Conroe and Willis ISD Reach $1.8M Water and Sewer Agreement

Deal ends dispute over infrastructure costs for new school campus

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The city of Conroe and Willis Independent School District have reached a $1.8 million agreement to fund water and sewer infrastructure for several school campuses, including Calfee Middle School. The agreement comes after a dispute that escalated to the point where the Conroe City Council meeting was abruptly stopped and the audience was cleared by police.

Why it matters

The dispute between Conroe and Willis ISD over water and sewer service for a new school campus highlighted tensions between local government entities and the challenges of infrastructure development. The resolution of the issue through a negotiated agreement demonstrates the ability of the parties to work through their differences, despite the public conflict.

The details

Under the new agreement, Willis ISD will contribute $1.8 million towards the $12 million in infrastructure costs needed to serve Calfee Middle School and several other nearby campuses. The dispute began in 2021 when Willis ISD requested that Conroe annex the property where Calfee Middle School was being built, which was then served by a different utility provider. Conroe advised the district that it would need to exit that agreement before the city could provide water service, leading to a stalemate and the school's water being temporarily deactivated.

  • In 2021, Willis ISD requested Conroe annex the property for Calfee Middle School.
  • In March 2024, Willis ISD submitted a petition to the Public Utilities Commission of Texas to be released from the Aqua Texas jurisdiction.
  • In July 2025, the Public Utilities Commission granted Willis ISD's petition to be released from Aqua Texas.
  • On August 6, 2025, Willis ISD filed a lawsuit against the city of Conroe, claiming the city withheld water service to Calfee Middle School.
  • On August 7, 2025, the city of Conroe was providing water service to Calfee Middle School.

The players

Willis ISD

The Willis Independent School District, which was seeking water and sewer service for its new Calfee Middle School campus.

City of Conroe

The city that provides water and sewer services and was negotiating an agreement with Willis ISD to serve the new school campus.

Duke Coon

The mayor of Conroe who abruptly stopped a city council meeting and instructed police to clear the chambers after a dispute with a council member.

Marsha Porter

A Conroe city council member who refused to stop discussing an item not on the meeting agenda, leading to the disruption.

Mark Keough

The Montgomery County Judge who accused the city of Conroe of holding the school's water "hostage" and demanding $4 million from the district.

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What they’re saying

“Despite these challenges, the city of Conroe and Willis ISD were ultimately able to work through these issues appropriately and reach a resolution without a level of bad publicity that neither entity deserved.”

— Shana Arthur, Conroe City Councilwoman (Houston Chronicle)

“The record is clear. On August 7, 2025, (Assistant City Administrator and Director of Public Works) Norm McGuire stated publicly to multiple Houston media outlets that I asked for nothing improper and acted within the bounds of the law. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to rely on verified facts before making serious public accusations — particularly when a colleague is not present to respond.”

— Howard Wood, Conroe City Council Member (Houston Chronicle)

“While it's unfortunate that something as essential as water became a point of leverage, I'm encouraged that cooler heads ultimately prevailed and both sides chose a more productive path forward.”

— Mark Keough, Montgomery County Judge (Facebook)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the dismissal of the lawsuit filed by Willis ISD against the city of Conroe.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the challenges local governments can face in infrastructure development and the importance of maintaining open communication and finding collaborative solutions, even when tensions escalate. The resolution of this issue through a negotiated agreement demonstrates the ability of the parties to work through their differences for the benefit of the community.