horses will be housed in stables at a park off Fish Creek Thoroughfare in Precinct 2, and two full‑time county employees will be reassigned to assist with horse care and facility operations.
Commissioner Charlie Riley noted that a substation could later be added at the Fish Creek site, further integrating the mounted unit into the community. “It would be good for not only The Woodlands, not only for Woodforest, Montgomery Trace … It’s a good deal for all involved,” Riley said.
Funding and cost structure
The township has allocated roughly $1.3 million in its fiscal‑year‑2027 budget for the mounted patrol within the law‑enforcement fund. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle explained that the agreement includes a one‑time expense of up to $954,000 and recurring costs of about $1.4 million each year. The sheriff’s office already has a list of qualified candidates whose background checks are complete, allowing a swift staffing process.
Community safety focus
Doolittle emphasized the goal of maintaining a safe environment for residents and visitors, especially around high‑traffic areas such as local malls. “Now as our county continues to grow when our crime rates increase … we’re looking for ways to do more with contracts that help benefit the community to keep them safe,” he said.
Concerns addressed
Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray voiced caution about the speed of the vote and the impact on property taxes. “We support the public‑safety piece of it … I think we increased the taxes on Montgomery County, on the property taxes,” Gray remarked. Despite his concerns, Gray voted in favor of the measure.
Other county projects approved
In the same session, commissioners unanimously approved the completion of the David Memorial Drive extension to Highway 242, awarding the $1.8 million contract to JFO Services. They also approved a contract with Thompson Consulting for San Jacinto River Watershed flood‑mitigation efforts.
What this means for residents
The expanded mounted patrol is expected to enhance visibility and response capabilities throughout The Woodlands and neighboring areas such as Woodforest and Montgomery Trace. Mounted officers traditionally provide a strong deterrent to crime, improve crowd control at events, and foster positive community interactions.
By integrating county resources with township needs, the agreement reflects a collaborative approach to public safety that aligns with Montgomery County’s broader strategy of leveraging partnerships to protect its growing population.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
