The Woodlands Township is proposing to spend $13.7 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2027, with nearly two-thirds going to parks and pathways and a new $100,000 artificial intelligence training program tucked into the IT budget.
Township President and CEO Monique Sharp presented the breakdown at the board's Wednesday, Aug. 19 budget workshop, the third day of FY2027 budget discussions, according to Community Impact.
The proposed capital budget splits four ways: $8.7 million for Parks and Recreation, $3.1 million for The Woodlands Fire Department, $1.4 million for Information Technology and $500,000 for facilities. Pathways and athletic facilities are the largest line items within the parks allocation.
Fire department: new engine, possible Shenandoah station
Fire Chief Palmer Buck told the board the department's $3.1 million capital request includes $1.37 million for a new fire engine approved in 2024 and scheduled for delivery in FY2027, plus $70,000 for a motor to extend the life of an older apparatus. The fire department accounts for roughly 20% of the township's overall budget, according to discussion at the meeting.
Buck said 65% of the department's calls are for medical emergencies. Board Chairman Brad Bailey suggested commissioning a study with the Montgomery County Hospital District to explore ways to lower emergency medical response times and increase the number of MCHD ambulances serving The Woodlands.
Bailey also floated a long-term partnership with the city of Shenandoah to build a new fire station east of I-45, near Woodforest Bank Stadium. Shenandoah already contracts with the township for fire services.
"I think, is a great opportunity for us to expand our footprint [in partnering] with Shenandoah, as they pay for those services," Bailey said.
No cost estimate or timeline was presented for the station concept.
$100K AI initiative targets deed-restriction enforcement
IT Director William Pham proposed a $100,000 AI training initiative split between $30,000 for staff training and $70,000 for software licensing and usage. The program would initially target Covenant Administration, the department that enforces deed restrictions, along with Finance, IT and Communications.
Bailey said the township should first streamline Covenant Administration's resident-facing processes before layering on AI tools. Board Director Adam Lamb said a consultant to help the township navigate Covenant Administration could be worth the investment if not too expensive.
Bear Branch multiuse facility pitched with Conroe ISD
Bailey suggested formalizing a partnership with Conroe ISD to build a multiuse practice facility at Bear Branch Park for lacrosse, football, soccer and other events. No formal proposal or cost estimate was presented.
What's next
Budget workshop discussions wrapped up Thursday, Aug. 20. The Friday, Aug. 21 workshop session was canceled, according to a township press release. The board will hold a special meeting and public hearing Sept. 3 to adopt the FY2027 budget and approve the 2026 property tax rate.
