MW Chamber Biz of the Year Asks County for Water Help to Avoid Shutdown

October 25

12:07 2022

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By Amy Bearden (Photos & Baseball Footage Provided by Rocker B Ranch)

Rocker B Ranch’s Business of the Year Trophy from the MW Chamber of Commerce

The Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce recently named Rocker B Ranch Outstanding Business of the Year at their annual banquet.

Ironically, they aren’t even located within the city, but their economic impact on the local community is clearly evident, and now they are asking the Palo Pinto County Commissioner’s to help facilitate keeping their business open.

They have water woes and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has set a compliance deadline for March 2023.

Rocker B Ranch

Rocker B Ranch is an event venue located just southwest the outskirts of Graford that is home to baseball fields, a hotel and a restaurant. It’s become the premier spot for destination baseball tournaments in Texas. They facilitate tournaments twenty weekends a year at their complex with more than 50,000 people visiting annually, according to their records.

At the October 24 regular Commissioner’s Court meeting, owner Lance Byrd told the court his business, which he says brings a $150-$200 million financial impact to the county, is in jeopardy of not opening next season. Listen as he tells Commissioner’s what their business is facing.

Palo Pinto County Commissioner’s Listen as Rocker B Ranch Owner Lance Byrd Explains His Water Dilemma

Byrd explained that his business is being frequented by so many people that his current reverse osmosis system is not adequate for TCEQ standards and says the cost to upgrade is not feasible for his small business. He shared with the court an estimation of upgrading costs that exceeded $1M.

Byrd says they have reached out to the City of Graford who, according to him, has a nearby line to tap into and more than enough water, but says his pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

County Judge Shane Long, at the regular Commissioner’s Court meeting said he intends to facilitate a meeting to look for a solution.

CEO of the Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce David May said this is an important issue that needs to be addressed.

“The impact Rocker B Ranch has on local tourism and short-term rentals is huge. Their baseball tournaments and special events are bringing tens of thousands of people to Palo Pinto County and Mineral Wells every year. Rocker B Ranch has definitely contributed to increases we have seen in hotel occupancy tax revenues,” stated May.

“I understand county commissioners have a lot to consider when weighing decisions related to Rocker B Ranch, but the impact this facility is having on bringing people and dollars to our area is very significant. It is a major destination and tourism asset. I hope their needs can be met and allow them to continue to grow. We appreciate everything Rocker B Ranch is doing and we will support them any way we as a Chamber can.”

Byrd told the court that he has to find a solution before the end of this year or he can not open tournament registration for 2023.

Amy Bearden

Amy Bearden is the Publisher/Editor of Mineral Wells Area News and loves celebrating her favorite town by telling the stories of the people in the community. Amy has a passion for local sports, news and business development. She spent 10 years marketing a professional sports team and is now focused on growing the cultural wellness and creative arts space throughout the area. Amy has four kids, two dogs and a garden she cherishes, along with her yoga mat.