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Montgomery County commissioners will discuss potential financing options, including a possible future bond election, for a justice center or courthouse facilities at the March 26 Commissioners Court meeting.

How we got here

In an Aug. 26 meeting, Montgomery County commissioners voted to create the 523rd Criminal District Court due to growing caseloads and overcrowding at the county jail. For context, data pulled from the Texas Office of Court Administration in 2024 shows that 7,500 new felony cases were filed while the county’s four existing criminal district courts disposed of around 10,000 cases, Community Impact previously reported. The court will take effect Sept. 1, and it will be funded in the county’s fiscal year 2026-27.

Also of note

County staff estimated that the annual cost, including the district attorney’s office, county clerk and court staff positions, would total around $1.5 million. The current courthouse was built in 1938, and the last time a rebuild was attempted was in 1997, according to county and district judges.

Also on the agenda

Commissioners will also discuss the following agenda items:

  • The 2025 road bond financial report
  • Phase 3 of the sheriff’s office reorganization plan

Before you go

The Commissioners Court will meet at 9:30 a.m. March 26 at 501 N. Thompson St., Ste. 402, in Conroe.