The Westwood Parkway Improvement District (PID) recently approved a 25-year Strategic Partnership Agreement with the City of Conroe.

The partnership comes a year after the Westwood PID voted on a two-cent sales tax increase on all commercial transactions in its boundaries.

The boundaries of the Westwood PID include the intersection of FM 1488 and FM 2978, Tamina Road, Honea Egypt ending at Sendera Ranch Drive and businesses adjacent to FM 1488 between FM 2978 and Old Conroe Road.

The two-cent sales tax increase was primarily for the purpose of keeping the City of Conroe from annexing the area of FM 1488 and FM 2978 and also for the purpose of extending Research Forest Drive to Egypt Lane, according to Westwood PID board members.

The Westwood PID currently lies within the extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Conroe and areas surrounding Westwood PID are either within the city limits of Conroe or in the ETJ and on the planning map of Conroe to be annexed in the future.

The agreement lists several terms in which the City of Conroe will not annex or impose property taxes on businesses in the Westwood area which is located at FM 2978 and FM 1488 within the 25-year period.

According to the agreement, the City of Conroe will have limited powers within the district, which is the collection of sales tax. Conroe will collect 50 percent of sales tax revenue received from the comptroller.

During the 25-year timeframe, the City of Conroe will not seek ad valorem taxes or property taxes.

During the term, the district is entitled to retain original power and responsibility while Conroe retains audit rights.

The district must receive consent from the City of Conroe to annex a business into the Westwood PID if the business establishes itself outside the area of Westwood PID and the business consents to being a part of the district.

The district is responsible for accelerating private investors, new construction, reimbursing developers and encouraging additional developments within the district. The city will also take action to promote development.

The City of Conroe will provide fire marshal services and maintain FM 1488 roadway developments.

The expiration date of the agreement is Dec. 31, 2036. On the expiration date, the City of Conroe could impose property taxes or annex Westwood PID if it chooses.

As required, the City of Conroe held public hearings on Oct. 26 and 27 regarding the Strategic Partnership Agreement. Westwood PID also held two public hearings.

The agreement was met and approved by the City of Conroe and the Westwood PID. The district has signed the agreement. The agreement is pending until filed with the Montgomery County property records.

For more information, visit westwoodmpid.org or cityofconroe.org.

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