The Woodlands Township board of directors voted unanimously on Sept. 17 to transition its mounted patrol services from the private Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol to a law‑enforcement model operated by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The change, which will take effect in fiscal year 2027, is projected to reduce the township’s annual spending on mounted patrols while maintaining a visible police presence in the community.
Proposal Highlights
Township President and CEO Monique Sharp presented the MCSO proposal, emphasizing that the new model is not tied to a set number of patrol hours but follows the same contractual framework used for other sheriff’s office services. This flexibility allows the sheriff’s office to allocate resources where they are most needed and to employ overtime when appropriate.
The MCSO plan calls for an annual recurring cost of $1.37 million, compared with Alpha & Omega’s projected $1.62 million for FY 2027. Although the sheriff’s proposal includes one‑time start‑up costs of $954,876 for horses, facilities, trucks, and equipment, these expenses will be covered by a $600,000 allocation from delayed implementation of 2027 MCSO pay parity and $354,876 from the township’s 2026 undesignated fund balance.
Operational Details
The newly structured mounted patrol will launch with one sergeant, six deputies, seven horses, two 1‑ton trucks, and two four‑horse trailers. The one‑time capital outlay covers the purchase of horses, construction of stalls, acquisition of trucks and emergency gear, as well as necessary grooming, feed, saddles, tack, and trailer costs.
Community Impact
Board members praised Alpha & Omega’s three‑decade service record but argued that the sheriff‑run model offers “true law enforcement” at a lower cost, providing a significant value add for taxpayers. Vice chair Craig Eissler noted, “Thirty years is a long time; it’s not taken for granted, and we very much appreciate that. But we do have the opportunity to enhance those services with true law enforcement … and for less cost.”
Supporters of the change highlighted the potential for increased safety. Resident Penny Prater, who experienced an assault at The Woodlands Mall in 2019, said a stronger law‑enforcement presence is essential for protecting single women and other vulnerable community members.
Voices of Concern
Jennifer Clifton, a 14‑year veteran of Alpha & Omega, cautioned that the two entities serve different roles, emphasizing the importance of gathering more information before finalizing the transition. She said, “We do two different things; … we are safety you can see, the eyes and the ears; we observe, we report everything, and we are hand‑in‑hand with all of the sheriff’s office here.”
The board responded by acknowledging Alpha & Omega’s contributions while affirming that the shift aligns with the township’s recent budget reclassification, moving mounted patrol funding from community‑engagement to law‑enforcement categories.
Next Steps
The board’s decision authorizes Monique Sharp to negotiate a final agreement with Montgomery County. Once the contract is signed, the sheriff’s office will begin staffing and equipping the mounted unit in preparation for the 2027 rollout.
This move reflects The Woodlands Township’s commitment to prudent fiscal stewardship, enhanced public safety, and continued partnership with county law‑enforcement resources.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
