Mineral Wells Area News

PALO PINTO, Texas — Two new local officials were introduced at Monday’s Palo Pinto County Commissioners’ Court meeting. The court also reviewed a major technology upgrade proposal and approved changes to election equipment fees.

New Tax Assessor Named

County Judge Shane Long announced Margaret Griffith as the new county tax assessor. Griffith lives in the Palo Pinto County area. She has worked in education for over 20 years. Public service runs in her family. Her father served two terms as a Palo Pinto County commissioner in the 1990s.

Mineral Wells City Manager Visits Court

Mineral Wells’ new city manager Jason Weeks also stopped by to meet the court. Weeks has 24 years of experience in local government. He specializes in municipal finance. He spent 16 years working at assistant or director levels in finance departments.

“Mineral Wells is part of Palo Pinto County, and we want to have good relationships and continue that relationship with the county,” Weeks said.

Weeks plans to start regular stakeholder meetings. These will bring together county officials, the school district, and the chamber of commerce to improve communication.

Technology Updates

The court also reviewed a proposal from Vested Networks to replace the county’s telephone system. The proposed five-year contract would update technology while reducing costs for the county. The new system would also reduce the workload on the county’s IT department. The county attorney is currently reviewing the contract documents.

Other Business

In other business, Commissioners approved Elections Coordinator Laura Watkins’ request to increase voting equipment rental fees from $200 to $400 per unit, the first adjustment since 2019. The new structure includes an annual 5% increase during budget reviews to help maintain election infrastructure.

Following executive session, commissioners authorized Judge Long to execute a contract that would donate several barns at 1200 S. Oak to the City of Mineral Wells for equipment storage.