By David Montgomery/Special Contributor

The City unanimously adopted the 2022-2023 FY Budget and Ad Valorem tax rate of .58413980 per $100 of property valuation. 

The City met to discuss and approve multiple items that directly shape Mineral Wells for the next year. With no Citizens in attendance giving comment, the City Council unanimously approved the City’s Budget and levying an Ad Valorem (Property Tax) Tax Rate of .58413980 per $100 of property valuation. 

Residents in the City can expect to pay $584.13 in property taxes for a $100,000 home. The tax rate will effectively be lowered by 9.13%, however, residents are still reeling from property value increases. 

Among the other budgets approved were, the Economic Development Corporation, TIRZ #2, and the Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism Budget. Last to be approved were Water & Sewer rates, Drainage Utility rates, and a long awaited Master Fee Schedule. 

In a last but not least fashion, the Council approved $30,000 for a Community Activation & Engagement Opportunity during the Crazy Water Festival. Tony Allende of Hawes/Hill & Associates presented a plan as an extension of the City’s comprehensive plan to activate our community to “temporarily transform a public space into a vibrant place that is interesting and inviting.”

The purpose of the Community Activation is to create interest in the Comprehensive Plan, collect information from the general public, and to imagine and implement bringing life to a place in the community. 

“This is the public’s opportunity. You must be heard,” exclaimed City Manager, Dean Sullivan. “Whatever your opinion, this is your chance. This is the crafting of the collective vision of who is Mineral Wells…”

The urgency comes as the Crazy Water Festival presents the perfect opportunity to gather community comment, support, and help cast vision for what is possible. As a part of the cost, materials used in the activation will be owned by the city and can be used for continuing public comment and support. The activation is proposed to be located along NW 1st Avenue adjacent to the festival and behind the Crazy Water Plaza.

About the Author: David Montgomery is a Mineral Wells resident passionate about local politics. He wants to see transparency in government and foster community involvement. Married for over 12 years with 3 children, David works full time at a church where he leads a team of volunteers in utilizing technology to spread the gospel. His hobbies include craft coffee and BBQ.